Research Fellow in Algorithmic Sensing for Music
Salary £38,784 – £46,049
Contractual hours 37
Basis Full time
Region Temporary – Full time
Job Type Research
Job reference R09406
Job description
Applications are invited for the position of Research Fellow in Algorithmic Sensing for Music to create a new generation of expressive digital musical instruments.
You will design, develop, and evaluate algorithms for detecting tactile interactions with objects and mechanisms using high‑fidelity hand‑worn motion sensors. Additionally, you will contribute to the organisation of user studies and workshops, for co‑designing and evaluating this technology with diverse participants, including disabled musicians. You will publish your work at major music technology and human‑computer interaction conferences and journals.
The successful candidate will be based in the School of Computing and Creative Technologies at The University of the West of England, Bristol. They will join the Music Interaction and Computational Arts (MICA) Lab working on the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded Future Leaders Fellowship “Sensing Music Interactions from the Outside‑In: Accessible Innovation Fusing Wearable Technology and Physical Prototyping”. The project will examine technologies and methods to support the co‑design and development of bespoke and accessible digital musical instruments. Project partners include MiMU Gloves, x‑io Technologies, Watershed, and Drake Music.
For more information see: www.micalab.org or contact tom.mitchell@uwe.ac.uk.
About you
We seek applications from enthusiastic individuals who are strongly motivated to help push the boundaries of research and technology in music and human‑computer interaction.
As a Research Fellow you will hold (or be close to completion of) a PhD in signal processing, computer music, human‑computer interaction (HCI), computer science, artificial intelligence, electronic engineering, mechatronics, robotics, design engineering, or another relevant field with a suitable publication track record. Equivalent knowledge and experience gained through alternative pathways are also welcomed. You should have excellent communication skills, show a high level of initiative and be able to collaborate effectively with disabled and non‑disabled colleagues and participants.
The project and team are committed to meaningful improvement and change in terms of inclusion and accessibility. Diversity enhances research, and we welcome applications from those who will bring balance to our team, including those from communities who experience racism, sexism, ableism or any other barriers. The project includes collaborations with disabled musicians, and we are led by the social model of disability. Consequently, disabled researchers and those with lived experience of disability are encouraged to apply.
Candidates should be willing to occasionally work out of typical working hours (including weekends), for example, to attend performances or demonstrations, and to travel both nationally and internationally to conduct research and attend conferences.
Where is this role based?
The post will be located within a multidisciplinary space called The Bridge Studios, a cutting‑edge creative technology facility funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the West of England Combined Authority. The Bridge is located on our lively Frenchay campus, adjacent to the Centre for Print Research and Bristol Robotics Laboratory.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training, personal and professional development. We also support access to work applications and will work flexibility to identify and remove disabling barriers.
Visa and sponsorship
We may be able to sponsor qualifying candidates for this role under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. Please read our Skilled Worker Guidance to assess if you will be eligible to be sponsored under the criteria. UWE does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs. Please refer to the Home Office Right to Work Checklist, and provide right to work documents at your interview if shortlisted.
Application details
This is a 24 month fixed‑term post and is full‑time working on a 1.0 FTE contract. The post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part‑time. Interviews are scheduled to take place at our Frenchay Campus on the week commencing 31/08/2026. For informal enquiries, contact Prof. Tom Mitchell on 0117 328 3349 or email tom.mitchell@uwe.ac.uk.
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