Machine Learning Research Intern

The EU Music Technology team at Sony AI is looking for Research Interns who are dedicated to advancing machine learning for audio signal processing. Our mission is to research and develop technologies for various Sony Group initiatives and for scientific publication. The workplace language is English, and our team is distributed worldwide.

The focus of the internship can be around one of the following topics:

Leveraging generative music/audio models for synthesizing training data. Philosophical inquiry into how language can meaningfully relate to generation in text-to-music systems.

Learn more about Sony AI here:

Roles and Responsibilities:

As a Research Intern, you will investigate and apply novel algorithms that combine audio signal processing and machine learning techniques in areas such as generative modelling (topic 1) or linguistics/semiotics (topic 2). You are expected to develop and implement these algorithms by applying your research, coding, and problem-solving skills. You will be supported in your efforts by having access to groundbreaking resources within Sony AI and an outstanding and extensive catalogue of music data. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other Sony Research teams and Sony Business Groups across the globe.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Enrolled in a Master's/PhD course in a relevant field.
• Topic 1:
  • Solid understanding of general machine learning.
  • Knowledge of audio signal processing, deep learning architectures, and training/testing methodologies.
  • Experience in cleaning, manipulating, and analysing audio data.
  • Good Python coding skills and experience with PyTorch or TensorFlow.
• Topic 2:
  • Solid understanding of linguistics.
  • Familiarity with language models' operation.
  • Familiarity with linguistics applied to language models.
  • Knowledge of contemporary debates on LLMs, language, and meaning.

Preferred qualifications

• Record of relevant academic publications.
• Interest in music/audio.

Please note that candidates are required to have a valid work permit for the country they are applying to.

Life at Sony Research:

Our work environment is diverse and motivated with an innovative open mindset. Sony AI is committed to building a diverse team of people with different characters, stories and skillsets because we know this drives innovation and creativity. Our commitment to nurturing a friendly and supportive place of work where everyone has a sense of belonging and inclusion creates an atmosphere of learning and personal growth. We focus on achieving healthy work-life balance for our teams, supported by hybrid and flexible working.

You will work on exciting projects at the cutting edge of AI that are in the realms of entertainment or for the betterment of society, and you will have access to the most innovative technologies from across the Sony universe and the opportunity to partner with Sony's leading companies.

When projects are finished, we publish our work, and all our contributors are recognised on research pieces, at top-tier conferences, and in journals. You will also have access to workshops and development programs to expand your knowledge and skills. We want you to drive your career, find your direction and take authorship of your personal story at Sony AI, while enjoying the security and the resource-rich environment that comes with being part of a global corporation that has R&D in its DNA.

Bring your uniqueness to Sony:

We are passionate about creating a culture that promotes equity and cultivates inclusion, diversity, and belonging. We want employees with diverse backgrounds and perspectives that will stimulate innovation and have a direct impact on our creation of social value to fulfil Sony's purpose – 'to fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology'. We want you to bring your unique self to work and help shape our culture.

Equal Opportunity:

Sony Europe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, or any other protected characteristics.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Europe

Sony Europe will provide reasonable accommodation for any qualified individuals with disabilities in the application process. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at or by mail to: Sony Europe Limited, Human Resources Department, the Heights, Brooklands, Surrey, KT13 0XW, UK. When contacting us please indicate the position you are applying for, and the accommodation required.

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