Changes in the voice: a novel biomarker for COVID19

Eligibility: UK/EU graduates with the required entry requirements

PhD funding award: Bursary plus tuition fees (UK/EU)

Duration: Full-Time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Application deadline: 14^th of August 2020

Interview date: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: September 2020 orJan 2020. Subject to discussion and agreement

For further details contact: Professor Richard Aspinall

About the project

COVID19 is a viral infection which attacks the epithelial cells of the respiratory system. Infection and the subsequent response of the body lead to either resolution of the disease or further morbidity and in some cases mortality. Because the lungs and respiratory system are involved in the disease process this will impact on the voice, altering its timbre. The current pandemic offers a unique opportunity to determine whether specific changes in the sound of the voice may be used as a potential biomarker to predict the presence of the virus prior to the onset of any symptoms. Sampling will involve reading a specific paragraph into a mobile phone app and through advanced signal processing of the same speech throughout time, enabling us to determine whether disease onset is associated with specific changes in their voice.

Benefits

Training and Development

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills.

All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College and Centre for Research Capability and Development, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Candidate specification

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
  PLUS
  the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

How to apply

All applications require full supporting documentation, plus a covering letter showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

Before applying, and to find out more, please contact Prof Richard Aspinall