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Exercise Research Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Exercise Physiologist II

Boston, MA · On-site

$26.63 - $38.70/hr

As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving ... Job Summary Develops exercise prescription and oversees exercise progression in patients with ...

As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving ... Job Summary Develops exercise prescription and oversees exercise progression in patients with ...

Research Assistant

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

... exercise sound judgment when interpreting ambiguous or nuanced statements. Ideal candidates will ... Sustainability Research/Sustainability Reports (The main skillset needed) Climate Policy Cabron ...

Research Assistant

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

... exercise sound judgment when interpreting ambiguous or nuanced statements. Ideal candidates will ... Sustainability Research/Sustainability Reports (The main skillset needed) Climate Policy Cabron ...

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Showing results 1-20

Exercise Research information

See Boston, MA salary details

$30.4K

$98.2K

$167.3K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Boston, MA is $98,232.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,600.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers can you get with exercise research?

Exercise research can lead to careers such as exercise physiologist, sports scientist, fitness researcher, or clinical research coordinator. These roles often require knowledge of human physiology, data analysis skills, and sometimes certifications like ACSM or NSCA. Employment settings include universities, sports organizations, healthcare facilities, and research institutions.

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 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 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 research roles. Skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and familiarity with research methodologies are essential, along with experience using tools like statistical software. Gaining practical experience through internships or research assistant positions can also improve job prospects.

How to get into exercise research?

To pursue a career in exercise research, 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 can improve job prospects. Familiarity with research methodologies and certifications such as CPR or first aid may also be beneficial.
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,232 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist Research

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Massachusetts General Hospital rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

Site: The General Hospital Corporation

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Job Profile Summary
Summary
Demonstrates advanced knowledge pertaining to the design, evaluation, and standards of exercise programs for who patients who qualify or are undergoing cardiac rehabilitation. Functions as an essential ember of a multidisciplinary team directing, coordinating, and providing special expertise to staff, patients, and families participating in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and other Exercise Programs.
Does this position require Patient Care?
Yes
Essential Functions
-Assessments - Executive Physicals and Health Fit Assessments
-Conduct stress tests, using electrocardiograph (EKG) machines.
-Recommend methods to increase lifestyle physical activity.
-Explain exercise program or physiological testing procedures to participants.
-Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients' conditions.
-Advises patients about nutrition and ongoing exercise regimens may teach classes and conduct research.
-Thoroughly and legibly documents in chart to be reviewed by provider
-Follows hospital and department procedures and policies.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor's Degree Exercise Physiology required or Bachelor's Degree Kinesiology required or Master's Degree Exercise Physiology preferred
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No
Licenses and Credentials
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support [ACLS (AHA)] - American Heart Association (AHA) preferred Basic Life Support [BLS Certification] - Data Conversion - Various Issuers preferred
Experience
experience working in an acute care hospital/cardiac rehabilitation program 2-3 years preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Skillfully utilize and maintain specialized equipment, devices and computer program.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of acceptable ranges of blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturation and EKG and reports any abnormal values to RN.
- Strong customer service mindset.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
- Ability to work independently with only general supervision.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

The Massachusetts GeneP

ral Hospital (MGH) Wasfy Laboratory is seeking a motivated independent exercise physiologist with excellent organizational, problem-solving and interpersonal skills for a truly unique exercise physiology research opportunity.The exercise physiologist will work primarily at the Massachusetts General Hospital Main Campus. He/she will interact with physicians, technicians, and administrative staff to conduct cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPETs) in healthy, middle-aged study participants in a new research study. This project, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will help to define how exercise physiology shifts during menopause help us to better understand later life risk for cardiovascular disease

Under the direction of Dr. Meagan Wasfy, responsibilities will include:
1. Conducting study participant CPETs, to include pre-test communication, performance of exercise testing, test processing, and preliminary data reporting.

2. Conducting study participant handgrip exercise, which will be done during cardiac MRI scanning, to include performance of maximal handgrip testing, coaching of submaximal handgrip effort, vital sign recording, and handgrip data reporting.

3. Managing a large database of existing CPETs, to include making additional measurements from these existing tests and otherwise preparing data for the team's biostatistician.
4. Working closely with study participants and study staff on all aspects of the study.

5. Willingness to commute to MGH Main Campus and Charlestown Navy Yard for study visits as necessary.

6. Other Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) responsibilities such as (but not limited to) recruitment and screening participants for the study visits.

The exercise physiologist will be expected to have:

High-level professionalism and interpersonal skills to serve as an effective member of the Wasfy lab. Experience with cardiopulmonary exercise tests, including metabolic cart calibration, mouthpiece sterilization, test configuration, gas exchange pattern recognition and reporting, and metabolic cart troubleshooting. Experience with performing electrocardiograms and obtaining exercise blood pressures. Ability to utilize Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel Phlebotomy expertise and database management expertise are desirable but not required.

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

55 Fruit Street

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$23.34 - $33.37/Hourly

Grade

5 At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

EEO Statement:

1200 The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642. Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.


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About Massachusetts General Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mass General has the largest hospital based research program in the U.S. Guided by the needs of our patients, Mass General delivers care grounded in leading edge research, advanced treatment offerings and the latest clinical trials. Massachusetts General Hospital was established to provide care to Boston's sick, regardless of socioeconomic status, and became the first teaching hospital of Harvard University's new medical school. We have remained at the forefront of medicine by fostering a culture of collaboration and education, pushing the boundaries of medical research, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the diverse community we were created to serve. We believe that because of diversity we excel, through inclusion we respect our community, and with a keen focus on equity we serve, heal, educate and innovate at the highest levels. Our first priority is the well-being of our patients—near and far. As a team we are able to maintain a singular focus on providing the highest quality, most compassionate care to each and every patient.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1811