Fully-funded PhD studentships in Speech and NLP at the University of Sheffield

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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 NLP

** Applications now open for September 2021 intake **

Deadline for applications: 31 January 2021. 

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 experience of programming.

• We particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in technology.

• The majority of candidates must satisfy the UKRI funding eligibility criteria for ?home? students. Full details can be found on our website.

Applying:

Applications are now sought for the September 2021 intake. The deadline is 31 January 2021. 

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.