ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Exercise Research Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

JES Tech

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Houston, TX · On-site

You will help transition research into operational use, validate exercise countermeasure systems, and perform human performance assessments across laboratory, analog, and field environments. This ...

JES Tech

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Houston, TX

You will help transition research into operational use, validate exercise countermeasure systems, and perform human performance assessments across laboratory, analog, and field environments. This ...

U5702

Exercise Physiologist

Dallas, TX · On-site

As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care ... Education Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology * Experience 2 years of relevant experience.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExercise Research JobsExercise Research Jobs in Texas

Exercise Research information

See Texas salary details

$26.1K

$84.2K

$143.5K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Texas is $84,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,900.00 and $91,800.00 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.
More about Exercise Research jobs
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Research jobs in Texas? For Exercise Research jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Exercise Research jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Research jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Exercise Research jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Exercise Research job openings:
Exercise Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,239 per year, or $40.5 per hour.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

JES Tech

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Belong. Connect. Grow.
We are a contract of innovators, thinkers, creators, explorers, volunteers, and dreamers, and we all share one goal: to improve the world responsibly and safely. On the Human Health and Performance Contract, we are at the forefront of safeguarding astronaut health, ensuring human performance, and advancing technologies for human space exploration.
We are seeking a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX to support the Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures (EPC) Laboratory.
What you'll do:
In this role, you will play a key part in supporting the Exercise Physiology and Countermeasures (EPC) team by conducting and coordinating exercise-focused physiological testing to advance human health and performance for exploration missions. You will help transition research into operational use, validate exercise countermeasure systems, and perform human performance assessments across laboratory, analog, and field environments.
This position supports routine operational testing using established protocols in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently, leading testing activities, and maintaining a high level of professionalism while interacting with research participants, crewmembers, clinicians, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams.
Your primary interfaces will include the NASA Human Health and Performance Directorate, Flight Operations, engineering groups, crewmembers, clinical personnel, research collaborators, and human test subjects.
You will:
  • Lead physiological and performance testing during research studies, training, and analog missions while ensuring participant safety and high-quality data collection.
  • Independently perform setup, calibration, troubleshooting, and real-time monitoring of exercise and physiological testing equipment.
  • Independently conduct graded exercise testing, VO2 max testing, and other physiological performance assessments using continuous ECG and vital sign monitoring.
  • Troubleshoot issues that arise during testing and apply sound judgment to ensure participant safety and data integrity.
  • Coordinate human research studies and engineering evaluations, including participant scheduling, logistics, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Lead testing activities by coordinating participants and guiding team members through established testing protocols to ensure safe, efficient, and consistent execution.
  • Prepare and maintain study documentation, including IRB protocols, test plans, readiness review materials, and progress reports.
  • Design, implement, and maintain data acquisition systems for physiological, metabolic, and performance testing.
  • Support validation and verification of exercise countermeasure hardware, wearable physiological sensors, and human-system interaction technologies.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of conditioning programs, testing protocols, and performance standards supporting crew health and mission readiness.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Complete all assigned training and perform other duties as assigned.

What you bring:
You bring experience independently leading exercise and physiological performance testing with minimal supervision. You are comfortable conducting graded exercise testing with continuous ECG and vital sign monitoring, troubleshooting during testing, and making sound decisions in real time while maintaining participant safety.
You communicate professionally and effectively with research participants, astronauts, clinicians, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams. You are organized, adaptable, and able to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physiology, or a related field.
  • Approximately 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in clinical exercise physiology or human performance testing, or an equivalent combination of graduate education and relevant experience.
  • Experience independently conducting graded exercise testing, VO2 max testing, and physiological performance assessments with continuous ECG and vital sign monitoring.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently lead testing activities with minimal supervision.
  • Experience conducting human performance research or clinical exercise testing involving direct interaction with research participants or patients.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with participants, crewmembers, clinicians, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physiology, or a related field.
  • ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) certification preferred. Equivalent hands-on experience independently conducting clinical exercise testing will also be considered.
  • Experience evaluating wearable physiological sensors, exercise devices, or other health monitoring technologies.
  • Experience supporting operational human performance studies or human-system interaction testing in research or operational environments.
  • Familiarity with NASA Human Health & Performance, exercise countermeasure systems, human systems integration, or spaceflight analog environments.

Skills
  • Ability to independently lead exercise testing while maintaining participant safety and data quality.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple NASA organizations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.
  • Sound judgment and problem-solving skills during physiological testing activities.
  • High attention to detail and understanding of human performance assessment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard PC applications.

What to Expect
This position is 100% onsite at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Occasional travel may be required.

Apply