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Exercise Research Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

As an Exercise Physiologist in Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab at Banner University Medical Center Tucson ... research. Also located on the campus is Diamond Children's - recognized for its specialized ...

Research Technician II

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17 - $23.50/hr

Dr Simpson's research activities are predominantly concerned with how exercise impacts the immune system, utilizing both human and animal research models. Visa sponsorship is not available for this ...

Research Technician II

Tucson, AZ

$16.75 - $23/hr

... of exercise equipment forhuman test subjects. Data Collection * Collects andcompiles research data. * Completes basiccalculations of test results. * Handles allaspects of information intake from ...

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Exercise Research information

See Arizona salary details

$26.1K

$84.3K

$143.5K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Arizona is $84,261.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,900.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is exercise research?

Exercise research is the scientific study of physical activity, its effects on the human body, and how exercise can be used to prevent or treat health conditions. Researchers in this field investigate topics like exercise physiology, biomechanics, sports performance, rehabilitation, and the psychological impacts of physical activity. The goal is to understand how different types, intensities, and frequencies of exercise influence health, fitness, and overall well-being. Exercise research informs guidelines for physical activity and helps develop interventions to improve public health.

What are jobs in exercise research?

Jobs in exercise research include exercise physiologists who research the human body and how it responds and adapts to exercise. As an exercise physiologist, you examine the human response to exercise. Your responsibilities involve the study of subjects in controlled lab settings. You develop tests to prove a thesis by recording physical, metabolic, and development information. Other duties can include working in an exercise science department at a research institute or post-secondary school. Keeping up to date on current peer-reviewed exercise science research is a critical part of your job. As a researcher, you travel to various locations to research and test subjects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Researcher, you need a strong background in exercise science, physiology, research methodology, and typically a relevant advanced degree such as a master's or PhD. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R), laboratory equipment, and human performance testing tools is essential. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills set outstanding researchers apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing rigorous studies, accurately analyzing data, and effectively communicating findings to advance the field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in exercise research, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in exercise research often encounter challenges such as recruiting a sufficient and diverse participant pool, ensuring compliance with study protocols, and controlling for external variables that may affect outcomes. These challenges are typically addressed through strategic partnerships with local fitness centers or clinics, the use of robust study designs, and careful data management. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, including statisticians and clinicians, also helps ensure methodological rigor and the reliability of research findings.

What is the difference between Exercise Research vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectExercise ResearchExercise Physiologist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's/PhD), research certificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in exercise science, certification (e.g., ACSM)
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, healthcare institutionsClinics, hospitals, fitness centers, community health programs
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research institutions, government agenciesHealthcare, fitness, rehabilitation facilities
Primary FocusConducting studies, developing exercise protocols, advancing scientific knowledgeDesigning and implementing exercise programs for health and rehabilitation

Exercise Research focuses on scientific studies and developing new exercise protocols, often within academic or research settings. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists apply this knowledge directly to patient care and fitness programs. Both roles require related credentials but serve different purposes within the health and fitness industry.

How do I become an exercise researcher?

To become an exercise researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced roles. Gaining experience through internships, research assistant positions, and developing skills in data analysis and laboratory techniques are important steps. Certification or training in research methods and familiarity with relevant tools like statistical software can also enhance job prospects.

What careers can you get with exercise research?

Careers in exercise research include roles such as exercise physiologist, sports scientist, research analyst, and clinical exercise specialist. These positions often require knowledge of human physiology, data analysis skills, and certifications like ACSM or NSCA, and may involve working in laboratories, healthcare settings, or sports organizations.

What are popular job titles related to Exercise Research jobs in Arizona?

For Exercise Research jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $84,261 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Bannerhealth

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Primary City/State:

Tucson, Arizona

Department Name:

Cardiac Rehab-Hosp

Work Shift:

Varied

Job Category:

Clinical Care

Great careers are built at Banner Health. We understand that talented health care professionals appreciate having options. We are proud to offer our team members many career and lifestyle choices throughout our network of facilities. This could be the perfect opportunity for you.

