Ph.D. Student in Machine Learning for Biosignal Processing

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) has opened a full time (100%) position for a Ph.D. Student in student in Machine Learning for Biosignal Processing at the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI) located in the USI-SUPSI Campus in Lugano, within the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA). Contract starts December 1st, 2024, or date to be agreed upon.

SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

In the MyVOICE project, we are developing a Silent Speech interface based on muscular activity registered from the faces of our subjects (electromyography). The recorded activity is used to reconstruct the underlying speech even when no acoustic signal is available, for example for speech-disabled persons. Our research thus has an immediate practical impact on speech rehabilitation, and many connections with the ever-growing field of processing of biological signals. The PhD student will contribute to this project in collaboration with a team comprising members in Germany and Spain and will have ample opportunity for exchange with fellow PhD students at the IDSIA.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

• Algorithmic development of the silent speech processing system
• Assistance in recording electromyographic data, and in live demonstrations
• Moderate teaching duties as teaching assistant.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master Degree in Computer Science or related areas (obtained or close to be obtained).
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Basic knowledge of machine learning, Biosignal processing, and/or related fields.

WE OFFER

• Full-time PhD position, initially for two years, with the intent of extending the contract for another two years.
• Competitive salary, in line with Swiss standards.
• Participation in a European research project in collaboration with international academic and industrial partners.
• Workstation and instruments at IDSIA, in a challenging and high-profile international environment.
• Access to SUPSI student and staff facilities, and related benefits such as discounts and reduced rates (canteen, gymnasium, kindergarten, etc.).
• Coverage of participation costs in conferences, workshops and doctoral schools.
• International working environment, contacts to project partners in Germany and Spain.
• Travel support to participate to high quality conferences, workshops, and schools.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For further information, please contact: Michael Wand (https://www.supsi.ch/en/michael-wand)

Candidates must submit the following documents in English:

• Curriculum Vitae with list of publications (if any) and link to the master's thesis.
• Letter of motivation (1 page).
• Diplomas from the bachelor's and master's degree courses attended, together with the examinations taken and the marks obtained.
• List of two external referees (with e-mail addresses).

In addition to the documents to be sent at the time of online application, additional documentation (criminal record, copy of an identity document) may be requested at a later date.

Applications will be considered only if submitted electronically within September 22, 2024, through the appropriate form. Applications that are incomplete, submitted to other addresses, or submitted beyond the deadline, will be not accepted.

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