1

Exercise Research Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Analyst

Nashville, TN

$112K - $112K/yr

The Senior Research Analyst responds to complex legal, corporate, and industry research requests ... Exercise judgment and accountability in prioritizing billable workflow and either meeting or ...

Senior Research Analyst

Chattanooga, TN

$105K - $106K/yr

The Senior Research Analyst responds to complex legal, corporate, and industry research requests ... Exercise judgment and accountability in prioritizing billable workflow and either meeting or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Exercise Research information

See Tennessee salary details

$25.4K

$82.1K

$139.8K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Tennessee is $82,066.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,900.00 and $89,400.00 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 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 Tennessee? For Exercise Research jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Exercise Research jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Exercise Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,066 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Research Area Coordinator

Research Area Coordinator

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Vanderbilt University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

183rd of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description


Job Description
The Research Area Coordinator provides administrative and operational support to faculty and research area leadership within the College of Connected Computing (CCC). This role serves as a primary point of coordination for day-to-day administrative activities, helping faculty navigate university processes and ensuring the smooth execution of research area operations.
Working closely with faculty, staff, and administrative partners across the College, the Coordinator supports meeting and event logistics, travel coordination, visitor support, communications, procurement, and other administrative activities. This position plays an important role in creating an organized and responsive support environment that enables faculty to focus on teaching, research, and service.
The position reports to the Director of Administrative Operations and Faculty Support
About the Work Unit
The College of Connected Computing is Vanderbilt's first new college in 40 years and is in the early stages of building its academic and administrative structure. The College advances interdisciplinary research and expands computing education through a "computing for all" approach.
Duties and Responsibilities
Faculty and Administrative Support
  • Provide administrative support to faculty and research area leadership
  • Coordinate meetings, schedules, and logistics for research area activities
  • Assist faculty in navigating administrative processes and connecting with appropriate college resources
  • Support onboarding activities for new faculty, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and affiliated researchers

Travel, Events, and Visitor Coordination
  • Coordinate travel arrangements, itineraries, and reimbursements for faculty, visitors, and guest speakers
  • Assist with planning and execution of seminars, workshops, meetings, and research-related events
  • Coordinate visitor logistics, including scheduling, accommodations, and meeting support
  • Prepare materials and provide logistical support for meetings and events

Operational and Financial Coordination
  • Assist with procurement requests, expense documentation, and other administrative transactions
  • Maintain records and documentation related to research area activities
  • Coordinate operational requests and follow up on action items
  • Support implementation of university and college policies and procedures

Communications and Information Management
  • Assist with website updates, newsletters, announcements, and distribution lists
  • Coordinate communication of research area events and activities
  • Maintain shared files, calendars, and administrative resources

Collaboration and Customer Service
  • Serve as a responsive resource for faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and visitors
  • Coordinate with administrative offices across the College and university
  • Support special projects and additional duties as assigned

Supervisory Relationships
This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility but may provide guidance to student workers or temporary staff supporting research area activities. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Administrative Operations and Faculty Support and works closely with research area leadership, faculty, and college administrative partners.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
  • 4 years of experience in academic administration, student services, or a related field
  • Strong organizational and operational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working with databases or administrative systems
  • Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
  • Experience in higher education or undergraduate program administration
  • Experience coordinating events, communications, or faculty-facing initiatives
  • Familiarity with university administrative systems and processes
  • Experience supporting interdisciplinary programs, centers, institutes, or research initiatives
  • Experience working in a fast-paced or start-up academic environment

About Us
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Vanderbilt University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom