项目介绍

2026年4月11日

PSI conducts fundamental research in image and audio processing. Methodologically, the research belongs to the domains of computational science and machine learning. Over the previous decades, computers have become more powerful, and the amount of sensory data has increased. Modelling and exploiting this large amount of data (data science) is a current challenge and opportunity.

Our research is mainly funded by Flemish, European, and industry projects. We have also created several spin-off companies and registered several patents.

PSI is a division of the department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) and is located in the Arenberg Campus of KU Leuven and in the University Hospital Gasthuisberg.

Website van de eenheid

Project

This project focuses on probabilistic machine learning for audio applications. We are working on developing effective representations for audio that can generalise across cultures, languages and styles. We will develop methods for sequence modeling, tokenisation, uncertainty quantification and information retrieval, and apply them for audio analysis tasks.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate who can bridge cutting-edge probabilistic ML research with impactful real-world applications — someone who deeply understands theoretical advances and brings creativity and practical skills to identify, design, and implement compelling use cases.

Profiel

• An ideal candidate has a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Artificial Intelligence, with solid foundations in probability theory and machine learning. We particularly encourage applicants with high grades, awards, and scientific publications. Background in speech or audio signal processing is a plus.
• Excellent understanding of mathematical concepts in probabilistic machine learning.
• Excellent programming skills are necessary.
• Excellent English language proficiency is required, along with strong oral and written communication skills.
• The PhD student will work on research projects that involve frequent interactions with both internal and external researchers.

The positions can start immediately, and positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are found. Interested PhD candidates should submit their CV, transcripts, contact information for 2 or 3 referees, and a motivation letter (max 1-page). The motivation letter should clearly outline the interest in probabilistic ML, as well as any past experience and achievements.

Aanbod

• A full-time PhD scholarship of 1 year, extendible until a maximum of 4 years.
• A stimulating environment at Europe’s most innovative university, in a well-equipped, experienced, and internationally oriented research unit.
• The research will be based at the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Arenberg Campus in Heverlee (close to the center of Leuven).

Interesse?

Meer informatie is te verkrijgen bij prof. dr. ir. Vipul Arora, mail: vipul.arora@kuleuven.be of prof. dr. ir. Hugo Van hamme, mail: hugo.vanhamme@kuleuven.be.
For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Vipul Arora, mail: vipul.arora@kuleuven.be or Prof. Dr. Hugo van Hamme, mail: hugo.vanhamme@kuleuven.be (please put [PhD application] in the subject of the email).
Solliciteren voor deze vacature kan tot en met 30/04/2026 via onze online sollicitatietoepassing

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