This is a project in collaboration between the Department of Neurosciences (ExpORL) and the Department of Electrical Engineering (PSI), of the University of Leuven. Leuven is located in the center of Belgium, in the heart of Europe.

The research group of Experimental Otorhinolaryngology (ExpORL), Dept. Neurosciences aims to improve the hearing and communication of people with hearing impairment.The main research topics at ExpORL are:

• The neuroscience of speech perception
• Temporal neural processing in the auditory system
• Speech and music processing for cochlear implants
• Noise reduction for improved speech perception with hearing instruments in adverse and noisy listening environments
• Binaural hearing: signal processing schemes and evaluation procedures for bilateral acoustical and/or electrical hearing instruments
  We focus on the chain of auditory modelling, signal processing, simulation, psychophysical tests, electro-physiological measurements, imaging, lab-implementation, and evaluation with normal hearing subjects and users of hearing aids and cochlear implants. Intensive research has led to fundamental knowledge about hearing with hearing instruments. Based on these studies, we have developed new signal processing strategies that are now used worldwide in the most recent cochlear implant systems and hearing aids. Furthermore, we have developed diagnostic and evaluation strategies that are widely clinically applied.

Our research group is strongly multidisciplinary, consisting of 35 researchers from a variety of backgrounds (engineering, audiology, medicine, ...)

The Center for Processing Speech and Images (PSI) applies cutting edge machine learning techniques to build better systems involving visual and auditory inputs, or both. Several spin-off companies have emerged from its activities.

The main research topics in speech and sound processing are:

• Automatic speech and speaker recognition • Robust signal processing and speech enhancement
• Speech recognition of disordered voices and diagnostic speech tools
• Spoken language acquisition by machines • Sound source segregation
• Semantic interpretation and retrieval of sound (e.g. find YouTube posts with laughter) https://www.esat.kuleuven.be/psi/

Website unit

Project

When a person listens to sound, various parts of the auditory system are activated, including the brain. We can then measure the brain waves using EEG, decode them and draw conclusions about the auditory system.
We aim to develop a computational model of the auditory system, based on state-of-the art, deep-neural-network-based systems for automatic speech recognition. The model will be constructed by letting people listen to natural speech signals, and relating the recorded electroencephalogram (EEG) signal to the corresponding acoustic signals.
One of the outcomes of this project are brain wave decoders that can be used for diagnostics of the auditory system, in novel neuro-steered hearing aids and potentially as a brain-computer interface.
The work involves EEG signal processing, mostly using state-of-the art deep learning techniques. Besides deep learning, the work also encompasses classical signal processing, experimental design and data collection, and hypothesis-driven neuroscience research.

Profile

• A degree in computer science, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, physics or similar
• A good background in machine learning.
• Experience with deep learning is a plus.
• A good background in (EEG) signal processing
• Good programming skills (mainly Python and Matlab) An interest in neuroscience and auditory perception
• An inquisitive and creative mind, good problem solving skills
• Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent English proficiency Knowledge of auditory neuroscience and psychology of hearing is a plus  

Important note: motivation letters are free format except for 2 obligatory paragraphs: 1) Reason(s) why I am interested in this particular position: [write reasons here] 2) Facts or examples that demonstrate that I satisfy the listed requirements: [write reasons here]

The application deadline is in 2020, but earlier applications are encouraged and will be considered as soon as they are received.  

Offer

• Exciting auditory research Membership of two world-renowned labs, as part of a motivated interdisciplinary team, with an extensive international network
• Membership of KU Leuven, one of the largest research universities of Europe
• The possibility to take part in international conferences and collaborations
• A competitive salary

Interested?

Please use the online system to apply, there is no need to send your information via email.   For more information please contact Prof. dr. Tom Francart, tel.: +32 16 37 98 40, mail: tom.francart@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Hugo Van hamme, tel.: +32 16 32 18 42, mail: hugo.vanhamme@kuleuven.be.   

You can apply for this job no later than February 01, 2020 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.