Job Description
Full-time, Fixed Term for 36 months
Closing date: 23:59 GMT on Monday 8th September
Join a Groundbreaking Wellness Innovation Project at Nirvana Spa
This exciting opportunity is part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) funded by Innovate UK and Nirvana Spa. We’re seeking a passionate and driven individual to lead a transformative 36-month project based primarily at Nirvana Spa, one of the UK’s premier destinations for health, wellness, and relaxation, located in Sindlesham, Wokingham, Berkshire.
As part of this strategic initiative, you’ll play a pivotal role in designing and delivering bespoke wellness packages that combine spa therapies, nutritional guidance, and educational programs all underpinned by cutting-edge scientific research. You’ll work closely with the academic team from the University of Reading’s School of Psychology and Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, visiting the university approximately 3-4 days per month.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the development of innovative wellness programs that enhance both mental and physical health.
- Conducting studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs, applying principles of behavioural change and nutritional science.
- Becoming a subject matter expert in integrating health psychology and food science into a spa environment.
- Influencing business practices by providing evidence-based insights and guidance to Nirvana Spa’s leadership team.
Your Team
You’ll be employed by the University of Reading, but will work within the Marketing team at Nirvana Spa.
- Academic Supervisors: Dr Daniel Lamport (School of Psychology), Prof Jeremy Spencer (Food and Nutritional Sciences), Dr Katie Barfoot (School of Psychology)
- Business Supervisors: Claire Prevost (Head of Marketing), Joanna Powley (Head of Finance)
Professional Development
We’re committed to your growth. You’ll benefit from:
- A £6,000 personal training budget tailored to your development goals.
- Access to residential management skills training.
- Mentorship from leading experts in psychology, nutrition, and marketing.
About Nirvana Spa
Nirvana Spa & Leisure Limited offers a truly unique wellness experience, featuring world-class facilities including the renowned Dead Sea Salt Therapy Pool. Learn more at nirvanacollection.co.uk.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a proactive and knowledgeable individual who can bridge academic insight with practical application in a commercial wellness setting. You should have:
- A strong academic background with a Master’s degree or PhD in Psychology and/or Nutritional Sciences, or equivalent professional work experience.
- A genuine passion for wellness and innovation with demonstrable knowledge of how behavioural science and or nutritional science can be used to promote health and wellbeing.
- The ability to apply research skills and interpret complex information to support business objectives and projects.
- The ability to manage complex projects with multiple priorities and deadlines
- Excellent communication skills with experience of engaging with a range of diverse audiences.
- Commercial awareness gained through working with industry partners, contributing to commercial projects, or operating within a business environment.
Contact Name – Dr Daniel Lamport
Contact Job Title – Associate Professor
Contact Email address - daniel.lamport@reading.ac.uk
Alternative Contact Name – Dr Katie Barfoot
Alternative Contact Job Title - Lecturer
Alternative Contact Email address - katie.barfoot@reading.ac.uk
Please note interviews will be held in person at Nirvana Spa (Wokingham, Berkshire) on Thursday 25th September 2025
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
