PhD Studentship: Enhancing Numerical Solvers for Room Acoustics Modelling Using Deep Learning King’s College London in United Kingdom

This PhD studentship at King’s College London focuses on advancing numerical solvers for room acoustics modelling, a critical area for architectural acoustics, immersive audio, and virtual reality applications. Wave-based numerical simulations, particularly the finite-difference time domain (FDTD) method, are widely used in this field but are limited by inherent numerical errors arising from the discretization of physical equations. The project aims to develop innovative correction strategies and approaches to enhance the accuracy of these established numerical methods, ultimately producing more reliable and perceptually accurate simulation results.

Building on prior research into the propagation and origins of numerical errors, the project will leverage deep learning techniques to identify, model, and reduce these errors. The effectiveness of the proposed methods will be evaluated both in terms of improved numerical accuracy and their impact on reducing audible artefacts in auralisation and virtual acoustics applications, ensuring the research is relevant to real-world scenarios.

The position is based in the Department of Engineering at King’s College London and is supervised by Dr Julie Meyer. Candidates should have a strong background in Computer Science, Acoustics, Physics, or a closely related discipline. Essential requirements include knowledge of machine learning or a willingness to learn, good programming skills (Python, Matlab), eagerness to develop new skills, and strong English communication abilities. Familiarity with wave-based simulations and/or room acoustics, as well as an interest in psychoacoustics experiments, are considered advantageous.

Funding is available for 3.5 years, including a stipend of £23,805.00 per annum (with possible inflationary increases after the first year), bench fees ranging from £1,000 to £4,500 per annum, and tuition fees (Home: £8,000; Overseas: £34,700 for 2026/27). Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years. The studentship covers only the listed costs; applicants should be aware of additional expenses such as visa fees, healthcare surcharge, relocation costs, and COVID-19 related quarantine costs.

To apply, candidates must use the King’s Apply online application system for Engineering Research (MPhil/PhD), indicate Dr Julie Meyer as the supervisor, and quote the project title in all correspondence. Applicants should enter code [479] in the Funding section and select option 5 for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London. The selection process involves document pre-selection and an interview. Further information and application details can be found at the provided links.