PhD Studentship: Privacy for Smart Speech Technology (Double Degree, Ruhr University Bochum & Aalto University) Ruhr University Bochum in Germany

The Privacy for Smart Speech Technology (PSST) PhD studentship is part of a prestigious Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action, offering a unique double-degree doctoral training programme. Hosted by Ruhr University Bochum in Germany and Aalto University in Finland, this position is embedded within a consortium of seven leading European universities and eleven industrial partners, all dedicated to advancing privacy in smart speech technology. The PSST programme is the largest international initiative focused on privacy in speech technology, combining cutting-edge research with career-enhancing training and exposure to multiple sectors.

This PhD position specifically addresses robust privacy-preserving voice interfaces for noisy industrial and medical environments. The research will involve developing new speaker identification and wake word detection systems for platforms with limited computational power, using multiple connected acoustic sensors. The system will process raw audio locally and transmit privacy-protected information to cloud services for sensor fusion, user authentication, noise reduction, and speech recognition. The project builds on privacy-preserving wake word verification methods and aims to create new authentication techniques for distributed device scenarios.

As a PSST fellow, you will spend 22 months at Ruhr University Bochum and 23 months at Aalto University, working towards PhD degrees from both institutions. Additionally, you will undertake a six-month secondment with one of the consortium's associate partners, which include leading European SMEs, large industrials, and regulatory bodies active in speech privacy. The expected outcomes of your research include the development of robust, privacy-preserving voice-controlled interfaces, improved acoustic processing with sensor fusion, and innovative authentication methods for distributed devices.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field, completed before employment begins. An excellent academic record is required, along with fluency in English. Desirable skills include deep learning, programming, speech processing, user studies, and privacy. The programme values diversity and encourages applications from under-represented groups. Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment and must not already hold a doctoral degree.

PhD students receive a regular salary and social benefits according to national regulations. At Ruhr University Bochum, the salary is based on TV-L E13, while at Aalto University, it is €3500/month, including living and mobility allowances, family leave, long-term leave, and special needs allowances. The structured training programme offers opportunities for international mobility, participation in network-wide events, and public dissemination activities.

To apply, submit your CV, academic transcripts, motivation letter, and a reference letter from your Master's thesis supervisor to [email protected]. For further information, visit https://psst-doctoralnetwork.eu/ or contact Dr. Rainer Martin at [email protected]. The application deadline is 8 March 2026.