Universitat Ramon Llull
1 week ago
Predoctoral Research Fellowship (FPI) in Physical Acoustics – CharPAL Universitat Ramon Llull in Spain
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 1, 2026
Country
Spain
University
Universitat Ramon Llull
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About this position
Predoctoral Research Fellowship (FPI) in Physical Acoustics – CharPAL at Universitat Ramon Llull (La Salle Digital Engineering School, Barcelona, Spain).
This PhD opportunity is part of the CharPAL project, Experimental and theoretical characterization of flat and curved parametric acoustic loudspeakers for acoustic engineering problems, funded by the Spanish State Plan for Scientific and Technological Research and Innovation 2024–2027. The position is linked to grant PID2025-175028NB-I00 and includes a predoctoral contract (FPI) with an indicative gross annual salary of €25,456.10 plus €7,000 additional funding for PhD tuition and research stays.
The project focuses on parametric acoustic loudspeakers (PALs), which generate highly directional audible sound from nonlinear ultrasonic propagation. The research aims to improve experimental characterization and theoretical modelling of both flat and curved PAL configurations, with strong emphasis on three-dimensional acoustic measurements and computationally efficient prediction models.
The PhD will combine advanced acoustic measurements, signal processing, inverse problem techniques, and numerical modelling. Experimental work may include robotic spatial scanning, particle-velocity measurements, and near-field acoustic holography (NAH). Theoretical work will explore equivalent-source representations and semi-analytical models for ultrasonic and audible sound fields. The project also includes design, additive manufacturing, and validation of PAL prototypes.
Two application areas are especially highlighted: non-invasive acoustic characterization for heritage preservation and automatic classification of packaging waste using PAL-based acoustic impulse responses and machine-learning methods. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment with access to the Acoustics Laboratory of the IASLab, including anechoic and reverberation facilities, recording studios, and immersive audio resources.
The thesis is jointly supervised by Dr. Marc Arnela and Dr. Oriol Guasch, within the Research Line on Acoustics, Audio and Vibration of the HER group. The doctoral programme is Information Technologies and their Application to Management, Architecture and Geophysics at Universitat Ramon Llull.
Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree and satisfy doctoral admission requirements. Preferred backgrounds include acoustics, mechanical engineering, physics, aeronautical engineering, or applied mathematics. Strong motivation, English fluency, and some familiarity with acoustic measurements, programming, or modelling are advantageous.
Application deadline: 1 December 2026, 14:00 CET. How to apply: send a detailed CV and academic transcript to [email protected].
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must have a Master's degree in Acoustics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Aeronautical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field, and must meet doctoral admission requirements. Required preparation includes a solid understanding of fundamental acoustics and wave propagation, an interest in combining theoretical and experimental work, and experience or familiarity with acoustic measurements, signal processing, numerical modelling, scientific programming (e.g. MATLAB or Python), or inverse problems. Good communication skills and excellent English are required. Eligible applicants must hold either an official Spanish Bachelor's degree or equivalent plus an official university Master's degree or equivalent with at least 300 ECTS credits, qualifications within the EHEA that grant access to doctoral studies in the issuing country, or non-EHEA qualifications verified by the university as equivalent to a Spanish Master's degree and granting access to doctoral studies.
How to apply
Prepare a detailed CV, preferably in CVA format, and your academic transcript. Send the application by email to [email protected]. Submit before 1 December 2026 at 14:00 CET.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.