This PhD opportunity at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) focuses on the development of advanced machine listening techniques for audio repair and recovery. The project aims to address the challenge of restoring degraded audio signals by leveraging deep learning models that recognize semantic relationships between audio objects. By understanding the context and meaning within audio content, the research seeks to create algorithms capable of reconstructing missing or corrupted segments in a way that is both natural and contextually appropriate.

The innovative approach proposed in this project goes beyond traditional signal processing by incorporating semantic knowledge, which is expected to yield significant improvements in audio restoration for applications such as archival preservation, telecommunications, and multimedia production. The research will be conducted primarily at XJTLU in Suzhou, China, with the possibility of short-term research visits to the University of Liverpool if required by the project.

The supervisory team includes Dr. Shengchen Li (principal supervisor, XJTLU), Professor Eng Gee Lim (XJTLU), Dr. Jacopo de Berardinis (University of Liverpool), and Professor Mark D. Plumbley (King’s College London), offering a strong interdisciplinary and international support network. The successful candidate will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool upon completion.

Funding for this position is available for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. The studentship covers full tuition fees (currently RMB 99,000 per annum), provides a monthly stipend of RMB 5,000 to support living expenses, and includes up to RMB 16,500 for participation in international conferences. Scholarship holders are required to undertake 300-500 hours of teaching assistance work per year.

Applicants should possess a Master’s degree with Merit and a Bachelor’s degree with first-class or upper second-class honors. Exceptional candidates with only a Bachelor’s degree may be considered on an individual basis. Strong English language skills are essential, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or above required for non-native speakers. The position is open to candidates of all nationalities.

To apply, interested candidates should complete the application form at this link and submit the required documents, including CV, reference letters, personal statement, proof of English proficiency, verified transcripts and certificates, and a PDF of their Master’s dissertation or equivalent writing sample. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr. Shengchen Li at [email protected]. For further details about the PhD programme and scholarships at XJTLU, visit the university’s admissions pages.