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Exercise Research Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Exercise Research information

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$29.4K

$95.1K

$161.9K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 53% Full Time, and 47% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,077 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

HDFS - Research Associate I, II, or III - Open Pool

Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO • On-site

$40K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


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Job description


Position Summary
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University seeks applications for temporary or special Research Associate I, II, or III.
Research Associates work under the direction of individual faculty members and contribute to ongoing research activities specific to each lab. Duties, funding source, appointment length, and work modality (in-person, hybrid, or remote) vary by faculty lab. These positions include interaction with the Principal Investigator as well as other research assistants. These individuals will be part of a team of researchers completing a federally funded research project and will have a broad range of responsibilities.
The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the Department has limited funds and may not sponsor a new H1B visa for this position.
Salary Range
$40,000 - $85,000
Essential Job Duties
Essential job duties vary depending on the hiring laboratory and research program, but may include:
  • Conducting laboratory, field, or computational research activities.
  • Collecting, managing, and analyzing research data.
  • Assisting with experimental design and protocol implementation.
  • Maintaining laboratory equipment, materials, and documentation.
  • Contributing to manuscripts, reports, and presentations.
  • Collaborating with faculty, staff, graduate students, and other research personnel.

Specific duties will be defined at the time of hire by the supervising faculty member.
Conditions of Employment
Pre-employment criminal background check (required for new hires).
Supervision
This position reports to a faculty member within the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Day-to-day supervision and expectations are defined by the hiring laboratory.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree that reflects training in Human Development and Family Studies, Nutrition, Health and Exercise Science, Public Health, or related field.

Research Associate Level Requirements
  • Research Associate I: Bachelor's degree and fewer than 3 years of relevant, post-baccalaureate professional research experience.
  • Research Associate II: Bachelor's degree with more than 3 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master's degree.
  • Research Associate III: Bachelor's degree with at least 5 years of relevant professional research experience, or a Master's degree with at least 2 years of experience. Individuals with a PhD and no prior experience may be appointed at the Research Associate III level, if appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications vary by laboratory and may include:
  • Prior research experience and training with human subjects.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Experience in observational research, surveys and questionnaires preferred.
  • Other research experience with data collection and analysis, familiarity with Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and a statistical software package preferred.
  • Prior experience in the day-to-day organization of research projects, including recruitment of and contact with study participants, coordination of data collection activities, and data management.

Application Instructions
To apply, submit a cover letter which addresses the minimum and preferred qualifications, and a current resume or CV. Applications will be reviewed as hiring needs arise, and qualified applicants may be contacted by individual faculty members if a suitable opportunity becomes available.
This evergreen posting will remain open and continue collecting applications until December 31, 2026. Applicants who wish to be considered after this date must reapply.
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.
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, CSU is 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, CSU conducts 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

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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.

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Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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