Postdoc in Reference-relaxed Speech Enhancement

The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for a postdoc in the field of Neural Speech and Audio Signal Processing as per December 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is available for one year, with the possibility of extension.

In electronic engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Electronic Systems employs more than 200 people, of which about 90 are PhD students, and about 40 % of all employees are internationals. In total, it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs, which are based on AAU's problem-based learning model. The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research within communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The department plays an active role in transferring inventions and results into applications in close collaboration with industrial partners worldwide. You can read more about the department at www.es.aau.dk.

About the position
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team working on next-generation speech enhancement technologies. The project explores innovative approaches that move beyond traditional reference-based methods, leveraging optimal transport and phoneme-level representations to improve intelligibility and robustness in challenging acoustic environments.  

Your work tasks   
In this role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing advanced algorithms for speech enhancement using state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. You will design and evaluate models that leverage phoneme-level or discrete speech representations and conduct experiments on large-scale datasets to benchmark performance against existing methods. The position will involve collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including experts in signal processing, natural language processing, and hearing sciences, to ensure that the developed solutions are robust and practically relevant. Additionally, you will contribute to the preparation of scientific publications, grant proposals, and the dissemination of research outcomes. 

Your competencies   
The ideal candidate has a strong background in speech and audio signal processing combined with expertise in machine learning. You should be comfortable working with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow and have experience with speech representations like phonemes or learned units, as well as familiarity with ASR systems. Strong programming skills in Python are essential, along with the ability to design experiments, analyze results, and interpret findings. Knowledge of optimization techniques, statistical modeling, and data management principles will be an advantage. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary environment are also important for success in this role. Experience with grant proposal writing would be advantageous but not a requirement. 

Qualification requirements
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level. 

Who we are    
The candidate will be affiliated with the research group, Audio Analysis Lab, within the Department of Electronic Systems, focusing on audio and acoustic signal processing for improving health, well-being, and security. Our work addresses real-world challenges such as reducing the impact of noise in everyday life and extracting meaningful information from degraded acoustic signals for biomedical and assistive applications. Research topics include speech and audio enhancement, noise reduction, active noise control, sound zones, and voice analysis. The lab collaborates closely with industrial partners and international universities and is supported by major research foundations, including the Villum Foundation, Independent Research Fund Denmark, and Innovation Fund Denmark.

How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of ten publications. 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design. If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
• References/recommendations 

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.    

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.  

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position. 

Do you have any questions? 
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.     

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to (an) interview(s) shortly after the assessment process.

Further information 
Read more about our recruitment process here   

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.  

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. 

Salary and terms of employment  
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).