PostDoc in Computational Bioacoustics: Acquisition and Processing of Animal Vocalizations

[Stavros Ntalampiras <>]

Dear all,

We are currently looking for a post-doc researcher to join us in a new project funded by Regione Lombardia.

The VOCAPRA project aims to gain a better understanding of the physical and emotional state of farmed goats from vocalizations emitted in different contexts, and to translate this information into a practical non-invasive tool for early warning of situations that are potentially dangerous for the animals, thus contributing to improve their welfare. The project will investigate a quite unexplored field using highly innovative techniques and a highly inter- and multi-disciplinary approach, merging competences of animal science (animal behaviour, welfare, genetics and physiology) with bioacoustics and computer science skills, and human social sciences.

Responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher will work on acquisition and processing of animal vocalizations and more specifically:

•carry out research on the design, evaluation and implementation of signal processing algorithms for a) estimating noise and reverberation characteristics of the farm acoustic environments, b) recognizing acoustic events/vocalizations of interest and c) incorporating graph signal processing techniques;

•monitor the work plan of the research project and make sure that milestones are achieved and deliverables are finalized in a timely manner;

•actively participate in research and project management meetings with the project partners;

•take part in the research meetings, seminars, etc. assist in the supervision of MSc and PhD students;

•assist in the development of an Android application;

•dissemination of the project’s results.

Profile

Candidates must hold a PhD degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science (or equivalent), and have research experience in audio signal processing (as shown by publications in relevant international journals and conference proceedings).

Additional research experience in microphone array processing, acoustic noise modeling and/or reverberation modeling is considered a strong asset.

Experience with Matlab and Python programming is required, and experience with other programming languages (C/C++/...)  including Android App development is considered beneficial. 

Excellent proficiency in the English language is required, as well as good communication skills, both oral and written.

Offer

A high-level and exciting international research environment at one of Europe's top universities.

Opportunity to carry out research in a very active domain with the possibility to publish in top-tier journals and conferences.

An intensive collaboration with renowned academic research groups with ambitious industrial partners.

The possibility to participate in local as well as international courses, workshops and conferences.

An one-year position with the possibility of extension up to 3 years.

Supervisor: Prof. Stavros Ntalampiras

Co-supervisor: Prof. Silvana Mattiello

Workplace: Milan, Italy

Interested?

The interested candidates are invited to contact directly Prof. Ntalampiras attaching their CV. Starting date: ASAP/as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.

https://www.lim.di.unimi.it/ 

https://sites.google.com/site/stavrosntalampiras/home

--

***********************************

Dr.-Eng. Stavros Ntalampiras

Assistant Professor, Department of Computer science

University of Milan, Italy

Associate Researcher, National Research Council

https://sites.google.com/site/stavrosntalampiras/home

***********************************