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Exercise Research Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

$27.16 - $38.03/hr

Exercise independent judgment and perform research activities independently with limited guidance from the principal investigator on adapting standard laboratory procedures to meet specific research ...

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Exercise Research information

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 kind of jobs can you do with an exercise science degree?

An exercise science degree prepares individuals for careers such as personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, physical therapy assistants, fitness instructors, and sports coaches. These roles often require knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and fitness assessment, and may benefit from certifications like ACSM or NSCA. Job settings include gyms, sports teams, rehabilitation centers, and wellness programs.

How much do exercise science researchers make?

Exercise science researchers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as data analysis or laboratory techniques, can command higher salaries, especially in academic or clinical settings.

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 jobs pay you to exercise?

Exercise research jobs include roles such as exercise physiologists, personal trainers, fitness instructors, and sports scientists, who often work in gyms, clinics, or research settings. These positions typically require knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and sometimes certifications like ACSM or NASM, and may involve conducting fitness assessments or developing training programs.

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 to become an exercise science researcher?

To become an exercise science researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field is required, followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced research roles. Developing skills in research methods, data analysis, and laboratory techniques, along with gaining experience through internships or assistant positions, can enhance prospects in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Research jobs in Missouri? For Exercise Research jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Exercise Research jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Exercise Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Exercise Physiologist - Cardiac Rehab

Coxhealth

Springfield, MO

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


CoxHealth rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 233 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

529th of 885 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Facility:

Wheeler Heart & Vascular: 3800 S National Ave, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America, 65807

Department:

1369 Cardiac Rehab SGF

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Hours:

0630-1700

Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)

CoxHealth is a leading healthcare system serving 25 counties across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. The organization includes six hospitals, 5 ERs, and over 80 clinics. CoxHealth has earned the following honors for workplace excellence:

  • Named one of Modern Healthcare's Best Places to work five times.

  • Named one of America's Greatest Workplaces, Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare (2025, 2026), Greatest Workplaces for Women (2023, 2024), and Greatest Workplaces for Diversity (2024) by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.

  • Acknowledged by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for New Grads.

  • Healthcare Innovation'sTop Companies to Work for in Healthcare (2025).

Benefits

  • Medical, Vision, Dental, Retirement with Employer Match and more (20+ hrs/week)

  • For a comprehensive list of benefits, please click here:Benefits | CoxHealth

Job Description:

The Exercise Physiologist II is responsible for the assessment, development and delivery of all phases of care in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation setting. This position is responsible for development of the individualized treatment plan, exercise prescription and patient education. The Exercise Physiologist II provides expertise and safety for all physical activity and exercise domains with specific focus on therapeutic delivery and intervention in secondary prevention settings. The Exercise Physiologist II participates in the development of high acuity exercise prescriptions for persons with multiple and complex comorbidities. The Exercise Physiologist II participates in Multidisciplinary Rounds and research as assigned by the Manager.Education: Required: Master's Degree in Exercise Science or other health related field.Experience: Preferred: EP with 2 years of experience working in a fitness or rehab type field.Comfortable with reading and interpreting telemetry monitoring and 12 lead EKGs.Skills: Experience with recognition and interpretation of 12 lead and exercise ECG. Strong communication and people skills and positive attitude Self-motivated individual who can work independently with little direct supervision Ability to manage multiple assignments and projects at one time and ability to work under pressureLicensure/Certification/Registration: Required: ACSM-CEP or AACVPR CCRP required within one year of hire

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