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Exercise Research Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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Exercise Research information

See Kansas salary details

$25K

$80.6K

$137.3K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Kansas is $80,640.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $87,800.00 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.

Research Associate

Full-time

Posted 8 hours ago


Job description

Job Type:StaffJob Description:Kansas City University is seeking a Research Associate to work in the Dybedal Research Center within its Kansas City campus. The position is institutionally funded and is among the four research staff ranks at Kansas City University. This role requires a significant degree of autonomy, leadership, and analytical depth. The Research Associate will independently conduct experimental work, analyze research data, and contribute to scientific publications and presentations. The ideal candidate will bring strong academic training, practical research experience, and proven project management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct experiments, analyze data, support manuscript and poster development, and perform literature reviews and other duties as assigned
  • Manage day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including oversight of research students, equipment management, and procurement
  • Implement experimental designs aligned with the lab's research objectives and ensure research integrity and protocol adherence
  • Exercise discretion and independent judgment in conducting and interpreting research
  • Analyze complex data sets and draw informed conclusions to support research goals
  • Collaborate with faculty and staff in writing scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and grant proposals
  • Assist in the planning and execution of scholarly projects from conception to completion
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned projects, tracking progress towards milestones and escalating scientific or operational issues to faculty as needed
  • Maintain clear, accurate records of experimental results and ensure proper documentation

Supportive Functions:

  • Perform administrative tasks such as recordkeeping, document preparation, and filing
  • Participate in the development of departmental goals, systems, and procedures
  • Engage actively in team meetings, planning sessions, and university-wide initiatives
  • This role typically does not serve as a co-investigator or principal investigator on grants

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in biomedical sciences or a related field, or bachelor's degree plus at least 2 years of equivalent professional research experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication
  • Proven ability to manage research projects and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including training and overseeing student researchers and junior research staff
  • Advanced knowledge of laboratory protocols, research methodologies, and compliance standards
  • Excellent analytical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency in scientific software and standard office applications
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to lead and mentor others
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple tasks and deadlines independently
  • The ideal candidate will have experience in molecular biology and cell biology techniques, protein biochemistry, and/or animal handling. Experience with fluorescence microscopy, intracellular imaging, and protein purification and protein assays is preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer

KCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law.

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