The Doctoral Student in Spatial Audio Signal Processing Scholarship 2026 is a fully funded PhD opportunity offered by the Division of Applied Acoustics at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. The project focuses on developing next-generation augmented hearing and spatial audio technologies, particularly for smart glasses and adaptive sound environments.

This position is part of the WeHear Horizon Europe research project, which aims to transform wearable devices into intelligent audio systems that adapt sound scenes to individual users.

About the Doctoral Student in Spatial Audio Signal Processing Scholarship

This PhD is hosted within the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, specifically in the Division of Applied Acoustics.

For the 2026 intake, the position:

  • Is a fully funded 4–5 year PhD (with teaching extension option)
  • Is part of the EU-funded Horizon Europe WeHear project
  • Focuses on spatial audio signal processing and perceptual sound adaptation
  • Develops algorithms for augmented hearing via smart glasses technology
  • Works with microphone and camera-based audio systems
  • Includes collaboration with international universities and industry partners
  • Combines digital signal processing, psychoacoustics, and machine learning

Research Focus

The project aims to enhance how humans perceive sound in real-world environments using wearable technology.

Key research areas include:

  • Spatial audio signal processing
  • Sound scene adaptation for augmented hearing
  • Psychoacoustic evaluation of audio algorithms
  • Microphone array and spatial sound manipulation
  • Machine learning for audio enhancement
  • Perceptual testing of audio experiences

The goal is to create intelligent hearing systems that adapt to the user’s needs.

Why Choose The Doctoral Student in Spatial Audio Signal Processing Scholarship?

This PhD is ideal for students interested in audio engineering, signal processing, and human perception of sound.

At Chalmers University of Technology, candidates benefit from:

  • Participation in a major EU Horizon Europe research project
  • Access to advanced audio and acoustics research labs
  • Collaboration with international academic and industry partners
  • Strong focus on real-world augmented reality applications
  • Training in both technical and perceptual audio research
  • Opportunities to publish in top acoustics and signal processing venues

Doctoral Student in Spatial Audio Signal Processing Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Sweden
  • University: Chalmers University of Technology
  • Department: Architecture and Civil Engineering (Applied Acoustics)
  • Position Type: Fully funded PhD (Doctoral student)
  • Field: Spatial Audio / Signal Processing / Acoustics
  • Project: WeHear (Horizon Europe)
  • Focus: Augmented hearing and spatial audio adaptation
  • Duration: 4 years (extendable to 5 with teaching duties)
  • Monthly Salary: ~34,550 SEK
  • Application Deadline: 30 June 2026

Benefits

Selected candidates receive:

  • Full PhD salary-based employment
  • Monthly salary of 34,550 SEK
  • Tuition-free doctoral education
  • Access to advanced audio and acoustics laboratories
  • Participation in an EU-funded international research project
  • Teaching opportunities (up to 20%)
  • Strong academic publication support
  • Swedish social and employee benefits

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent 4-year Bachelor’s in some systems) in:
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Acoustics
    • Mathematics
    • Data Science
    • Related fields
  • Have experience in:
    • Digital signal processing (DSP)
    • Acoustic measurements
    • MATLAB or Python programming
  • Strong English communication skills
  • Ability to work in international research environments

Preferred Skills

Candidates with the following will be preferred:

  • Machine learning for audio applications
  • Psychoacoustic experiment experience
  • Git/version control systems
  • Scientific writing using LaTeX
  • Experience in research or interdisciplinary projects

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

  • CV (academic and technical background)
  • Personal motivation letter
  • Academic transcripts
  • Bachelor’s and Master’s theses (if available)
  • Research or project documentation (if available)

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Prepare CV, motivation letter, and academic documents
  2. Submit the application through the Chalmers portal
  3. Applications reviewed by the academic committee
  4. Shortlisted candidates invited for interviews
  5. Final selection is made
  6. Successful candidate starts PhD in Sweden