Field of Research & Scope

The group Acoustics, Analysis and AI of Fellow Professor Peter Balazs works on and teaches topics connecting acoustics, mathematics, and machine learning, using the IT:U Learn Lab Sound and Acoustics Lab (ANGUS). The group maintains a close cooperation with the Acoustics Research Institute (ARI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, where Balazs is the director.

Projects

This call opens three PhD positions within the doctoral partnership agreement with ARI to work on a PhD project.
 
Project ideas include: 

• Building Improved Smart Boxes for Studying Mice USVs
• Optimizing Artificial Neural Networks to Probe the Functional Role of Spatial Hearing
• Machine Learning and Signal Processing for Bioacoustic Vocalizations  
• Building Improved Smart Bioacoustic Monitors  
• An Interpretable Neural Network for Modeling Human Hearing  
• Interpretable Audio-Preprocessing – expert knowledge and data-driven

More details can be found at Acoustics, Analysis & AI (3AI) | IT
 
Other project ideas fitting within the 3AI scope can also be accepted.

We offer

• Interdisciplinarity: You will operate at the interface of pure mathematics, computational algorithms in machine learning, and domain applications in acoustics.
• Applicability & rigor: We value mathematically clean formulations and reproducible open-science implementations, while always keeping an eye on real applications using machine learning in acoustics.  
• Impactful challenges: The projects offer ample room for innovation and allow for significant scientific advances with future societal impact, like robust speech processing in noisy and reverberant environments or interpretable models for animal communication.
• Hands-on & scientific approach: Students in the 3AI will gain extensive hands-on experience in building devices and handling given scientific measurement setups. In the ANGUS IT:U Learn Lab, they can design and build measurement setups and acoustic devices from scratch — developing practical skills in experimentation, signal acquisition, and prototyping. More advanced and scientifically focused subprojects can then be pursued in collaboration with the Acoustics Research Institute (ARI) in Vienna, providing access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure for high-precision acoustic research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Collaborations: The lab enjoys close collaborations with top research labs around the world and researchers within IT:U and ARI.
• International mobility & exchange: Selected candidates will benefit from interactions with the PI’s collaborators and colleagues, mostly in Europe, who will be happy to host PhD students for short stays.
• Mentorship & network: You will have (at least) two supervisors and will benefit from close guidance by experienced researchers and connection to ARI, IT:U, and international research networks in harmonic analysis, signal processing, and AI.
• Professional & personal development: With the PI’s experience as a senior scientist, fellow professor, and director, doctoral students will receive comprehensive guidance throughout their academic journey at IT:U and beyond.

Responsibilities & Tasks

• Conducting scientific research.
• Writing academic publications.
• Presenting results at national and international conferences. 
• Collaborating with other research groups on an interdisciplinary basis.
• Performing auxiliary activities in academic teaching for up to 2 weekly credit hours.
• Helping to file applications for third-party funding.
• Complying with the institution’s academic standards and ethical guidelines.

Skills & Qualifications needed

• Highly motivated, with a strong interest in the intersection of acoustics, analysis, and AI.  
• Shows clear interest and enthusiasm for one of the proposed topics or their own topic that fits the scope. 
• A master’s degree or equivalent in computer science, mathematics, acoustics, or another relevant field.
• Fluent in English (CEFR C1 or equivalent).

Preferred Skills & Qualifications 

• Programming skills and a solid understanding of Machine Learning methods.
• The ability to work and think independently.
• Experience with interdisciplinary work.
• Experience working on a research team.
• Experience related to the applicant’s future research topic.  

What you can expect

• Innovative and stimulating working conditions in an interdisciplinary, international research environment.
• Office kitchen with complimentary basic supplies.
• Austrian “KlimaTicket Ö” (unlimited travel on all public transportation within Austria).
• We offer a gross salary in line with the market from EUR 3.714,80 on a full-time basis (40h).

Program Structure

IT:U offers a 4-year, structured PhD program.  
 
In the first year, emphasis is placed on focused group work, research lab modules, and Project Integrated Courses (PICS). The first year concludes with a PhD Proposal Presentation. Over the next three years, students will develop and write their PhD theses. This is accompanied by interdisciplinary research seminars and work as a project assistant. The PhD program concludes after the 4th year with the submission and defense of the PhD thesis. 
 
Click here to view the curriculum. 

How to apply

Please fill in the online application form and upload your files at: https://apply.it-u.at/

• Curriculum Vitae
• Bachelor’s and master’s diploma (or equivalent)
• Bachelor’s and master’s transcript of records
• Motivational letter (2-5 pages) 
• Up to 3 contacts of professors/collaborators for recommendations

For details, questions and expressions of interest, candidates are welcome to contact the principal investigator Peter Balazs, peter.balazs@it-u.at, before submitting their application. Please attach a CV to your email.

The pre-selection will be done by considering which candidates are the best fit for the project based on their application documents and how convincing their application is with regard to their skills and qualifications. Up to six candidates will be invited for (online) interviews.

We look forward to receiving your online application.

DEADLINE:   January 31st, 2026