Call for expressions of interest
- Interested in applying to the EU for the 2023 MSCA Individual Fellowships?
- Do you want the Acoustics Research Centre, University of Salford to be the host organisation?
- Do you want your application supported by a Research Centre with a track record of securing MSCA fellowships?
Stage 1: 7th June 2023, complete an expression of interest and submit to Salford
- We’re looking for high quality applications in Acoustics and Audio. This is to undertake a research project of your choice but one that fits within the research strategy of Salford’s Acoustics Research Centre.
- We will select the best expressions of interest and support them to create a great bid to Horizon Europe.
Stage 2: 13th September 2023, complete the application and submit to Horizon Europe
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are funded by Horizon Europe. We will provide support and guidance to applicants who successfully go through our internal selection process. We have a track record of securing fellowships so know what is needed for a great application to Horizon Europe.
International mobility is essential, you should be moving to UK to take up the fellowship. You can be of any nationality. Fellowships include personal and career development objectives. Applications must therefore be written jointly between the applicant, the prospective supervisor and the host (Salford University). You must have a doctoral degree and a maximum of eight years full-time equivalent experience in research.
Subject contacts for informal discussions
- Architectural & Building Acoustics: t.j.cox@salford.ac.uk
- Archaeoacoustics: t.j.cox@salford.ac.uk
- Aural diversity and accessibility: Bill Davies at w.davies@salford.ac.uk.
- Audio Engineering: b.g.shirley@salford.ac.uk
- Bioacoustics: d.c.waddington@salford.ac.uk
- Computational Acoustics: j.a.hargreaves@salford.ac.uk
- Environmental noise and e-mobility: A.J.TorijaMartinez@salford.ac.uk
- Healthcare technologies: d.a.h.williams@salford.ac.uk
- Metrology & Experimental Methods: a.s.elliott@salford.ac.uk
- Signal processing & Machine Learning: f.f.li@salford.ac.uk
- Metamaterials: o.umnova@salford.ac.uk.
- Vibroacoustics: j.w.r.meggitt1@salford.ac.uk
How to apply
Complete the form below and send this to t.j.cox@salford.ac.uk with a CV.
Video from May 2022 Webinar
The video outlines the call, what we’re looking for in terms of applicant and subject areas. It gives tips on how to write a good Expression of Interest. Although it was recorded last year, the call in 2023 is very similar.
Slides from May 2022 Webinar
Q&A with Antonio Torija Martinez, Reader at Salford
Antonio held one of these Fellowships, so he can give a little insight into what it is like to apply and be successful.
What was your MSCA fellowship about?
My MSCA fellowship was on soundscape modelling and assessment. The main focus was to derive tools aiding the assessment of soundscapes impacted by ground transportation. In my fellowship, I implemented acoustics, psychoacoustics and machine learning methods.
What did you get from being a MSCA fellow?
To start with, I had the opportunity to run my own project. I was provided with all the support and guidance to carry out my research. My host institution was always very supportive, giving me access to all the facilities and resources I needed. I also had the opportunity to work with and learn from leading researchers in my area. Overall, it was a great experience which set the foundations for my development as a researcher.
What piece of advice would you give to someone applying for an MSCA fellowship?
MSCA fellowships are highly competitive. I would suggest thinking about what research they want to do. Once they make their minds, I would encourage them to discuss their research plans with senior colleagues, which are likely to aid further defining their ideas. But what is more important is to think about the host institution as soon as possible. I would advice to approach the host institution to discuss their plan and develop a competitive research proposal. Having a leading research centre as host institution is a must, not only to get the fellowship but also to successfully carry out the research project.
What makes a great applicant for the scheme?
This is a very difficult question. However, based on my experience, a great applicant is someone with a clear research vision. The research proposal should be very ambitious, aimed to produce ground-breaking outcomes.
What area of acoustics would you be interested in hosting a fellowship in?
My research is quite diverse within the field of environmental acoustics. Currently, I’m mainly working on the noise modelling and assessment of novel aerial vehicles (e.g. drones), but also in solving the noise issues of decarbonisation interventions. However, I would be interested in any research project dealing with environmental acoustics, psychoacoustics or soundscapes