Affective Computing Data Scientist (KTP Associate)

Blueskeye AI Ltd, in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, is seeking a highly motivated graduate to lead an innovative project focused on AI-enhanced teletherapy.

This opportunity is suited to a graduate with expertise in computer science, data analytics, psychology or a related discipline, who is interested in applying artificial intelligence and behavioural data analysis to real-world mental health challenges.

Working closely with academic experts from Queen’s University Belfast and industry specialists at Blueskeye AI Ltd, the successful candidate will apply research, analytical and technical skills to advance innovative approaches in affective computing, social signal processing and digital health.

The role offers the opportunity to develop expertise in research methods, data science, machine learning, behavioural analysis and mental health technologies while operating at the interface of academia and industry. One of the key KTP benefits is access to a £4,000 personal development budget over the 24-month project, alongside structured training and professional development opportunities.

Key Criteria

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Analytics, Psychology or a closely related discipline.
• Experience of research methods, data collection and statistical analysis.
• Experience of affective computing and/or social signal processing.
• Experience analysing human expressive behaviour, including facial expression, voice and gesture.
• Strong IT skills, including data processing and management of complex datasets.
• Familiarity with psychotherapy and/or clinician training environments.
• Strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.

The above criteria are not exhaustive. Candidates should refer to the Candidate Information Booklet for the full list of essential and desirable criteria before applying.

The project will develop AI-enhanced teletherapy technologies to analyse therapist-client interactions, support mental health monitoring and improve therapy outcomes. It forms part of Blueskeye’s B-Healthy Teletherapy strategy and will contribute to the development of digital biomarkers and tools that enhance the delivery of talking therapies.

Employed by Queen’s University Belfast and supported by a team of academic experts, you will be based at Blueskeye in Nottingham.

As a KTP Associate, you will lead on the delivery of the following key project stages:

1. Induction and integration with Blueskeye: theoretical foundations of affective computing and the psychology of therapeutic interaction.
2. Design of an ethical experimental protocol for capturing therapist–client (dyadic) interactions, in collaboration with the QUB Social Interactions and Emotions Laboratory.
3. Submission of an ethics approval and respond to requests for clarifications and changes.
4. Development of therapeutic-specific annotation schemes for rapport, empathy and therapeutic alliance markers.
5. Data acquisition in teletherapy and face-to-face settings, including handling real-world “in the wild” recording challenges (occlusion, lighting, audio quality).
6. Data science and evaluation: developing new digital biomarkers of mental health and therapeutic trajectories and determining how they benefit teletherapy.
7. Embedding capability into Blueskeye’s machine learning workflows and product, supporting the route to a regulated medical device.
8. Impact and dissemination, including publications and contribution to therapist training tools.