Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design is looking for a term Research Fellow to join its Spatial Audio Studio. Founded in 2018, the Spatial Audio Studio at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) provides an environment for research, technological innovation, and education in the sonic arts and sound design. This fellowship is a rare opportunity to join the studio as it works toward establishing itself as a research center at RISD where sound as an area of investigation and study often bridges disciplines. The fellow will propose an ongoing or early phase independent research project that makes use of Spatial Audio Studio facilities, including a 25.4 channel loudspeaker array, with expected outlets for exposition or publication within the period of employment, such as conferences, journals, or festivals.

The Research Fellow will conduct independent research and work with RISD faculty, staff, and students on collaborative projects involving spatial audio technologies (e.g high order ambisonics, high-density loudspeaker arrays). When collaborating on team projects, this position will work alongside the Faculty Lead and affiliated researchers while pursuing funding through grants, developing relationships with corporate and institutional partners, and liaising with sponsors. Responsibilities will also include investigation and implementation of new technologies, supervision of student assistants, project administration and budgeting, contributions to educational programs, and advancement of the Spatial Audio Studio as a research center.

Essential Functions

• Conduct an independent research project involving spatial audio, making use of the studio's resources. Share research outcomes through internal and external presentations. Submit papers, demonstrations, performances, and/or installations for review to conferences and similar venues. Present accepted work. Seek to contribute to journals or other forms of publication.
• Collaborate on the studios's team research projects, which will include developing and managing grant-funded work, engaging industry partners, and overseeing related project administration including budgeting, planning, and compliance.
• Liaise with corporate and institutional partners, funding agencies, sponsors, independent contractors, and community organizations. Assist with fundraising through grant applications and partner/sponsor outreach.
• Supervise and mentor student assistants assigned to the studio's research projects or programs.
• Organize a visiting lecture/workshop series, give demonstrations/tours, and assist with the studio's events.

Additional Functions:

• Assist the Faculty Lead with projects, programs and functions of the studio, in support of its mission, as directed, including coordinating with associated College offices and departments.
• Maintain and update internal and external facing web pages.
• Travel as required for project activity and sharing of research outcomes.
• Complete other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Graduate degree in sonic arts, audio engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent level of professional work experience
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in one or more of the following areas: sound and music computing, audio engineering, spatial audio, sound synthesis, music recording and production, sound reinforcement systems, sonic interaction design, audio electronics, digital signal processing, software development, acoustics
• Ability to work independently on a proposed research project that engages the studio's current research direction in spatial audio
• Proficiency with one or more of the following audio programming languages: Max, Pure Data, SuperCollider
• Competency with DAW software (e.g. Reaper, Ableton Live, etc.) and Unix tools (i.e. using terminal, git, etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team
• Demonstrated commitment and ability to work with a diverse population of students, instructors, and staff.

Preferred qualifications:

• Additional programming language competency, e.g. C/C++, JavaScript, Python
• Experience supervising students or other personnel in an educational setting
• Experience with studio/lab management

Union

No

Work Schedule

35 hours/week; 12 months/year

Employment Status

Full-Time; Exempt. Three-year term.

Grade

11/AD

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.