Connectionists: PhD position at Idiap Research Institute

[Phil Garner]

In the context of a Swiss NSF grant, we seek a PhD student to work on 
multilingual and affective speech synthesis.

  http://www.idiap.ch/education-and-jobs/job-10193

The research will begin with the state of the art in speech synthesis, probably 
based around deep neural networks (DNNs). Such networks have been shown 
recently to produce synthetic speech with better overall quality, especially 
with respect prosody, than other techniques. The student will then focus on 
modelling of speech with a view to extraction, modeling and adaptation of 
emotion (affect) in synthetic speech. To demonstrate the language independence 
of the models, it will be necessary to work in two or three languages.

Several research threads are possible; one thread will involve creating a 
neural model of prosodic features. It will build upon recent work here at Idiap 
where we have created a general physiologically plausible model for prosody.

Another research thread will involve analysis and modification of the phonetic 
quality of the synthetic speech. This is in keeping with observations that 
formant positions can change with affective indicators such as valence and arousal.

Depending on progress, there is also the possibility to address cross-lingual 
modelling of affect. Here, the goal would be to detect emotion in one language 
and reproduce it in another language.

Owing to availability of data, the work will probably proceed using German 
data. However, our locality dictates that evaluation will be easier in French. 
Amongst the Swiss languages, Italian is also appealing.

The ideal Ph.D student should have a master (or equivalent) degree in 
engineering, computer science, or applied mathematics. S/he should have a good 
background in mathematics, statistics, and programming (C/C++, Python, 
scripting langages). Given the multlingual nature of the project, the position 
would suit someone with some knowledge of one or more of the languages 
described above. In order to balance the group, we especially encourage female 
applicants. However, all applications will be judged on merit.

Applications will be considered as they are received; the position will remain 
open until filled.

About Idiap: 	

Idiap is an independent, non-profit research institute recognized and supported 
by the Swiss Government, and affiliated with the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale 
de Lausanne (EPFL). It is located in the town of Martigny in Valais, a scenic 
region in the south of Switzerland, surrounded by the highest mountains of 
Europe, and offering exciting recreational activities, including hiking, 
climbing and skiing, as well as varied cultural activities. It is within close 
proximity to Geneva and Lausanne. Although Idiap is located in the French part 
of Switzerland, English is the working language. Free French lessons are provided.

Idiap offers competitive salaries and conditions at all levels in a young, 
dynamic, and multicultural environment. Idiap is an equal opportunity employer 
and is actively involved in the "Advancement of Women in Science" European 
initiative. The Institute seeks to maintain a principle of open competition (on 
the basis of merit) to appoint the best candidate, provides equal opportunity 
for all candidates, and equally encourage both genders to apply.

--
Phil Garner
http://www.idiap.ch/~pgarner