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. You will also contribute to the organisation of user studies and workshops, co‑designing and evaluating this technology with diverse participants, including disabled musicians. Your work will be published 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, and will join the Music Interaction and Computational Arts (MICA) Lab. The project, funded by a UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship, focuses on accessible innovation fusing wearable technology and physical prototyping, in partnership with MiMU Gloves, x‑io Technologies, Watershed and Drake Music.
About You
We seek individuals who are motivated to push the boundaries of research and technology in music and human‑computer interaction. A current or soon‑to‑be complete PhD in signal processing, computer music, HCI, computer science, artificial intelligence, electronic engineering, mechatronics, robotics, design engineering or a related field, with a suitable publication track record, is required. Equivalent knowledge gained through alternative pathways is also welcomed. Excellent communication skills, high initiative, and the ability to collaborate effectively with disabled and non‑disabled colleagues and participants are essential.
Diversity and Inclusion
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 contribute to a balanced team, including from communities that experience racism, sexism, ableism or other barriers. We specifically encourage disabled researchers and those with lived experience of disability to apply.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop and evaluate algorithms for tactile interaction detection using hand‑worn motion sensors.
- Conduct and organise user studies and workshops for co‑designing and evaluating musical technology.
- Collaborate with disabled musicians and other stakeholders during the research cycle.
- Publish findings at leading music technology and HCI conferences and journals.
- Attend performances, demonstrations and conferences, occasionally outside normal working hours.
Qualifications
- Current or imminent completion of a PhD in a relevant field (signal processing, computer music, HCI, computer science, AI, electronic engineering, mechatronics, robotics, design engineering).
- Demonstrated publication record in peer‑reviewed venues.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary and diverse team.
Location
The post will be located within The Bridge Studios, a multidisciplinary space funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the West of England Combined Authority, on the Frenchay campus adjacent to the Centre for Print Research and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory.
Employment Terms
This is a 24‑month fixed‑term, full‑time (1.0 FTE) position. A job share basis is available for part‑time applicants. The post is campus‑based with options for hybrid and flexible working.
Benefits
- Progressive pay rates.
- Generous annual leave and career‑average pension scheme.
- Retail savings scheme.
- On‑site nursery.
- Opportunities for training, personal and professional development.
- Support for access to work applications and flexible measures to remove disabling barriers.
Visa & Sponsorship
We may sponsor qualifying candidates under the Home Office Skilled Worker visa route. Please refer to the Skilled Worker Guidance and the Right to Work Checklist for eligibility. We do not cover visa or health surcharge costs.
Contact
For further information, visit www.micalab.org or contact tom.mitchell@uwe.ac.uk.
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