1

Exercise Research Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will maintain the laboratory research team and may exercise functional supervision over supporting research staff. Primary responsibility is ensuring that the ...

Job Summary A research laboratory within the Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of ... Exercise professional judgment in selecting experimental strategies, technologies, and analytical ...

Job Summary A research laboratory within the Brigham and Women's Hospital Division of ... Exercise professional judgment in selecting experimental strategies, technologies, and analytical ...

next page

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 Sep 1, 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 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.
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 57% In-person, and 43% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,232 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist Technician (Full-Time)

Boston, MA • On-site


Boston Medical Center
Hospitals • 1 - 5K employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

512th of 1,064 rated hospitals

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Respiratory Care supervisor, participates in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program and conducts pulmonary function tests according to established policies and procedures. Operates pulmonary rehab or stress testing equipment to monitor patient's cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular strength and condition.
Boston Medical Center (BMC) is more than a hospital. It's a network of support and care that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need each year. It is the largest and busiest provider of trauma and emergency services in New England. Emphasizing community-based care, BMC is committed to providing consistently excellent and accessible health services to all-and is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. The hospital is also the primary teaching affiliate of the nationally ranked Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and a founding partner of Boston HealthNet - an integrated health care delivery systems that includes many community health centers. Join BMC today and help us achieve our Vision 2030 which is a long-term goal to make Boston the healthiest urban population in the world.
Position: Exercise Physiologist Technician
Department: Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Schedule: Full Time (40 hrs, Monday-Friday)
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:
  • Performs stress testing of outpatients and inpatients for the purpose of monitoring patient's cardiovascular strength and condition according to departmental practices and procedures and manufacturer's procedures.
  • Explains methods and procedures to each patient in order to alleviate fear and apprehensions.
  • Prepares and secures electrodes to patient to ensure interpretable tracing when applicable.
  • Assesses the patient's total condition throughout the test by monitoring the patient's vital signs.
  • Assists in orientation of patients to Exercise Center or Pulmonary Rehab Center and daily routines.
  • Ensures recordings are of the best quality for diagnosis according to departmental practices and procedures.
  • Ensures that treadmill and leads are in working condition before each test.
  • Records and calculates all necessary parameters and interprets Electrocardiogram tracing for diagnostic purposes.
  • Starts IV's as appropriate in the Exercise Laboratory and in Nuclear Medicine.
  • Participates in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program;
  • Develops and individualized treatment plan
  • Participates in patient initial evaluation for exercise tolerance, including the safe use of the equipment.
  • Conducts patient education and training sessions
  • Evaluates patient progress, and if needed adjusts the treatment plan
  • Monitors patient and program outcomes
  • Participates in Pulmonary Rehab team conferences, staff meetings and in-services as appropriate
  • Conducts pulmonary function testing according to department policy and procedures and physician orders. Assists in scheduling pulmonary function tests as needed. Evaluates results and submits billing information on the day of the testing.
  • Maintains calibration of equipment according to manufacturers specification.
  • Ensures accuracy of the equipment in the pulmonary function labs
  • When requested by physician, assists patients in self administration of aerosolized medications as part of the pulmonary function testing
  • Obtains arterial blood gases when requested by physician. Arranges for analysis of the blood, records results and notifies physician when results are abnormal.
  • Communicates findings to medical personnel as required, following departmental practices and procedures.
  • Maintains necessary records and files according to departmental practices and procedures. Keeps a log of all patients.
  • Maintains equipment and calls service personnel as needed. Orders equipment and supplies as needed.
  • Maintains current basic life support (BLS) training.
  • Instructs students and other hospital staff in methods and theories of stress testing and pulmonary rehab.
  • Assists physician in emergencies according to department policy.
  • Maintains current knowledge of industry trends through literature and research in exercise testing and pulmonary rehab. Participates in research by conducting stress tests or pulmonary rehab for studies, illustrating findings via bar and line graphs, and keeping detailed records and logs.
  • Conforms to hospital standards and conduct so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
  • Conducts relationships with patients, visitors, physicians and fellow employees in a courteous, professional and friendly manner.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to age groups of adult and geriatric patients regularly served. Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.
  • Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the hospital's mission and goals.
  • Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

OTHER DUTIES:
Performs other duties as needed.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION:
  • Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology

EXPERIENCE:
  • 3 months in a hospital setting as an exercise physiologist or in a pulmonary rehab setting

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
  • Work requires knowledge to effectively utilize the Electrocardiograph, and stress testing pulmonary rehab equipment and procedures, medical terminology and basic sciences such as Physics, Math, Anatomy and Physiology.
  • Completion or the college course requirements to be eligible for the certified pulmonary function testing exam.
  • Work requires the interpersonal skills sufficient to explain procedures to patient, and alleviate apprehensions, as well as effectively interact with physicians, fellows, nursing, etc.

Compensation Range:
$24.04- $33.65
This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, skills, and certifications/licensures as they directly relate to position requirements; as well as business/organizational needs, internal equity, and market-competitiveness. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), discretionary annual bonuses and merit increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family well-being.
NOTE: This range is based on Boston-area data, and is subject to modification based on geographic location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or "apps" job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.

Boston Medical Center logo

About Boston Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is more than a hospital. It's a network of support and care that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need each year. It is the largest and busiest provider of trauma and emergency services in New England. Emphasizing community-based care, BMC is committed to providing consistently excellent and accessible health services to all-and is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. The hospital is also the primary teaching affiliate of the nationally ranked Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and a founding partner of Boston HealthNet - an integrated health care delivery systems that includes many community health centers. Join BMC today and help us achieve our Vision 2030 which is a long-term goal to make Boston the healthiest urban population in the world.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1996


What Boston Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom