This fully funded PhD studentship is aligned with AURORA³, the new National Strategic Infrastructure currently being built at the University of Surrey to support cutting-edge research in audio, acoustics, and AI. AURORA³ will enable fast, accurate and reproducible data collection thanks to a state-of-the-art acoustic anechoic chamber equipped with a spherical loudspeaker array and a world-first variable acoustics room enabling reverberation times as well as room volume to be precisely controlled.
The PhD studentship will support AURORA³’s early research activities, including e.g. validation of the infrastructure, design and execution of large‑scale measurement campaigns, and development of data‑driven models for room acoustics and spatial‑audio. The specific research direction will be finalised after enrolment so that it aligns with strategic priorities of AURORA³ while also considering the candidate’s expertise.
The PhD student will be hosted by the Institute of Sound Recording (IoSR), an internationally-leading centre for research in acoustic engineering. The IoSR is also home to the world-renowned Tonmeister degree, which has produced a stream of highly successful graduates who have collectively received numerous accolades, including three Oscars, twelve Grammys, six Emmys, and twelve BAFTAs.
Supervisor: Prof Enzo De Sena
Entry requirements
Open to any UK or international candidates. Starting in October 2025.
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.
You will have a strong interest in audio and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in relevant subject areas and a clear aptitude for research.
You will have a Masters in a relevant discipline and will definitely have a 1st or 2:1 Bachelors degree (or equivalent). You will be able to demonstrate excellent mathematical, analytical and computer programming skills. Advantage will be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following: signal processing, deep learning, acoustics, psychoacoustics, acoustic measurements or listening experiments. You will have excellent research skills evidenced by a significant Bachelors/Masters research project, involving experimental research, appropriate use of the literature and/or computer-based simulations, and a formal dissertation-style report.
We are seeking to increase the diversity within our community and would particularly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups, such as women, people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities.
How to apply
Applications should be made onlineby clicking the 'Apply' button, above.
The deadline to apply for this position is Sunday 6th of July 2025.
Use the “Research Proposal” section of the application to explain:
1. why you want to pursue a PhD, both in general and specifically in the context of AURORA³,
2. how your skills and previous experiences meet the candidate profile specified in this advert.
The total word limit is 1,000 words. References may be included and do not count towards this limit.
Informal enquires are welcome and should be made to:
Prof Enzo De Sena,e.desena@surrey.ac.uk, ideally by Friday 27th June.
Once submitted, please send a copy of your application via email to him to enable easier tracking of applications.
Funding
Fully and directly funded for this project only for 3.5 years (total £137k):
* Standard UKRI stipend for 42 months (currently £20,780 per year, tax free)
* Tuition fees at national/international level for 36 months (currently £21,000 per year)
* Research Training Support Grant (£1,750)
Application deadline:6/7/25
Enquiries:Contact Dr Enzo De Sena
Ref: PGR-2425-063
Standard UKRI stipend for 42 months (currently £20,780 per annum, tax free) Tuition fees at national/international level for 36 months (currently £21,000 pa) Research Training Support Grant (£1,750
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