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Exercise Research Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

The office serves as the primary point of contact for sponsored research administration, supports ... Your ability to exercise sound judgment, communicate clearly, foster productive partnerships, and ...

Physical Therapist

Raleigh, NC

$1.6K - $2.0K/wk

Implement Schroth-based exercise programs and conservative treatment plans * Collaborate closely ... Interest in clinical research, outcomes tracking, or professional presentations * Strong ...

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Exercise Research information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$27.2K

$87.9K

$149.7K

How much do exercise research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise research in Raleigh, NC is $87,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $95,800.00 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.
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Exercise Research jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Exercise Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,895 per year, or $42.3 per hour.
PT Instructor - Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness

PT Instructor - Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness

Shaw University

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Do you love working in an academic environment? Do you love teaching and mentoring students, helping to shape the future? If so, we have the job for you! Shaw University is looking for Part Time (Adjunct) Faculty, Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness. Reporting to the Department Head, the Adjunct Faculty of Exercise Science: Fitness & Wellness teaches traditional and/or non-traditional college-level students, at on-campus and/or off-campus sites on weekdays and/or weeknights and Saturdays. In addition to the utilization of a variety of teaching strategies, full-time teaching faculty must provide student assistance and advice in their subject area, participate in student orientation sessions, pursue scholarly activities and development, engage in service the University and to the community, attend official functions, and serve on faculty committees.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Demonstrates acceptance and support of the mission and goals of the University.
  • Effectively teach knowledge-relevant college-level Exercise Science courses, with a commitment to providing excellence in education.
  • Present course teachings in such a way that students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to increase motivation, to develop a positive self-image, and to clarify their values.
  • Actively engages in planning, developing, and improving curriculum offerings.
  • On the first day of class, provides each student a copy of a course syllabus that conforms to University-approved requirements.
  • Teaches the course in accordance with the course syllabus.
  • Informs students of the course objectives and requirements, explains the grading system and attendance policy, and provides a bibliography of suggested readings.
  • Participates in orientation sessions conducted each semester by the Department Head or Adult Degree Program Director as applicable.
  • Ensures that undergraduate students are aware of tutorial and support services of the Academic Support Center, which includes advising, tutorials and first year programs, and all other departmental workshops associated with student learning.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education and/or Experience
  • Master's Degree in Exercise Science or related with at least 18 graduate credits required; Ph.D. in Exercise Science preferred
  • Minimum of two years' experience in academic setting preferred.
  • Administrative experience in an educational setting is desirable.
  • Should relate well with others and promotes a positive demeanor.
  • Demonstrated success teaching at the college level.
  • Recent experience in a higher education setting.
  • Candidates with teaching experience and expertise in an additional area also offered in the assigned department is highly desired.
  • Knowledge and experience in using instructional technology.

Other Competencies
Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Core Values of the organization. Vision, commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization, decision-making, problem-solving, and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.
If you need an accommodation for the application process, please contact humanresources@shawu.edu. Please upload the following with your application:
- A current, fully complete resume or curriculum vitae
- Unofficial graduate transcripts for credentialing
- An application cover letter with statements of teaching philosophy and research interests
- Three references, which you can provide with your application.
Following the Human Resources office's receipt of a candidate's fully completed application package for a current job opening, then an applicant can be considered for employment, with their application information submitted to the recruiting manager/selection committee for review.
Any potential hire is contingent upon the FINALIST candidate's ordering OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS of the HIGHEST GRADUATE-LEVEL DEGREE(S) awarded to be sent DIRECTLY FROM the awarding institution(s) DIRECTLY TO the Shaw University Human Resources Department at 118 E. South Street, Raleigh, NC 27601. Hand-delivered sealed transcripts will not be considered as official - they must be received directly from the awarding institution(s).
Shaw University, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the first historically black institution of higher education in the South and among the oldest in the nation. Founded in 1865 by Henry Martin Tupper, our mission is to advance knowledge, facilitate student learning and achievement, to enhance the spiritual and ethical values of its students, and to transform a diverse community of learners into future global leaders.
We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.