Research Fellow in Generative Audio for Immersive Sound Design

Join the CoSTAR National Lab’s audio team to pioneer generative AI within interactive and immersive technologies in CVSSP at the University of Surrey, a global community dedicated to life-changing education and research.

The role

This post investigates generative AI for sound design in content production, contributing both academic publications and practical demonstrations of immersive/interactive technology with CoSTAR.  It is initially fixed-term upto May 2028 (extensible subject to funding). 

The role is based at the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP, University of Surrey), which researches machine perception for the benefit of society through technological innovations in healthcare, security, entertainment and robotics. CVSSP is internationally renowned and ranked first in UK research for computer vision and audio-visual AI, enabling award-winning technologies for content production in TV, film, games and immersive entertainment.

In 2021, CVSSP founded Surrey’s Institute for People-centred Artificial Intelligence (PAI). PAI drives AI activities for the CoSTAR National Lab for R&D in Creative Technology, led by Royal Holloway (University of London), a £51m investment by UK Government to give the UK's screen and performance industries globally competitive infrastructure. Investigating future AI-enabled storytelling experiences, we can leverage Surrey’s track record of translating fundamental machine learning, spatial audio and audio-visual AI into groundbreaking creative technology.  

About you

We seek a talented Research Fellow to investigate generative audio AI technology for production of immersive and interactive experiences. We expect scientific contributions and creative-industry impact from the successful applicant, who should be qualified to PhD level in a technical subject, with relevant experience:

•    Expertise in machine learning for audio, including speech, music and ambient sound generation

•    Research publications in relevant areas, i.e., generative AI, speech/audio signal processing, machine listening or immersive media

•    Strong communication skills, documenting research code/data, stakeholder reporting, and collaborating across technical and creative disciplines

•    Strong programming skills, Python frameworks for ML and real-time audio software

•    Curating audio datasets, spatial-audio/audio-visual recordings, and ML training/evaluation pipelines

•    Experimental systems development, e.g., integrating interactive/game-engine/real-time audio systems, spatial audio toolkits/middleware

Useful background includes sound design, music technology, expressive speech, HCI, perceptual/psychoacoustics, user studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, project coordination, and engagement with creative or industry practice.

What we offer

We offer generous remuneration, including relocation assistance where appropriate, an excellent research environment, well-equipped laboratories, state-of-the-art computing and staff development opportunities. The University resides in one of England’s safest counties, nestled by the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, yet only 35 minutes by train from central London, a global city. Our culture of world-class research and enterprise empowers people to achieve real change. 

How to apply

Informal email enquiries are welcomed to Professor Philip Jackson ([email protected]) or Professor Enzo De Sena ([email protected]).

To apply, please upload your CV and cover letter via our website.

Interviews are expected w/c 16th February.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment offering equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity within our community: we strongly encourage applicants from any under-represented demographic.

Closing Date: 09 Feb 2026

Area: Research & Teaching

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum