PhD scholarship in Measurement Methods, Reliability, and Uncertainty in Acoustic-Mechanical Microsystems – DTU Electro

Are you interested in advancing state-of-the-art measurement methods for sound and vibration in miniature audio systems? In this project you will learn and develop experimental and statistical methods for small hearables and their millimetre and sub-millimetre scale components.
Are you interested in developing and advancing state-of-the-art measurement methods for sound and vibration in miniature audio systems? The small scale of smart hearables such as ear pods, headsets, and hearing aids present unique challenges to accurately and reliably measure the acoustic and vibroacoustic behaviour of their components. But modelling, simulation, and optimization of such devices relies on accurate measurement data. As a PhD candidate with us you will investigate and develop measurement methods suitable for small parts and evaluate reliability and uncertainty of these methods.

The Centre for Acoustic-Mechanical Microsystems (CAMM) offers a 3-year PhD position at DTU Electrical and Photonics Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). At CAMM, and at the associated Acoustic Technology group at DTU Electro and our partners at DTU Construct, you will experience a lively university environment with other PhD projects that are related to yours. CAMM has a solid background in transducers, modelling and optimization, acoustical and mechanical measurement, fabrication, and materials, while DTU Electro runs top-level research and education in different fields of acoustics. You will have access to world-class facilities and experienced, internationally recognized staff. Additionally, you will collaborate with Danish hearing aid companies that are global technological leaders in their field.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Smart hearables broadly comprise any audio system that is capable of capturing, processing, and reproducing sound and is placed in, near, or over the user’s ears. The small millimetre and sub-millimetre scale of these devices and their components provides many practical challenges to accurately measure sound and vibration. A number of common measurement techniques exist but are generally customized to a specific part or system. No common standards exist for experimental aspects such as handling, mounting, and fixing, sealing, or selection of measurement locations. This leads to a high variability and uncertainty in measurement results, especially when comparing different procedures, locations, parts, and designs.

In this project you will learn and apply experimental methods and techniques to study and characterize sound and vibration on the millimetre and sub-millimetre scale as well as statistical methods to evaluate metrological aspects such as reproducibility, repeatability, and uncertainty. You will:

• Handle precision measurement equipment such as laser vibrometers, miniature accelerometers, actuators, measurement microphones, and impedance tubes;
• Process measurement data with statistical methods;
• Study and evaluate the influence of different uncertainties on overall measurement reliability;
• Establish benchmark cases and optimize measurement procedures.

The project is closely linked to ongoing and upcoming PhD projects on computational modelling of uncertainty and statistical analysis methods. The outcome of the project will be the creation of new and improved measurement procedures and data processing, allowing deeper understanding of the underlying coupled physics, more informed representation in corresponding computer models, and better adapted designs.

Your activities during the PhD project will include:

• Following courses on topics related with your project, either at DTU or other institutions;
• Contributing to teaching and supervision tasks at DTU Electro;
• Collaborating with fellow PhDs, researchers, and industrial partners at CAMM;
• Attending international conferences where you will present your work;
• Publishing your research results in scientific, peer reviewed journals.

Your required qualifications and skills are:

• A master level education in the fields of either acoustics, mechanics, measurement technology, physics, or equivalent;
• Excellent command of English both spoken and written;
• Experience in setting up lab experiments and measurement procedures
• Knowledge in statistics, uncertainty analysis, or metrology

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of the applications will be made by Professor Frieder Lucklum, Associate Professor Jonas Brunskog, and Associate Professor Vicente Cutanda Henriquez.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

Starting date according to mutual agreement. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Frieder Lucklum, [email protected].

You can read more about the DTU Electro at https://electro.dtu.dk and about the Centre for Acoustic-Mechanical Microsystems (CAMM) at www.camm.elektro.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 16 June 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Electro has 300 employees with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As one of Europe’s largest public research departments, DTU Electro covers a multitude of research disciplines within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Adresse:

Ørsteds Plads
2800 Kgs. Lyngby