Role
Are you interested in bioacoustics, linguistics and the evolution of language? We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join our multidisciplinary project 'Convergent Evolution of Vocal Communication:
Exploring the Parallels between Birdsong and Human Speech'. This collaboration between Dr Amy Leedale (University of Salford) and Dr Hae-Sung Jeon (University of Lancashire) is funded by the North-West Crucible Pump Priming Research Grant, UK.
The project will develop novel analytical frameworks for investigating parallels between birdsong and human speech, with outcomes informing future research into how sound is memorized and learned by songbirds and humans.
The Research Assistant will make a significant contribution to high-quality, high-impact research by establishing standardized acoustic data processing techniques and conducting a comprehensive evidence synthesis.
We welcome applicants with backgrounds in human speech analysis, animal vocalization research, or other areas of bioacoustics. Training in project-specific tools will be provided.
Application Details:
Interested candidates should contact Dr Amy Leedale (a.e.leedale@salford.ac.uk) or Dr Hae-Sung Jeon (HJeon1@lancashire.ac.uk) with their CV and a short cover letter explaining motivation and suitability to the role. Interviews are expected to take place on 8th December 2025. Final dates will be confirmed with applicants
Please note: The appointed Research Assistant must be eligible to work in the UK and will be subject to a right to work check.
Duties and responsibilities
Data Annotation & Acoustic Analysis
â— Label birdsong recordings for syllable and other prosodic structure with high accuracy
â— Conduct sophisticated acoustic measurements using Luscina and Praat
â— Extract and process temporal, spectral, and melodic features from audio data
â— Create reproducible analysis pipelines with comprehensive documentation
Statistical Analysis & Visualization
â— Perform statistical analyses using R
â— Develop clear, publication-quality data visualizations
â— Create open-source R scripts for transparent and reproducible workflows
Literature Synthesis
â— Conduct a critical review of studies examining parallels between birdsong and human speech, with particular focus on melody and rhythm
â— Synthesize methodological approaches and identify research gaps
â— Contribute to manuscript preparation
Skills and experience
Essential Requirements
â— Master's degree (or equivalent experience) in bioacoustics, behavioral ecology, psychology, linguistics, speech science, or related quantitative field
â— Some familiarity with bioacoustics (human speech or animal vocalizations)
â— Strong proficiency in R for statistical analysis and data visualization â— Experience with systematic data annotation â— Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
â— Strong written and oral communication skills Desirable Requirements
â— Experience with acoustic analysis software (Praat, Luscina, or similar tools)
â— Experience analyzing any type of vocal communication system (human or animal)
â— Knowledge of phonetic/phonological analysis or vocal learning theory
â— Familiarity with systematic review methodologies
â— Interests in open science practices and reproducible research
Location
University of Salford
Benefits
What We Offer
â— Comprehensive training in bioacoustic analysis
â— Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge comparative bioacoustics research
â— Development of skills in advanced analytical techniques and open science practices
â— Collaborative, supportive research environment
â— Potential for co-authorship on resulting publications
â— Flexible working arrangements
Additional information
Application Details
Interested candidates should contact Dr Amy Leedale (a.e.leedale@salford.ac.uk) or Dr Hae-Sung Jeon (HJeon1@lancashire.ac.uk) with their CV and a short cover letter explaining motivation and suitability to the role. Interviews are expected to take place on 8th December 2025. Final dates will be confirmed with applicants.
Start date: 5th January 2026
End date: 3rd July 2026
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