UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Speech and Language Technologies (SLT) and their Applications
Department of Computer Science
Faculty of Engineering
University of Sheffield, UK
Fully-funded 4-year PhD studentships for research in speech technologies and natural language processing (NLP / NLProc)
** Applications now open for September 2022 intake **
Deadline for applications: 31 January 2022
Speech and Language Technologies (SLTs) are a range of Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches which allow computer programs or electronic devices to analyse, produce, modify or respond to human texts and speech. SLTs are underpinned by a number of fundamental research fields including natural language processing (NLP / NLProc), speech processing, computational linguistics, mathematics, machine learning, physics, psychology, computer science, and acoustics. SLTs are now established as core scientific/engineering disciplines within AI and have grown into a world-wide multi-billion dollar industry.
Located in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield – a world leading research institution in the SLT field – the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Speech and Language Technologies and their Applications is a vibrant research centre that also provides training in engineering skills, leadership, ethics, innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsibility to society.
Apply now: https://slt-cdt.ac.uk/apply/
The benefits:
- Four-year fully-funded studentship covering fees and an enhanced stipend (£17,000 pa)
- Generous personal allowance for research-related travel, conference attendance, specialist equipment, etc.
- A full-time PhD with Integrated Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) incorporating 6 months of foundational speech and NLP training prior to starting your research project
- Bespoke cohort-based training programme running over the entire four years providing the necessary skills for academic and industrial leadership in the field.
- Supervision from a team of over 20 internationally leading SLT researchers, covering all core areas of modern SLT research, and a broader pool of over 50 academics in cognate disciplines with interests in SLTs and their application
- Every PhD project is underpinned by a real-world application, directly supported by one of our industry partners.
- A dedicated CDT workspace within a collaborative and inclusive research environment hosted by the Department of Computer Science
- Work and live in Sheffield – a cultural centre on the edge of the Peak District National Park which is in the top 10 most affordable UK university cities (WhatUni? 2019).
About you:
We are looking for students from a wide range of backgrounds interested in speech and NLP.
- High-quality (ideally first class) undergraduate or masters (ideally distinction) degree in a relevant discipline. Suitable backgrounds include (but are not limited to) computer science/software engineering; informatics; AI; speech and language processing; mathematics; physics; linguistics; cognitive science; and engineering.
- Regardless of background, you must be able to demonstrate strong mathematical aptitude (minimally to A-Level standard or equivalent) and good experience of programming.
- We particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in technology.
- The majority of candidates must satisfy UKRI’s updated funding eligibility criteria for ‘home’ students. Full details can be found on our website.
Applying:
Applications are now sought for the September 2022 intake. The deadline is 31 January 2022
Applications will be reviewed within 6 weeks of the deadline and short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews will be held in Sheffield or via videoconference.
See our website for full details and guidance on how to apply: https://slt-cdt.ac.uk
For an informal discussion about your application please contact us by email at: sltcdt-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk
By replying to this email or contacting sltcdt-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk you consent to being contacted by the University of Sheffield in relation to the CDT. You are free to withdraw your permission in writing at any time.