Vocal Biomarkers Scholarship 2026 in Norway

The Vocal Biomarkers Scholarship 2026 in Norway is a fully funded PhD opportunity at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). The doctoral position focuses on the use of voice acoustics, signal processing, and physical modelling to investigate how measurable characteristics of human speech can be used in health-related applications.

The research project aims to understand how subtle changes in voice production may provide useful information about health conditions. The selected PhD candidate will work with voice and speech signals, develop physical and numerical models, and contribute to research that connects acoustics with healthcare.

The position is based in Trondheim, Norway, within NTNU's Department of Electronic Systems and its Acoustics research environment. The application deadline is September 1, 2026.

Vocal Biomarkers Scholarship 2026 Overview

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	Vocal Biomarkers Scholarship 2026
Host University	Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Country	Norway
Location	Trondheim
Study Level	PhD
Research Area	Vocal Biomarkers, Acoustics, Signal Processing
Funding	Fully Funded
Annual Salary	NOK 550,800 gross
Duration	3 years + up to 1 additional year
Deadline	September 1, 2026

The position is advertised as a PhD Candidate position, with a normal gross annual salary of NOK 550,800, depending on qualifications and seniority. A statutory contribution to the Norwegian State Pension Fund is deducted from the salary.

About the Vocal Biomarkers PhD Project

Vocal biomarkers are measurable characteristics of a person's voice that may provide information about physiological or health-related conditions. Research in this area combines voice analysis with technologies such as signal processing, machine learning, acoustics, and numerical modelling.

The NTNU project focuses particularly on developing interpretable and transferable methods that can work across different speakers, recording environments, and clinical situations. The research will examine the relationship between acoustic characteristics of voice and the underlying physiology and physics of voice production.

The broader research area is growing internationally, with researchers investigating whether voice recordings can support non-invasive monitoring and assessment of different health conditions.

Scholarship Benefits

The Vocal Biomarkers Scholarship provides several financial and professional benefits. The successful candidate will receive a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800, subject to qualifications and seniority.

The position also provides access to working capital for implementing the research project, career guidance throughout the PhD period, and a mentor programme for new NTNU employees. Candidates also receive favourable terms through the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund and access to employee benefits available to NTNU PhD candidates.

The international research environment provides an additional opportunity to collaborate with researchers working in acoustics, speech, voice, health, and related disciplines.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have a relevant Master's degree in acoustics, signal processing, physics, mathematics, computer science, or another relevant technical or quantitative discipline. Students who are currently completing a Master's degree may also apply, but they must obtain and document the degree before starting the PhD position.

The applicant's education should correspond to a five-year Norwegian degree programme, including 120 credits at Master's level. Candidates must also meet the admission requirements for the Faculty's PhD programme in Electronics and Telecommunication.

A strong background in mathematics or physics and good programming skills are required. Experience with Python or MATLAB is particularly relevant. Applicants should also have strong academic results, normally equivalent to a B grade or better on the NTNU grading scale.

Good written and spoken English skills are also required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Applicants with additional experience in acoustics, speech processing, voice signal processing, physical modelling, numerical modelling, or simulation may have an advantage.

Experience with areas such as finite-element modelling, acoustic modelling, vocal-tract modelling, or voice-production models is particularly relevant to the research project. An interest in biomedical and healthcare applications, as well as experience working with clinical data, is also valued.

The opportunity is therefore particularly suitable for graduates from technical and quantitative fields who want to apply their expertise to health-related research.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit their application and supporting documents electronically through Jobbnorge.no.

The application should include academic transcripts and diplomas for Bachelor's and Master's degrees, a CV, and a copy of the Master's thesis. If the thesis has recently been submitted, a draft may be accepted, but proof of the completed degree must be provided before the position begins.

Applicants must also provide a short motivation letter of approximately 400 words or one page. Publications, certificates, and other relevant research work can be included where applicable.

Candidates should provide the names and contact information of at least two relevant referees. Applicants who completed their education outside Norway may also need to provide documentation describing the scope and quality of their education, including a diploma supplement where available.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare their academic documents, CV, Master's thesis, motivation letter, and referee information before starting the online application.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Jobbnorge.no before the deadline. Candidates should ensure that their documents clearly demonstrate their academic qualifications, programming abilities, research experience, and suitability for the vocal biomarkers project.

A strong motivation letter should explain why the applicant is interested in vocal biomarker research and how their previous education or research experience relates to acoustics, signal processing, modelling, computer science, or health applications.

Duration of the PhD Position

The employment period is three years, with the possibility of up to one additional year for career-promoting work in the Acoustics group. During the position, the candidate is expected to complete doctoral education, conduct high-quality research, publish results in international journals and conferences, and actively participate in the research group.

The position may also involve participation in international conferences and research stays abroad, providing opportunities for broader academic and professional development.

Research Focus

The central research question concerns how vocal characteristics can be used as potential indicators for health applications.

The selected candidate will record, analyse, and process voice and speech signals, develop physical and numerical models of voice production, and investigate relationships between acoustic features and the underlying physiology and physics.

This interdisciplinary approach makes the PhD relevant to several areas, including acoustics, artificial intelligence, signal processing, computer science, physics, mathematics, biomedical research, and healthcare technology.

Why Apply for the Vocal Biomarkers Scholarship?

The Vocal Biomarkers Scholarship is an attractive opportunity for graduates who want to pursue advanced research at the intersection of technology and healthcare.

The position offers a paid PhD employment opportunity rather than a traditional tuition-based scholarship. In addition to the annual salary, candidates receive access to NTNU's research environment, professional mentoring, career guidance, and opportunities to work with national and international research partners.

The research topic is also highly relevant to emerging healthcare technologies. Voice-based analysis is increasingly being investigated as a potential non-invasive approach for assessing and monitoring health conditions.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Vocal Biomarkers Scholarship 2026 in Norway is September 1, 2026. Applications and all required attachments must be submitted electronically through Jobbnorge before the deadline.

Applicants should not wait until the final day because academic documents, thesis files, motivation letters, and referee information need to be prepared before submission.

Final Thoughts

The Vocal Biomarkers Scholarship 2026 in Norway is a fully funded PhD opportunity for candidates with backgrounds in acoustics, signal processing, physics, mathematics, computer science, and related technical disciplines.

With a gross annual salary of NOK 550,800, a three-year PhD employment period with the possibility of an additional year, research support, mentoring, and access to NTNU's international research environment, the position offers strong academic and professional prospects.

Candidates with strong quantitative skills, programming experience, and an interest in using voice technology for healthcare applications should consider applying. The deadline is September 1, 2026, so eligible applicants should begin preparing their applications now. Apply Now