Applied Psychologist for Digital Mental Health (KTP Associate) - GCU01810

The Applied Psychologist for Digital Mental Health (KTP Associate) will be an employee of Glasgow Caledonian University but will be based at SAMH's Glasgow offices with regular supervision meetings with the University's supervisory team. This is a full-time, fixed-term opportunity for 24 months. Interviews for this role will take place on 23 July 2025. An additional £4,000 training and development budget is available with this position.

The purpose of this role is, in collaboration with the Computing Associate, to lead the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of a psychologically-informed and AI-driven triaging system for individuals seeking mental health support, and an online service user gateway to provide personalized outcomes and enhance support within Scotland's national mental health charity, Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH). The role holder will use contemporary psychological theory and evidence to ensure that the triaging system and online service user gateway are person-centred, aligned to appropriate therapeutic approaches and language, provide quick and accurate identification of service user risk, and comply with relevant legislative, professional, and regulatory guidelines.

The Associate will work with SAMH colleagues, stakeholders, and service users to create a project steering group and co-create the Digital Gateway interface to meet service user needs. The successful candidate will play a key role in leading the evidence-based, therapeutically-informed development, implementation, and evaluation of the AI-triage system and service user gateway. They will be responsible for coordinating the day-to-day delivery of the project in collaboration with the Computing Associate, SAMH, and Glasgow Caledonian University.

The postholder will engage with service users and stakeholders to embed co-creation within the development process, ensuring these tools are person-centred and grounded in therapeutic principles. They will also ensure that the online service user experience mirrors in-person services to support seamless transitions for users. The postholder will be based at SAMH, working closely with mental health professionals and service users to develop a practical and user-friendly AI-triaging tool and service user gateway to transform mental health access and support across Scotland.

They will benefit from academic support and supervision from a specialist team at Glasgow Caledonian University, providing access to a strong research and teaching environment in applied psychology across various disciplines and therapeutic approaches. The role offers opportunities for knowledge transfer, industry collaboration, and ongoing professional development, with funding available for training and conference participation.

We seek an Applied Psychologist with at least a Masters-level qualification in applied psychology and mental health, with experience developing and/or delivering digital mental health interventions and services. Ideally, the candidate will be a Chartered member of the British Psychological Society and/or registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, with experience applying person-centred approaches in applied psychology contexts. Experience working within multidisciplinary teams and in mental health, therapeutic, or third sector settings is essential. Strong experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods is advantageous, along with experience evaluating mental health interventions. Skills in psychological assessment, therapeutic formulation, and case management are required.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for a Practitioner Psychologist to apply their skills in a real-world mental health setting, working directly with service providers to improve access and effectiveness of mental health referrals and support. It provides a chance to contribute to addressing Scotland's mental health crisis while developing expertise in applied AI, ethical governance for digital services, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

About SAMH: Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), established in 1923, is Scotland's national mental health charity. We operate over 70 services that inform our policy and campaign work to influence positive social change. Our vision is to address the rising demand for mental health support and reduce strain on existing health systems by providing innovative solutions, including a digital mental health gateway and AI triage tool, to improve access to mental health services.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership: This project is part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK, aimed at helping businesses improve competitiveness and productivity through knowledge, technology, and skills transfer. KTP Associates spend about 10% of their time on training and development. You will be employed by the University but based at the company. Many KTP Associates secure permanent roles with their host company after the project.

About Glasgow Caledonian University: As the University for the Common Good, we are committed to embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion, and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates who demonstrate our GCU Values. We are dedicated to a fair and transparent recruitment process that is free from bias, aiming to attract and retain a high-performing workforce. GCU holds the Athena SWAN Silver award for promoting gender equality. Our research, particularly in health, is recognized for high impact and excellence, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are a Disability Confident 'Committed' employer and support staff with caring responsibilities through the Carer Positive Engaged employer award. GCU is also a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant. We offer various benefits including professional development opportunities, family-friendly policies, cycle schemes, and onsite childcare.