Using artificial intelligence to improve a real-world mental health crisis helpline service

Summary

In this exciting PhD research opportunity, the PhD researcher will work closely with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to analyse Lifeline, Northern Ireland's crisis response helpline. The PhD researcher, with a background in data analytics and/or statistics from a psychology or computer science background, for example, will analyse Lifeline service call data to identify patterns in caller behaviour and counsellor responses. There will also be an opportunity to trial real-time service performance dashboards and explore options for modernisation of the service, for example to experiment in the use of generative AI for chatline response generation. These insights will help guide PHA in preparing for a transition to the Encompass system.

The PhD researcher will spend around 3 months at the PHA premises over the 3-year period. There will also be opportunities to facilitate face-to-face workshops involving Lifeline, PHA and Ulster teams members and others, and to identify the current challenges and opportunities in the development of this helpline, as well as new ideas and research questions that can inform the development and trial of new analytical components.

Ulster University will support the PhD researcher and the PHA by providing expertise in data analytics, statistical analysis and machine learning, and the PhD researcher will also be supported by the Doctoral College training resources at Ulster.

The School of Computing at Ulster University was awarded the Athena SWAN (Scientific Women's Academic Network) equality charter mark from 2016 and is committed to promoting and advancing gender equality in Higher Education. We particularly welcome female applicants, as they are under-represented within the School.

The normal PhD researcher stipend of £20,000 is enhanced with a total additional stipend payment of £12,000 over the three years. This realises a financially attractive stipend of £24,000 per annum, equating to £2,000 per month tax free to the PhD researcher.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Collaborative Doctoral Partnership (CDP) Studentship Awards 2025

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £24,000 per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.