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Exercise Research Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Many athletes, physicians and researchers have stated that Smart 20 workouts really are the pinnacle application of exercise science. There is just nothing in the fitness industry that compares to ...

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Many athletes, physicians and researchers have stated that Smart 20 workouts really are the pinnacle application of exercise science. There is just nothing in the fitness industry that compares to ...

SIGINT/EW Exercise Scripter

Fort Carson, CO · On-site

$97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Demonstrates ability to lead teams in researching multifaceted or critical problems. * Must pass ... Exercise Scenario Designer * Simulation Scripter * Training Exercise Planner * Scenario Script ...

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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 Aug 15, 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 careers can you get with exercise research?

Exercise research can lead to careers such as exercise physiologist, sports scientist, fitness researcher, or clinical research coordinator. These roles often require knowledge of human physiology, data analysis skills, and sometimes certifications like ACSM or NSCA. Employment settings include universities, sports organizations, healthcare facilities, and research institutions.

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 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.

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 research roles. Skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and familiarity with research methodologies are essential, along with experience using tools like statistical software. Gaining practical experience through internships or research assistant positions can also improve job prospects.

How to get into exercise research?

To pursue a career in exercise research, 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 can improve job prospects. Familiarity with research methodologies and certifications such as CPR or first aid may also be beneficial.

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:

Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,077 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Professional Research Assistant

University of Colorado

Boulder, CO • On-site

$48K - $50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary
The University of Colorado Boulder's Center for Health and Neuroscience, Genes, and Environment (CUChange) has a Full-Time Professional Research Assistant position available. This position is well suited for a recent graduate pursuing a career or planning an advanced degree in medicine, psychology, neuroscience, integrative physiology, translational human participant research, or other biomedical research.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Who We Are
We are a motivated team that conducts transdisciplinary research exploring factors linked with health and risk behavior in a number of populations.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Responsibilities will include assisting with study participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, informed consent, leading study visits including exercise testing and supervised exercise visits, conducting self-report tasks with study participants, and data management and quality control. Capable of working independently, effectively, and respectfully with participants who may have physical or cognitive limitations and who come from a variety of backgrounds, lifestyles, and personalities.
What We Can Offer
The annual salary for this full-time position is $48,000-50,000.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be creative. Be impactful. Be Boulder.
What We Require
  • Bachelor's degree, in psychology, neuroscience, life sciences, physiology, or another related field
  • Experience conducting human participant research appointments and eligibility screenings
  • Skilled at managing multiple priorities efficiently in fast-paced environments
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Ability to engage participants in goal-oriented exercise discussions and delivering constructive and actionable feedback
  • Ability to work collaboratively with community organization partners, study staff, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduates, principal investigators, and other laboratories
  • Transportation to and from recreational centers in the Denver metro are.

What We Would Like You to Have
  • Experience conducting exercise testing and supervised exercise with non-athletes
  • Basic Life Support certification
  • Phlebotomy experience
  • IV certification
  • REDCap project design and management
  • Experience conducting human clinical trials research and complying with IRB guidelines
  • Experienced in working respectfully and collaboratively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds
  • Literacy in R/RStudio, statistical analyses
  • Experience handling biohazardous materials such as human blood, stool, and saliva samples
  • Wet lab experience (Extraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from whole blood, qPCR, real time PCR, sandwich and bead-based ELISA, Flow Cytometry)

Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume/CV
  3. List of References (Used for Phone Reference Checks)
  4. optional: Transcripts/Proof of Degree

If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources department using an approved online vendor. If your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit a translated version (if applicable) as an optional attachment.
For full consideration please apply by August 31, 2026.
Note : Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

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