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Exercise Research Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Post Doctoral Scholar

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

... exercise interventions for cognitive and brain functioning. Additionally, several new projects ... Experience working with randomized controlled trial (RCT) data or intervention research.

Post Doctoral Scholar

Columbus, OH ยท On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

... exercise interventions for cognitive and brain functioning. Additionally, several new projects ... Experience working with randomized controlled trial (RCT) data or intervention research.

Pet Specialist

Lewisburg, OH ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

The role may include cleaning of the facilities, socialization, training, and exercise to provide optimal animal models for nutritional research. What are we looking for? * AAS, BS or equivalent ...

Showing results 41-60

Exercise Research information

See Ohio salary details

$26.6K

$86K

$146.4K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Ohio is $85,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $93,600.00 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 are popular job titles related to Exercise Research jobs in Ohio?

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

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Exercise Research jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Exercise Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,961 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

Cognitive Performance Specialist

Battelle

Columbus, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
The Health Research and Analytics (HRA) business line is seeking a highly motivated, full-time Cognitive Performance Specialist to join our team in support of our government customer, U.S. Special Operations Command. This position will play a critical role in advancing the Preservation of the Forces and Family (POTFF) program, which is dedicated to optimizing and sustaining the mission readiness, longevity, and performance of Special Operations Forces (SOF). Through integrated and holistic human performance initiatives, POTFF strengthens both the Forces and their families, ensuring comprehensive support for those who serve. As a Cognitive Performance Specialist, you will contribute to impactful research and analytics that drive evidence-based decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of these vital programs. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of SOF personnel and their families while working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
This position trains SOF personnel to develop and apply advanced cognitive, mental, and behavioral skills for optimal performance in training and operational environments, utilizing evidence-based, peer-reviewed methods in both individual and group settings. The Cognitive Performance Specialist collaborates closely with the Human Performance (HP) program team to deliver, document, and continuously improve mental performance training, provide expert guidance on exercise and sports psychology, support research, guideline development, and data reporting requirements. The role also develops training materials, participates in interdisciplinary meetings, and ensures all activities are accurately documented in compliance with USSOCOM HQ and POTFF standards.
Responsibilities
  • Train SOF personnel, with priority on SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel, to develop and use the cognitive skills necessary to perform optimally in training and operations
  • Provide and perform the following services in support of POTFF's HP program for SOF personnel, with priority on SOF Operators and Direct Combat Support personnel:
      • Use evidence-based peer-reviewed literature to train and educate SOF personnel in individual and group settings on cognitive, mental, behavioral, psychosocial, perceptual learning, adaptive thinking, human engagements, and emotional control skills and strategies, including understanding, acquisition, and retention, performance improvement and maintenance with documentation of work performed, implemented, and provided to SOF personnel
    • Assist and advise the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator in matters relating to mental performance, exercise and sports psychology
    • Provide information about mental performance, exercise and sports psychology factors in sports, exercise, and physical activity
    • Train and educate for goal setting, performance profiling, visualization, performance development, and planning
    • Participate in periodic meetings to review human performance training provided to patients and identify opportunities for improvement
    • Attend and participate in meetings with other POTFF staff members and medical personnel as requested and/or required
    • Collaborate with the HP staff to enhance the quality and effectiveness of mental and human performance development and expertise delivered
    • Conduct periodic literature reviews to ensure HP stays current with the provision of care
    • Support research conducted under supervision of the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
    • Assist the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator in developing and maintaining practice guidelines to ensure consistency of service across all Human Performance Training Centers (HPTCs)
    • Develop and promulgate training materials as requested and required by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
    • Participate in periodic in-service training for members of the HP Staff
    • Perform other tasks as assigned by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator
    • Collect and report all data as requested by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff
    • Document work performed, utilization, referrals, and all other information in the HP Enterprise-wide database, i.e., SPEAR, as directed by HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff
    • Utilize computers, software, and technologies as required and requested by the HP program Manager and/or Coordinator and required by USSOCOM HQ and POTFF staff

Key Qualifications
  • Master's degree in human performance, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology
  • At least five years of demonstrable accumulated experience (continuous and sustained experience preferred) as a mental performance coach or Sport Psychologist with individual athletes and groups of athletes at the levels of NCAA Collegiate, Olympic, professional sports, and/or SOF Operators in the accompanying, respective settings
  • Capable of properly lifting and manipulating loads or weights up to 25 kilograms
  • Capable of meeting physical demands of training with SOF including the ability to hike over rough terrain, function in austere environments and on various fixed or rotary wing aircraft, waterborne craft, or ground transport to observe SOF training evolutions and to conduct training and education
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree in human performance, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science, and/or Sport Sciences with a specialization in Sport Psychology
  • Certified as a Certified Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (CC-AASP)

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
  • Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
  • Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
  • Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
  • Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
  • Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
  • Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
  • Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
  • Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
  • Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
  • Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
  • Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
  • Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers