Conversation Structure Learning for Assistive Speech-to-Text

The School of Computing at Robert Gordon University is offering 5 exciting industry-lead PhD studentships for September 2022 (please see other listings). Successful candidates will be joining the top modern university in Scotland (GUG 2022) and a school (School of Computing) that was listed as the top modern in Scotland for Computer Science (GUG 2022).

The computing school is internationally recognised for research in AI & Reasoning, Computational Intelligence, Immersive Tech and Machine Vision. We have a thriving research environment supported by national and international funding to bring together early-career and early-stage researchers across all areas to carry out leading-edge applied computer science research with high industrial and societal impact. You will be joining a lively, friendly and supportive research and teaching community within the school.

Duration and Funding

The duration of projects will be up to 36 months, commencing in October 2022. The studentship covers both tuition fees - at UK or International level and a tax-free stipend (living allowance) of £15,600 per annum.

The successful candidate will be required to relocate to Aberdeen as soon as possible to study, although studies may start remotely initially; this is an essential requirement of the studentship and is not open to negotiation.

Please do not apply if you are unable to relocate to Aberdeen.

Applicants should have a very good BSc (Honours) (First or Upper Second class) degree or a Master degree (with Distinction or Merit) in a related discipline.

Applicants should have good personal and communication skills, strong professionalism and integrity, and be capable of working on their own initiative.

Enquiries can be emailed to [Email Address Removed] and will be forwarded to the lead academic if technical in nature.

Conversation Structure Learning for Assistive Speech-to-Text - Dr Mark Snaith

Understanding the structure of an unfolding conversation or dialogue is a fundamental part of spoken communication. It allows us not only to better follow the conversation, but also appreciate whose turn it is to speak. Through analysing past conversations, artificial intelligence can also be equipped with this understanding. Applying machine learning can expand this understanding to predicting future structure, such as expected types of utterance, and who will speak next. In this project, you will investigate machine learning techniques for predicting conversational structure, towards the development of enhanced assistive speech-to-text technologies aimed at the deaf and hard of hearing communities.

Please do not apply if you are unable to relocate to Aberdeen.

Applicants should have a very good BSc (Honours) (First or Upper Second class) degree or a Master degree (with Distinction or Merit) in a related discipline.

Applicants should have good personal and communication skills, strong professionalism and integrity, and be capable of working on their own initiative.

Enquiries can be emailed to [Email Address Removed] and will be forwarded to the lead academic if technical in nature. Please quote title or reference in email.

Applications

Applications should be emailed to [Email Address Removed] by 31 July 2022, stating which studentship(s) you are applying for.

The application should consist of:

•  A covering letter or personal statement of interest
• CV
• IELTS (or equivalent) certificate
• Two references (at least one academic or professional).

Further information such as passport details or transcripts may be requested during the short-listing stage.

For more information regarding the University's English language requirements please visit: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-language-requirements

Please note that if response is high the application deadline may be brought forward; you are advised to apply as early as possible.