At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and coordinate competitive research proposals in audio and acoustic engineering.
- Company: Join the Institute of Sound Recording at the University of Surrey, a leader in audio research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for publication, and collaboration with industry experts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with protected research time and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in audio research while building your academic profile and funding portfolio.
- Qualifications: PhD in engineering, computer science, or acoustics with strong methodological skills.
The predicted salary is between 38448 - 46970 £ per year.
The Institute of Sound Recording (IoSR) is seeking a high-potential postdoctoral researcher to join us as Research Catalyst Fellow, strengthening the IoSR’s research and external funding (fixed term up to Oct 2028). This role offers the opportunity to build your research profile while helping the Institute develop ambitious research programmes, secure external funding and produce high-quality outputs and meaningful impact.
Working closely with the IoSR’s academic staff across its research areas in audio and acoustic engineering, and with our industry and academic partners, you will develop research ideas into competitive proposals, identify opportunities and help build the consortia needed for collaborative bids.
A substantial part of the role will involve developing and coordinating competitive proposals for funding bodies such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Horizon Europe, and industry. You will proactively identify external funding opportunities that advance the IoSR’s research priorities and help colleagues develop fundable programmes of work. Working alongside colleagues, you will make substantive intellectual and methodological contributions, from shaping research questions and study designs to generating pilot evidence and writing applications. Through substantive roles in collaborative projects and, where appropriate, fellowship applications, you will develop a sustainable, externally funded research portfolio that supports your academic development and the IoSR’s research ambitions. Proposals that leverage AURORA3, the IoSR’s new national strategic infrastructure for audio, acoustics and AI research, are expected to form part of this portfolio.
Alongside your collaborative research responsibilities, you will have protected time for research you lead. This will support the development of your research profile and publication pipeline in leading journals and conferences, complemented by opportunities to contribute to publications arising from collaborative projects.
You will hold a PhD in engineering, computer science, acoustics, or a related area by the appointment start date and bring strong methodological skills, a promising publication record or pipeline, and the ability to develop rigorous research ideas and persuasive proposals. We are looking for a proactive and collegial researcher who can work effectively across disciplines and build productive relationships with academic colleagues and external partners.
Your research will address questions in audio and acoustic engineering with applications in areas such as immersive media, communications, consumer audio and hearing health. We welcome expertise across signal processing, spatial audio, psychoacoustics, and machine learning for audio.
About the Institute of Sound Recording (IoSR): The Institute of Sound Recording (IoSR) at the University of Surrey is an internationally leading centre for research in psychoacoustic engineering, combining acoustics, auditory perception, signal processing and machine learning. The IoSR is also home to the world-renowned Tonmeister degree in Music and Sound Recording, which has produced a stream of highly successful graduates who have collectively received numerous accolades, including three Oscars, twelve Grammys, six Emmys, and twelve BAFTAs.
How to apply: Please complete the application form on the Surrey portal and attach your CV with full list of publications, and a short cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role.
Research Catalyst Fellow in Audio in Guildford employer: Opportunita
Opportunita is an attractive employer due to its commitment to research excellence and professional development. Faculty members benefit from a collaborative work environment and opportunities to engage with industry partners, enhancing their academic careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Catalyst Fellow in Audio in Guildford
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Opportunita, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Opportunita. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Catalyst Fellow in Audio in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Opportunita. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Opportunita. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Opportunita
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Opportunita. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Opportunita to drive research projects forward.
