The mission of InnoRenew CoE is to understand the various aspects of the built environment that affect our health and well-being. We do this through interdisciplinary research and innovation that incorporates new technologies and utilizes our state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

The user of the building is at the center of our research interest. To capture their response to different environments, we try to replicate different environments under controlled laboratory conditions. By systematically confronting users with such environments, we aim to identify and understand the perceptually relevant aspects of building design. The methodological challenge in this context is to achieve a high degree of ecological validity and fidelity of the reproduced environments. The primary research goal of the PhD student will be to integrate multisensory exposure (visual, vibration, … ) into the design of listening tests – all with the aim of better understanding the complex interplay between the senses in relation to the acoustic perception of the built environment.

Goals and Tasks

Our state-of-the-art acoustics laboratory is currently conducting listening test using spatial audio technologies (binaural, HOA Ambisonics) that integrate vibration reproduction (VED). Participants answer questionnaires, and perform cognitive tests, while we monitor their physiological responses to the different exposures. A further step in the research is to consider the multisensory nature of the exposure, which provides insight into the complex interplay between the senses. In particular, we are interested in the relationship between visual and auditory stimuli and how they influence our perception of the built environment. The PhD student's task will be to develop an advanced framework for auditory testing by extending the current listening test infrastructure with VR reproduction technologies.

The candidate’s main tasks will be to:

• prepare and execute a research plan,
• review existing approaches related to the research topic,
• organize and perform laboratory experiments,
• suggest, develop and evaluate innovative building solutions.

The successful candidate will be involved in the preparation of scientific publications and presentations at renowned conferences to extend the impact their research. Additionally, the candidate will prepare at least one research project proposal to further extend the scope of the studied topic.

Essential requirements/skills

• master’s Degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Computer science, Physics, Acoustics or any related area,
• high motivation for studies and working within interdisciplinary research projects,
• excellent communication skills in written and spoken English,
• ability to formulate and communicate new research ideas (research proposal preparation, scientific publications, prototype scientific instrumentations, software tools),
• high interests in acoustics and digital signal processing,
• experience with acoustic measurements and the joy of mastering measurement equipment and procedures,
• basic programming skills (python, Matlab, R or similar) with the motivation to grow the skills,
• ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary international research environment,
• fulfill the requirements for doctoral students at the University of Primorska. For more details, see: https://www.famnit.upr.si/en/education/doctoral/renew-mat; https://www.famnit.upr.si/en/education/enrolment

What we offer:

• 3 years contract with a trial period of 3 months,
• monthly salary,
• no PhD tuition fee,
• opportunity to participate in ongoing prestigious European projects at the institute.

Employment opportunities, admissions policies, activities, services, and the facilities of the UP IAM do not exclude any person based on race, color, age, sex, gender, religion, national origin, or disability. In processing your application, the GDPR will be respected and your information will not be shared outside of the relevant staff at the UP IAM. By submitting your application, you agree that the data you provide be reviewed by them.

How to apply

The applicants should send:

• Curriculum vitae (including short descriptions of all prior educations, qualifications, and research or work experiences)
• Motivation letter for this doctoral position (maximum one A4 page)
• Transcripts from previous degrees
• List of publications (if applicable)

to this email address: coe@innorenew.eu In the title (subject) of your email please write: Acoustics for better buildings. All materials should be in English and submitted in PDF format no later than September 10, 2025.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For further information about the research topic, please contact Assist. Prof. Rok Prislan, PhD (email address: rok.prislan@innorenew.eu).

The UP IAM reserves the right for justified reasons to leave the position open, extend the application period, and consider candidates who have not submitted applications during the application period.

Application deadline: September 10, 2025