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Exercise Research Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Exercise Research information

See Colorado salary details

$29.4K

$95.1K

$161.9K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Colorado is $95,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in exercise science?

The highest paying jobs in exercise science typically include exercise physiologists, sports medicine physicians, and clinical exercise specialists, especially those with advanced certifications and experience working in healthcare or research settings. These roles often require advanced degrees and specialized skills, and salaries can exceed $70,000 annually depending on location and expertise.

Is it hard to find a job as an exercise physiologist?

Finding a job as an exercise physiologist can be competitive, but opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, and fitness centers. Certification from the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association can improve job prospects, and strong communication skills are essential in this field.

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.

How to become a fitness researcher?

To become a fitness 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. Skills in data analysis, research methodology, and familiarity with laboratory equipment or fitness testing tools are important, along with experience conducting scientific studies. Certification in personal training or exercise testing can also enhance job prospects.

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 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.

Is there a high demand for exercise physiologists?

Exercise physiologists are in growing demand due to increased awareness of preventive healthcare and chronic disease management. Employment is expected to grow faster than average, especially in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and fitness centers, often requiring certification and specialized knowledge of exercise testing and rehabilitation.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Exercise Research jobs in Colorado? For Exercise Research jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Exercise Research jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Exercise Research job openings:
HPCRL Clinical Research Supervising Physician

HPCRL Clinical Research Supervising Physician

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$100 - $200/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

422nd of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary

The HPCRL Clinical Research Supervising Physician provides medical oversight and clinical expertise in support of HPCRL research studies and Clinical Core operations. Responsibilities include participant screening and safety monitoring, specialized clinical procedures, and supervision of cardiovascular stress testing. This role also contributes to the growth and sustainability of the Performance Health Analysis (PHA) program through expanded testing capabilities and community health and wellness services.

Full Consideration Date

June 30, 2026

Work Unit Description

The Human Performance Clinical Research Laboratory (HPCRL) within the Department of Health and Exercise Science conducts innovative research in state-of-the-art facilities, with an emphasis on basic, translational, and clinical applications related to chronic disease, aging, mobility, human performance, and health across the lifespan.

Essential Job Duties
  • Provide medical oversight for HPCRL research studies involving exercise training, nutritional, pharmacological, and device-based interventions, ensuring participant safety, regulatory compliance, and protocol adherence.

  • Conduct medical examinations and record reviews, support participant screening and risk assessment, interpret ECGs, and perform specialized procedures (arterial line placement, muscle biopsies) as required.

  • Supervise cardiovascular stress testing, provide medical monitoring for higher-risk participants, and respond to medical issues that arise.

  • Serve as the physician resource for the HPCRL Clinical Core, supporting internal and external partners throughout research and clinical core operations. Serve as Principal User and medical oversight authority for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) operations, ensuring regulatory compliance.

  • Support the growth and sustainability of the Performance Health Analysis (PHA) program through physician oversight, expanded testing capabilities, and revenue-generating community health and wellness services.

Conditions of Employment
  • Pre-employment Criminal Background Check required for new hires.

  • Education and credential verification required due to physician degree, board certification, and licensure requirements.

  • Must maintain an active, unrestricted license to practice medicine in Colorado, or obtain appropriate Colorado licensure prior to beginning clinical duties.

  • A valid driver's license is not required unless duties later require regular operation of CSU vehicles.

Supervision

This position does not have formal supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications
  • M.D. degree

  • Active, unrestricted license to practice medicine in Colorado, or eligibility to obtain Colorado licensure prior to beginning clinical duties.

  • Board certification in family medicine, sports medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, or a closely related field.

  • At least three years of clinical experience post-residency.

  • Experience providing medical oversight, clinical monitoring, or risk assessment for cardiovascular screening, exercise testing, clinical research, or related human participant procedures.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting clinically oriented human subjects research, particularly in exercise physiology, aging, chronic disease, mobility, human performance, or related areas.

  • Experience supervising cardiovascular stress testing, interpreting ECGs, placing arterial lines, performing muscle biopsies, or overseeing comparable physician-level research procedures.

  • Experience with DEXA operations, radiation safety expectations, or serving in a medical oversight/Principal User role.

  • Familiarity with IRB-approved research protocols, Good Clinical Practice, participant safety monitoring, and research compliance.

  • Graduate training or degree in Health and Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Clinical Research, Public Health, or a closely related field.

Application Instructions

Required application materials: Please upload one combined document that includes all required application materials.

  • Merge all required application materials (resume and cover letter) into a single file (PDF preferred).

  • Upload this combined file in the Resume/Cover Letter section of the application.

  • Ensure the document is clearly labeled, for example: Lastname_Firstname_Application.pdf.

Salary Range$100-$200/hourRequired Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

License, Resume/CV Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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