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Exercise Research Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior - R&D Tax Credits

Chicago, IL · On-site

$87K - $146K/yr

CLA is growing and seeking to hire a Senior Associate - R&D Tax Credits to join our talented ... Strong problem solving and creative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment. Most ...

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Exercise Research information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.8K

$93.1K

$158.6K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Chicago, IL is $93,145.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $101,500.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Research jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Exercise Research jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,145 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist Sr.

Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$28.50 - $46.60/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Job Description

General Summary:

Performs cardiac and pulmonary exercise tests, inpatient and outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and clinical exercise consultations under the direction of the Medical Director. This position cross trains to support pulmonary function lab and electrocardiology department services. Qualified candidates understand and integrate into the delivery of patient care, the needs of pediatric, adolescent and adult patients in regards to their growth and development process. The position actively supports the Hospital's and the department's Continuous Quality Improvement and customer service goals, individually and as an effective team member.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Under the supervision of the Medical Director of the Pulmonary or Cardiology Division, performs research and clinical cardiac and pulmonary exercise testing in pediatric and adult patients with congenital and acquired heart, pulmonary disease or symptoms of disease; in the form of personal and directly supervised testing.
  • Under the direction of the Cardiopulmonary Labs Medical Director, performs inpatient and outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services in pediatric and adult patients with congenital and acquired heart and pulmonary disease.
  • Participates in the development of exercise prescriptions for children with cardiovascular risk factors or pulmonary disease.
  • Participates in research and educational programs, contributing to the strategic initiatives of the labs.
  • Participates in professional seminars and NIOSH course practicum instruction.
  • Ensures patient safety by processing knowledge and experience to make decisions about termination of exercise testing or exercise sessions by monitoring ECG changes and hemodynamic responses. Also, ensures patient safety by performing any needed emergency procedures.
  • Generates test report by transferring data from exercise equipment to report form with subsequent interpretation by physician.
  • Performs calibration of laboratory equipment (metabolic system and spirometer.) daily and troubleshoots any equipment problems.
  • Cleans and performs HLD (when applicable) all equipment used for exercise testing, rehabilitation and pulmonary function testing.
  • Generates patient billing by completing required forms and sending appropriate information to billing department.
  • Maintains equipment and supplies including daily checks of defibrillator.
  • Maintains neat, orderly and well-stocked laboratory by cleaning when appropriate and reordering supplies when necessary.
  • Participates in in-house and community education.
  • Displays excellent interpersonal skills to interact with patients, parents, referring physicians and co-workers.
  • Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers and others.
  • Participates in program development and implementation or new services.
  • Actively precepts internship students and provides an engaging and educational experience.
  • Other job functions as assigned.
  • Ability to travel to outreach clinics as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Master's level in Exercise Physiology required.
  • 2 years pediatric or 4 years adult exercise physiology experience required with additional work-related experience preferred.
  • ACSM clinical exercise physiologist certification or AACVPR certified cardiac rehabilitation professional required (certification must align with current specialty area).
  • Basic Life Support Certification required.
  • PALS & ACLS certification required within 6 months of hire.
  • Must acquire spirometry certification from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) within 6 months of hire.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate with patients/families, physicians, Hospital staff, public health staff, social agencies, school personnel, community resource and media.
  • Demonstrated ability to move equipment and patients.

Education

Pay Range

$28.50-$46.60 Hourly

At Lurie Children's, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions.In addition to base salary, Lurie Children's offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentivesfor select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the followinglink to learn more about our benefits.

Benefit Statement


For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match


Various voluntary benefits:

  • Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
  • Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Tuition assistance
  • Student loan servicing and support
  • Adoption benefits
  • Backup Childcare and Eldercare
  • Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
  • Discount on services at Lurie Children's facilities
  • Discount purchasing program

There's a Place for You with Us


At Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and its affiliates (collectively "Lurie Children's"), we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints - recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship.This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.


Lurie Children's and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.


For questions about how to request an accommodation please contact: employeehealth@luriechildrens.org


AI Notice


Lurie Children's utilizes certain AI-enabled features within our recruiting platform to support candidate engagement and assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing applicants whose experience aligns with job requirements. All employment decisions are made by individuals.


It is a civil rights violation with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion, or employment for an employer to use artificial intelligence that has the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination on the basis of protected classes under the Illinois Human Rights Act or to use zip codes as a proxy for protected classes.


For questions about the use of artificial intelligence in this process or any additional support, please contact: peoplequestions@luriechildrens.org