PhD student (Doctoral Researcher) in Assistive Speech Processing for Pathological Speakers in Robotic Systems F/M

Role Summary

The Signal Processing for Communication group and the Human-centered Robotics and AI group at Idiap are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on assistive speech technologies for pathological speakers integrated into robotic platforms. The project lies at the intersection of speech processing, machine learning, assistive AI, and human–robot interaction.

The research will focus on enabling robots and interactive systems to better understand and assist pathological speakers through advanced audio and AI techniques.

The PhD project will include several of the following research areas:

    •    Speech enhancement for pathological speech
    •    Source separation for pathological speakers
    •    Automatic speech recognition (ASR) for pathological speakers
    •    Human–robot interaction for healthcare and rehabilitation applications
    •    Real-time deployment on robotic systems
    •    Deep learning and generative AI methods for speech processing

The project is part of the Palliacare initiative at Idiap, which aims to develop technological tools to support patients with neurological disorders and their caregivers. 

The position is intended to be filled from September 1st 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter.

Your Profile

The ideal PhD candidate should have:

• A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Speech Processing, or a related field
• Already been accepted into the EDEE, EDIC, or EDRS doctoral programs at EPFL
• Strong programming skills in Python and machine learning frameworks
• Background in speech/audio processing, deep learning, or robotics
• Interest in interdisciplinary research combining AI, speech technologies, and healthcare
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills
• Motivation to work in an international research environment

How to apply:

Please provide the following information, as three separate pdf files:

1.     File 1: (i) CV (ii) grades from your Bachelor and Master's degrees.  

2.     File 2: (i) a personal motivation letter (maximum 2 pages, original, neither generated nor edited using AI tools); (ii) a sample of published work (Master thesis, article) if available; (iii) reference letters (if available).

3.     File 3: Contact details of 3 reference persons.

Application deadline: June 30th 2026.

Screening of applications will start on June 15th 2026.

Contact:

All queries related to the advertised position can be sent to Dr. Ina Kodrasi (ina.kodrasi@idiap.ch) and Dr. Emmanuel Senft (emmanuel.senft@idiap.ch).

About Idiap

Idiap is a research institute of national importance that engages in fundamental research, education and technology transfer in artificial intelligence. Idiap offers competitive salaries and conditions in a dynamic, multicultural environment.

Idiap is located in Martigny, Valais, a scenic region in the south of Switzerland, surrounded by the highest mountains of Europe, and offering exceptional quality of life, exciting recreational activities, including hiking, climbing and skiing, as well as varied cultural activities.

At Idiap, we believe that diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. If you believe that you could excel in this role, but you are not sure you meet all the required criteria, we very much welcome your application.

Required languages

• English - Level advanced

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