This PhD project at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) focuses on developing a Large Audio Model (LAM) framework for advanced audio recognition. The research aims to hierarchically model audio features and establish relationships between sound objects, moving beyond traditional audio models by mimicking human perception through multi-level feature extraction and contextual understanding. The LAM framework will integrate both acoustic and semantic analysis, enabling the model to comprehend complex audio environments and perform effectively across diverse downstream tasks such as classification, separation, and generation.

By emphasizing human recognition patterns, this project seeks to bridge the gap between computational audio processing and perceptual understanding, ultimately creating a versatile foundation model for next-generation audio applications. The research is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on digital media, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, and is designed to contribute to the development of robust audio recognition systems that can be applied in various domains.

The supervisory team includes Dr. Shengchen Li (XJTLU, principal supervisor), Professor Eng Gee Lim (XJTLU), Dr. Jacopo de Berardinis (University of Liverpool), and Professor Mark D. Plumbley (King’s College London), offering expertise across audio processing, machine learning, and digital media. The successful candidate will conduct the majority of their research at XJTLU in Suzhou, China, with the possibility of a short-term research visit to the University of Liverpool if required by the project.

The PhD studentship is available for three years, subject to satisfactory progress. The award covers tuition fees (currently RMB 99,000 per annum), provides a monthly stipend of RMB 5,000 for 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. Upon successful completion, the student will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool (UK).

Applicants should hold 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 individually. Strong spoken and written English skills are essential, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or above (or equivalent) required if English is not the first language. The position is open to all qualified candidates, regardless of nationality.

Applications are accepted year-round. Interested candidates should complete the application form at https://shengchenli.github.io/application.html and submit all required documents, including CV, two reference letters, personal statement, proof of English proficiency, verified transcripts and certificates, and a PDF of their Master’s dissertation or equivalent writing sample. For informal enquiries, contact Dr. Shengchen Li at [email protected]. Further details about the PhD programme and scholarships can be found on the XJTLU admissions pages.