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Exercise Research Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Riverside Health System Non-Providers

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

Uses research and participant feedback to continuously develop programs. * The Exercise Specialist is responsible for closing the loop for all patients referred to Clinical Wellness. This includes ...

Riverside Health System

Exercise Specialist

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

Uses research and participant feedback to continuously develop programs. * The Exercise Specialist is responsible for closing the loop for all patients referred to Clinical Wellness. This includes ...

Riverside Health System

Exercise Specialist

Gloucester, VA · On-site

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

Uses research and participant feedback to continuously develop programs. * The Exercise Specialist is responsible for closing the loop for all patients referred to Clinical Wellness. This includes ...

Riverside

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

Uses research and participant feedback to continuously develop programs. * The Exercise Specialist is responsible for closing the loop for all patients referred to Clinical Wellness. This includes ...

Virginia Tech

Research Associate

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

The lab is located within the Center for Exercise Medicine Research (CEMR) in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute (FBRI) in Roanoke Virginia. The successful candidate will work on NIH-funded ...

Virginia Tech

Research Technician

Blacksburg, VA

$15.75 - $21.75/hr

Research Technician Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536048 Work type: Staff Senior ... Exercise judgement and high degree of confidentiality Preferred Qualifications -Coursework or ...

SAIC

Exercise Execution Systems Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

The Exercise Execution Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, planning, coordinating, and ... Research, or a related technical discipline. 9+ years of experience supporting systems engineering ...

GDIT

Cyber Exercise Planner (Mid)

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$74K - $100K/yr

Research cybersecurity trends, threats, and stakeholder requirements to inform scenario development and exercise objectives. * Provide coordination, documentation, and operational support throughout ...

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All JobsExercise Research JobsExercise Research Jobs in Virginia

Exercise Research information

See Virginia salary details

$27.8K

$89.6K

$152.7K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Virginia is $89,644.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $97,700.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Exercise Research jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Exercise Research jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

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

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

Exercise Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Virginia as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,644 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Exercise Specialist

Riverside Health System Non-Providers
Hospitals • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Riverside Health System Non-Providersexternal

$18.20 - $23.68/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Gloucester, Virginia

Hiring Range

$18.20 - $23.68/Hourly Actual pay is determined based on job-related factors such as relevant experience, education, credentials, skills, internal equity, and business needs.
Overview
Works under the supervision of Director of Clinical Wellness to assist in the development and implementation of clinical wellness programming for the Wellness and Fitness Centers. As part of the Clinical Wellness Team, the Exercise Specialist will instruct clinical wellness exercise classes designed for special populations, as well as provide fitness assessments to the community. These assessments include: VO2max testing and submaximal testing, body composition testing, strength testing, flexibility testing, and exercise prescription. The Exercise Specialist will work to develop positive relationships with patients of Riverside Health System and the community as a whole.
What you will do
  • Demonstrates ability to perform the following general duties in compliance with the policies and procedures: Orients new users to fitness area and program. Conducts new user fitness assessments in accordance with facility/American College of Sports Medicine standards. Initial assessment of each user's goals with consideration of individual limitations; ongoing assessment of each user's progress and adjustment of their fitness program to accommodate the assessment; and provides continuous fitness training for the user.
  • Uses research and participant feedback to continuously develop programs.
  • The Exercise Specialist is responsible for closing the loop for all patients referred to Clinical Wellness. This includes providing end of program feedback via Epic and/or following up if someone has had issues participating in the program.
  • Promotes clinical wellness programs to providers throughout the Health System by attending staff meetings.

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelors Degree, Exercise Science/Health & Wellness or Related (Preferred)

Experience
  • 1 year Experience in Fitness or Health/Wellness (Required)

Licenses and Certifications
  • American Course Exercise Personal Trainer (ACE) - American Council on Exercise (ACE) (Preferred)
  • Certified Auto External Defibrillator (AED) - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/American Safety and Health Institute (AHA/ARC) within 30 Days(Required)
  • Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) - National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) (Preferred)

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.

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