As an Exercise Physiologist in Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab at Banner University Medical Center Tucson Main Campus, you will play a key role in supporting patients across all phases of recovery, from inpatient to long-term maintenance. The daily work includes assessing patients' medical status, developing individualized exercise prescriptions, and leading supervised exercise sessions while closely monitoring vitals, ECG, and symptoms to ensure safety. You will provide education on lifestyle medication, breathing techniques, and risk-factor management, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to support recovery and long-term wellness. Through compassionate coaching and evidence-based practice, you will help patients build confidence, improve functional capacity, and transition safely from hospital care to independent exercise.

Location: BUMC-Tucson, Main Campus (1625 N Campbell Ave)

Shift: Full-Time, 8hr or 10hr shifts available, Clinic hours 6am-5pm.

Ideal Candidate:

  • 1 year Cardiac Rehab experience or completion of Cardiac Rehab Internship (clearly reflected in resume);

  • BLS & ACLS (uploaded with application).

Banner - University Medical Center Tucson is nationally recognized for providing exceptional patient care, teaching future health-care professionals and conducting groundbreaking research. Also located on the campus is Diamond Children's - recognized for its specialized pediatric services including neonatal and intensive care, emergency medicine and cancer therapies. Banner - University Medical Center Tucson is a Level 1 Trauma Center, meaning we care for the most critically injured patients. The hospital is consistently listed among the nation's top hospitals in the prestigious Best Hospitals ranking by U.S. News & World Report. The academic medical center has earned Magnet Recognition becoming the only hospital in southern Arizona to meet the rigorous standards of the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Magnet Recognition Program for nursing excellence. The hospital's physicians are full-time faculty of the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson. Our specialty services include comprehensive heart and cancer care, advanced neuroscience techniques and a multi-organ transplant program.

POSITION SUMMARY
This position provides assessment, treatment, and education to cardiac and pulmonary patients and their families in an outpatient cardiac, pulmonary rehabilitation or inpatient setting. Writes exercise prescriptions to progress patients through phase two and three outpatient rehabilitation.


CORE FUNCTIONS

1. Evaluates patient's functional abilities and limitations to determine appropriate intervention. Develops a plan of care and exercise goals, as ordered by physician or other referral source. Works alongside and receives guidance from other more experienced team members when working in phase I and II cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation. May oversee phase III outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehab independently.

2. Implements individualized exercise plans based on patients' physical and age-specific needs and abilities. Ensures that treatment plans are supported by standard practices and/or current literature. Reevaluates treatment plans, as needed, to ensure safety and maximum patient benefit.

3. Educates patients, family, and other care providers post cardiac to promote patient participation and attainment of exercise program goals. Provides individualized home programs with clear instructions. Instructs patients and families in pathology, discharge guidelines, risk factor modification, and exercise individually and through classes for both cardiac and pulmonary patients.

4. Under general supervision, documents patient treatment according to professional and regulatory standards.

5. Follows plan of care to accomplish functions within established procedures and scope of practice. Confers with lead or supervisor on any unusual situations.

6. Utilizes basic understanding of medical devices, equipment function and quality control measurements. Adheres to safety policies. Demonstrates the ability to trouble shoot and notifies appropriate personnel to maintain equipment performance. Maintains a safe environment for patients, staff and visitors.

7. Complies with all ethical, legal and professional responsibilities. Maintains confidentiality of all patient information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires a level of clinical knowledge as normally obtained through Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology or related field.

Minimum experience of a 300 + hour internship in cardiac rehabilitation or equivalent clinical/patient hours.

Requires knowledge in cardiac/pulmonary physiology, management and treatment of chronic disease, health promotion, ECG interpretation.

Requires the ability to work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare providers. Must have strong interpersonal, communication and human relation skills.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in Exercise Physiology or related field

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification

600+ hour internship in outpatient cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

EEO Statement:

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