Dear Digital Music Research Network, (Apologies for cross-posting!)
I am writing to share two pieces of news.
First, we secured funding from EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) to build new acoustic research infrastructure. AURORA³ (Anechoic and Universal Research Observation Rooms for Audio, Acoustics, and AI) will incorporate a state-of-the-art anechoic chamber equipped with a spherical loudspeaker array and a variable acoustics room combining adjustable wall panels and a moving wall system, enabling both room volume and reverberation times to be controlled.
The aim is to provide precisely controlled acoustic conditions for fast, accurate and reproducible physical and perceptual data collection. This is valuable, for instance, in machine/deep learning research, where large, high-quality, and diverse datasets captured under realistic conditions are important to build effective models.
AURORA³ is UK National Strategic Infrastructure, but it will be accessible to researchers worldwide, from both industry and academia. In addition to welcoming on-site visits, we also plan to support remote collaborations by conducting certain experiments on behalf of external researchers. If this sounds relevant to you, please follow our LinkedIn page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurora3-uk Second, we are looking for a Research Engineer to help us bring AURORA³ to life. The position is initially for two years. The job advertisement is included below. If you know a graduating PhD student or a promising MSc graduate who might be interested, please feel free to share. Thank you!
Best regards,
Enzo
—
RESEARCH ENGINEER IN AUDIO, ACOUSTICS & AI
Institute of Sound Recording, University of Surrey
Location: Guildford (35 minutes by fast train from London)
Salary: £37,174 p.a. - £45,413 p.a.
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on 18 June 2025
Interview Date: 27 June 2025 (online)
An exciting opportunity to join the AURORA³ team to pioneer next-generation infrastructure for audio, acoustics, and AI.
AURORA³ is a new strategic facility at the University of Surrey supporting cutting-edge research in audio, acoustics, and artificial intelligence (AI). It will incorporate a state-of-the-art acoustic anechoic chamber equipped with a spherical loudspeaker array and a world-first variable acoustics room enabling reverberation times as well as room volume to be precisely controlled. Our vision for AURORA³ is to bring the A³ (audio, acoustics and AI) community together, produce high-quality data resources that enable substantial advances in the development of technologies and science relating to sound and hearing, and foster a mindset that encompasses inclusion, rigorous inquiry and pathways for realising societal and economic benefit.
AURORA³ will establish National Strategic Infrastructure, accessible to researchers in industry and academia alike. It is supported by a £2.2 million investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in addition to significant contributions from the University of Surrey and the 18 AURORA³ partners.
We are seeking to appoint a Research Engineer to help design, implement, and operate AURORA³. The successful candidate will be appointed at Level 4, with salary depending on experience. The post is full time and initially offered for a fixed term of 2 years (end date currently capped at 30/June/2027). The preferred start date is as soon as possible, with the earliest possible start on 1/July.
YOUR PROFILE
You will have a strong background in acoustics and audio engineering, software development, and technical writing/documentation. Ability to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders will be essential. We particularly welcome candidates with experience in psychoacoustic listening tests and machine/deep learning. A PhD in a relevant area is desirable. Depending on experience, the role may additionally involve shaping strategic direction, including co-writing of grant proposals and mentoring PhD students.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER
The University of Surrey is a global university with a world-class research profile and an enterprising spirit, located in one of the safest counties in England, within 35 minutes of London by train and minutes away from the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The successful candidate will be hosted by the Institute of Sound Recording (IoSR), an internationally-recognised centre for acoustic engineering research. The IoSR is also home to the 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. AURORA³ is delivered in collaboration with the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP), globally recognised for pioneering 3D computer vision and spatial audio, founder of Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI (PAI), and host of the new £8 million CoSTAR AI compute facility. This network of expertise will provide the post holder access to a thriving, world-class research environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to engage with both academic and industry stakeholders.
We offer a competitive remuneration package, including relocation assistance where applicable, market-leading pension scheme, and staff development opportunities.
HOW TO APPLY
Informal enquiries by email are welcomed to Professor Enzo De Sena (
e.desena@surrey.ac.uk).
Please apply using the link below with your CV and cover letter outlining why you are interested in the position also answering the criteria questions. Applications received via email will not be considered. Interviews will be held on 27/June.
https://jobs.surrey.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?id=14845 --
Enzo De Sena
Professor (Full Professor)
Director, Institute of Sound Recording
Department of Music & Media
University of Surrey
Stag Hill, University Campus, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
Office: 08aBC03
Email:
e.desena@surrey.ac.uk URL:
desena.org LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/enzodesena 
