Wellbeing and Nutrition Consultant – KTP Associate

The post-holder will be a key member of Nirvana Spa, aiming to revolutionise wellness by developing customised packages that integrate spa therapies, nutritional guidance, and educational programs, all grounded in scientific research. The KTP associate will work closely with the academic team and the wider Nirvana Spa teams to manage the project. Key objectives include designing wellness packages that promote mental and physical health, conducting studies to assess their effectiveness, and incorporating knowledge of behavioural change and nutritional science into the business. Additionally, the associate will become a key subject matter expert in integrating psychology and food science into a spa setting, developing programs that can be used as tools to enhance wellness. They will provide valuable guidance and insights to inform business practices.

The associate will:

• Take ownership of the project plan, ensuring all tasks are completed in agreed timescales, following the requirements of the UKRI KTP Programme.
• Carry out detailed analysis of Nirvana Spa offerings to understand the features of a spa environment which can impact upon wellbeing and health.
• Apply knowledge of how nutrition (specifically polyphenols), and the spa facilities can enhance wellbeing and health.Conduct research transferring the knowledge between the university and the company that advances academic understanding and improves business outcomes for Nirvana Spa.
• Design and evaluate Wellness packages using behavioural and food science and deliver these packages as the customer facing consultant.
• Capture, evaluate, utilise and disseminate data relating to wellbeing, health and nutrition.
• Manage the project, ensuring effective relationships are built and maintained between the University, Nirvana Spa, and it’s customers.
• Act as a business supervisor and mentor to possible MSc, BSc and industrial placement students, identifying key experimental methods and enabling them to deliver high quality industry relevant projects.
• Represent Nirvana Spa and the University of Reading and disseminate findings at conferences, workshops and expos both nationally and internationally.
• Contribute to the writing of papers for publication in leading academic journals and other relevant media.
• Produce regular reports detailing progress on each stage of the project

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.

This is an unique opportunity to steer a collaborative project between Nirvana Spa & Leisure Limited and the University of Reading, at one of the UK’s premier destinations for health, wellness and relaxation, offering an extensive range of spa facilities, some of which are unique e.g. the renowned Dead Sea Salt Therapy Pool.

The successful applicant will be passionate about enhancing health and wellbeing through a spa environment and will work closely with the academic and company project team to lead the delivery of this key strategic project. By integrating psychological and nutritional science, this KTP project will create innovative, tailored evidence-based packages combining spa therapies, nutrition and education, setting industry standards, and positioning Nirvana Spa as a wellness leader.

This post is a 36-month fixed term contract based primarily in-person at Nirvana Spa, Mole Road, Sindlesham, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5DJ with accompanying regular visits to the University of Reading 3-4 times a month. There is potential for a permanent position at Nirvana Spa upon successful completion of this 3 year project.