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Exercise Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

McLaren USA

Exercise Physiologist

Bay City, MI · On-site

Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research. * Provides quality, personalized evidence-based care and proven interventions. * Evaluates ...

McLaren Health Care

Exercise Physiologist

Bay City, MI · On-site

Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research. * Provides quality, personalized evidence-based care and proven interventions. * Evaluates ...

McLaren

Exercise Physiologist

Bay City, MI · On-site

Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research. * Provides quality, personalized evidence-based care and proven interventions. * Evaluates ...

McLaren Bay Region

Exercise Physiologist

Bay City, MI · On-site

Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research. * Provides quality, personalized evidence-based care and proven interventions. * Evaluates ...

McLaren Health Care

Exercise Physiologist

Petoskey, MI · On-site

Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research. * Provides quality, personalized and evidence-based care and proven interventions. * Evaluates ...

McLaren

Exercise Physiologist

Petoskey, MI · On-site

Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research. * Provides quality, personalized and evidence-based care and proven interventions. * Evaluates ...

McLaren

Exercise Physiologist

Petoskey, MI · On-site

Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research. * Provides quality, personalized and evidence-based care and proven interventions. * Evaluates ...

McLaren USA

Exercise Physiologist

Petoskey, MI · On-site

Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens; may teach classes and conduct research. * Provides quality, personalized and evidence-based care and proven interventions. * Evaluates ...

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All JobsExercise Research JobsExercise Research Jobs in Michigan

Exercise Research information

See Michigan salary details

$24.4K

$78.8K

$134.2K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Michigan is $78,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,900.00 and $85,900.00 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.
More about Exercise Research jobs

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

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

What job categories do people searching Exercise Research jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Exercise Research jobs in Michigan are:

Exercise Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,809 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Exercise Research Specialist

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Michigan rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Job description

How to Apply
To apply for this job, please upload (combined into ONE PDF) a CV/resume, cover letter, and the names/contact information for 3 professional references. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline the skills and experience that directly relate to this position. All inquiries about the position should be emailed to Dr. David Lipps ( [email protected] ) with the subject line "LETS MOVE Exercise Research Specialist Inquiry".
Job Summary
The School of Kinesiology , in partnership with the Rogel Cancer Center, is launching LETS MOVE, a structured exercise program for individuals with cancer. Within this initiative, participants are enrolled in a six-month structured exercise research study. Led by Principal Investigators David Lipps, Erin Giles, Angela Fong, and Elizabeth Salerno, we are seeking a full-time Research Specialist to join our team.
We are seeking a detail-oriented, self-motivated individual who will be responsible for delivering standardized study protocols, guiding participants through study-defined physical activity programming, conducting functional research assessments, tracking trial outcomes, and collaborating with the research team, among other duties.
Responsibilities*
Essential Functions are noted with an "EF"
Research Program Facilitation & Delivery (45%)
  • Administer study-defined, protocol-driven programming to participants following trial guidelines. EF
  • Monitor participant progress, session attendance, and adherence to the study protocol. EF
  • Provide feedback and adapt programming in alignment with the approved IRB research protocol. EF
  • Intermediate candidates are expected to perform these tasks independently; Associate candidates will receive initial oversight.

Study Assessment & Data Management (35%)
  • Conduct standardized functional and physical assessments (e.g., submaximal endurance) per research protocols. Intermediate candidates are expected to perform this task independently; Associate candidates will receive initial oversight. EF
  • Collect, clean, and manage trial data within electronic databases (e.g., REDCap). EF
  • Assist in tracking participant retention, compliance, and adverse event reporting. EF
  • Associate level candidates will assist with outcome data aggregation to support principal investigators with progress reports and manuscript preparations. EF
  • Intermediate level candidates will take a primary role in outcome data aggregation for progress reports and manuscript preparation EF

Participant Coordination & Administration (20%)
  • Lead participant onboarding, scheduling, and regular progress check-ins. EF
  • Coordinate study activities across the multidisciplinary research team. EF
  • Maintain research equipment and testing spaces at Domino's Farms.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*
Intermediate Level:
  • Master's degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Public Health, or a closely related field
  • 4+ years of experience facilitating physical activity programs, behavioral health protocols, or participant-facing data collections in a research or community setting
  • Strong organizational skills and experience with research data collection or trial protocols, and the capacity to manage and coordinate several study-related tasks concurrently
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic, collaborative environment. This position involves close interaction with faculty, staff, graduate/undergraduate students, and community-based participants
  • Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive workplace culture aligned with the school's core values

Associate Level:
  • Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Public Health, or a closely related field
  • 1-3 years of experience facilitating physical activity programs, behavioral health protocols, or participant-facing data collections in a research or community setting
  • Strong organizational skills and experience with research data collection or trial protocols, and the capacity to manage and coordinate several study-related tasks concurrently
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with others in a dynamic, collaborative environment. This position involves close interaction with faculty, staff, graduate/undergraduate students, and community-based participants
  • Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive workplace culture aligned with the school's core values

Desired Qualifications*
  • Experience working with oncology populations or individuals with chronic health conditions in a research or community context
  • ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), or relevant research/fitness credentials
  • Current CPR/AED certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire)

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position during an entire shift. The person in this position will need to frequently move around the research space, throughout the building, and routinely move heavy objects

Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • Maternity and parental leave
  • University commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities

Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Additional Information
The position is available immediately and is term-limited, funded for 18 months; the initial appointment may be extended depending on performance and availability of research funds. The salary ranges are $60,000 - $70,000 for the Intermediate-level role, and $50,000 - $60,000 for Associate-level role, commensurate with education and experience, with eligibility to participate in the school's 2027 merit program. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process.
This is an onsite position, located at the School of Kinesiology offices at Domino's Farms (24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive Ann Arbor, Mi 48106), with the potential to transition to hybrid work after initial familiarization with lab procedures, space, and equipment. Candidates interested in hybrid work should indicate this to the hiring manager during the recruiting process.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281722
Working Title
Exercise Research Specialist
Job Title
Research Area Specialist Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
School Kinesiology
Department
School of Kinesiology
Posting Begin/End Date
8/17/2026 - 8/31/2026
Salary
$60,000.00 - $70,000.00
Career Interest
Research

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

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Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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