Marine Ecoacoustics and Informatics Lab
Research Field
Dr. Tzu-Hao Lin's research focuses on harnessing underwater soundscapes as a predictive tool for marine biodiversity. Leveraging the power of machine learning, his team has pioneered advanced methods for analyzing soundscapes. Their open-source soundscape_IR package is a groundbreaking tool for ecoacoustics that enables the sound separation of biological, environmental, and anthropogenic sources, transforming underwater recordings into indicators of marine ecosystem dynamics. In 2018, he launched the Ocean Biodiversity Listening Project, an open science initiative that aims to inform marine biodiversity conservation through soundscape monitoring. Collaborating with global partners, Dr. Lin's team has mapped soundscape dynamics in a variety of marine ecosystems, from shallow-water reefs to deep-sea hydrothermal vents and abyssal plains, revealing the acoustic diversity of marine ecosystems and highlighting the perturbations caused by anthropogenic noise.
Marine Ecoacoustics and Information Lab (MEIL) is based in Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica. Led by Dr. Tzu-Hao Lin, MEIL investigates the applications of ecological informatics in biodiversity monitoring and conservation management. Ocean sound is one of our primary subjects. We integrate passive acoustics and machine learning to track the spatial-temporal changes of biotic and abiotic sounds. By characterizing soundscapes, we seek to understand the mutual impacts among marine ecosystems, climate change, and anthropogenic activities. We also interest in other non-acoustic techniques, such as environmental DNA, for capturing the dynamics of marine ecosystems. Our goal is to generate open data and reusable models that can facilitate the retrieval of ecological information and increase the efficiency of decision making.
Below are media reports covering our soundscape research:
• The twilight chorus that can be heard 18,000 feet under the sea (Defector, 2024) https://defector.com/the-twilight-chorus-that-can-be-heard-18000-feet-under-the-sea
• Could listening to the deep sea help save it? (The New York Times, 2020) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/science/deep-sea-marine-biology-acoustics.html
• Underwater acoustics - Pick up the tempo (Marine Technology Reporter, 2021) https://www.marinetechnologynews.com/news/subsea-technology-underwater-acoustics-609467
MEIL's research focus on the following directions:
- Developing AI tools for animal bioacoustics and ecoacoustics
- Using underwater soundscapes to assess marine ecosystem diversity
- Combining ecoacoustics with eDNA metabarcoding for biodiversity assessment
2024 Joint Usage and Collaborative Research Grant, University of the Ryukyus
2023 Excellent Young Scholars Grant, NSTC
2021 Best Research Paper Award, Taiwan Acoustical Association
2020 National Innovation Award
2020 AI for Earth, Microsoft
2015 Best Research Paper Award, Taiwan Acoustical Association
2014 Young Fisheries Acoustician Award, Asian Fisheries Acoustics Society
2013 Young Researcher Award, IEEE OES Japan Chapter
2025-present Associate Research Fellow, Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica
2020-present Adjunct Associate Professor, Taiwan International Graduate Program –Biodiversity, Academia Sinica
2020-2024 Assistant Research Fellow, Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica
2018-2020 Young Research Fellow, Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
2016-2018 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Research Center for Information Technology Innovation, Academia Sinica
2013-2016 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University
2013 Ph. D., National Taiwan University
Job Description
Interns are expected to conduct their research activities during regular working hours at the Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica. Interns should prepare their own personal laptop for research work.
Subject to the PI’s approval, interns may participate in field surveys. Necessary travel expenses incurred during field surveys will be covered by the lab in accordance with relevant institutional regulations.
Please submit your application documents:
- Cover Letter: Explain why you are interested in this position, why you are suitable, and your future career plans.
- Resume/CV: Include contact information, education background, work experience, expertise, research outcomes, and project development experience.
- At least two recommendation letters.
Preferred Intern Educational Level
We welcome applicants from backgrounds such as Ecology, Marine Science, Bioacoustics, Data Science, AI for Sustainability.
Undergraduate (in third or final year) or master students with curiosity, strong motivation, and interest in interdisciplinary research are especially encouraged. Individuals holding a B.S. or Master's degree, and are interested in applying a PhD program are also welcome.
Skill sets or Qualities
Essential qualifications
- Fluent English speaking and writing, with experiences in academic presentation.
- Proficient in Python programming.
- Detail-oriented, responsible, and an excellent team player.
Bonus Qualifications
- AI tool development experience.
- Internationally recognized scuba diving certification (please detail your diving experience).
- Other aquatic activity certifications.