PhD Stipends in Machine Learning for Intelligent Hearing Assistance in Complex Acoustic Environments
The Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University, Denmark, is offering PhD stipends and integrated PhD stipends in the field of Machine Learning for Intelligent Hearing Assistance in Complex Acoustic Environments. These positions are part of the general study programme in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and are open for appointments from August 1, 2026 (PhD stipend) and September 1, 2026 (integrated PhD stipend).
Aalborg University is internationally recognized for its high academic quality and societal impact, particularly in electronic engineering. The Department of Electronic Systems employs over 200 staff, including about 90 PhD students, and maintains a diverse, international environment. The department is renowned for its research infrastructure and lab facilities, supporting world-leading research in communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The Centre for Acoustic Signal Processing Research, within the Section on Artificial Intelligence and Sound, focuses on advancing hearing assistive technologies using machine learning and statistical signal processing.
The research aims to enable robust, real-time speech understanding in complex acoustic environments, moving beyond traditional audibility-based solutions. The goal is to develop systems that enhance intelligibility, meaning extraction, and user-specific listening intent. The PhD project scope includes novel low-complexity neural network architectures, generative audio techniques, and integration of large language and speech foundation models to design adaptive, efficient, and intelligent algorithms for hearing assistive devices. Key objectives are improving speech perception in noisy environments, reducing listening effort, and developing systems capable of identifying and prioritizing the user’s intended sound sources. Applications include advanced hearing aid systems and broader solutions for speech communication in challenging acoustic situations, such as headsets, earbuds, and telepresence technologies.
Successful candidates will join the Section on AI & Sound, led by Professor Jan Østergaard, and benefit from a dedicated supervisory team of experts from the Centre for Acoustic Signal Processing Research. The section offers a world-class research environment, excellent working and networking opportunities, and full employment benefits.
Applicants must have an M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering, mathematical engineering, acoustics, machine learning, or a related field for the standard PhD stipend. For the integrated PhD stipend, candidates must be enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme. Required competencies include strong mathematical and analytical skills (signal processing, optimization, machine learning, information theory) and programming experience (C++, Python, Matlab). The stipend consists of two parts: Part A (up to two years, SU-PhD Grants of DKK 7,426/month) and Part B (up to two years as a PhD fellow with full employment benefits). PhD stipends are normally for three years as a PhD fellow. Candidates must complete PhD courses (30 ECTS), gain teaching or dissemination experience, and undertake an external research stay (preferably 3-6 months) outside Aalborg University.
Applications must include a CV, diplomas or transcripts, a one-page project description outlining research vision, and other relevant documents. The application is submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. The university values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. The assessment process includes shortlisting and may involve a risk assessment. Salary and terms of employment follow Danish collective agreements.
For further information, visit
www.es.aau.dk
or contact Section Head Jan Østergaard, Professor Zheng-Hua Tan, Professor Jesper Jensen, or Lisbeth Diinhoff via the provided emails. Apply by August 31, 2026, through the official application link.
