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Exercise Research Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

UNC-Chapel Hill

Legal Research Associate

Chapel Hill, NC · Hybrid

$32 - $38/hr

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the ... exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities in response to the needs of faculty and ...

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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 Aug 15, 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 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.
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Exercise Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Research job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, 14% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,895 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Exercise Physiologist - Cardiopulmonary Rehab - PRN

Duke Clinical Research Institute

Durham, NC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

Job Duties:

Meet the knowledge and skillset outlined in the core competencies for Cardiac Rehabilitation professionals guidelines based on AACVPR's guidelines. This includes, but is not limited to, patient assessment, nutritional/physical activity counseling, education on smoking cessation, and management of the following: diabetes, blood pressure, weight, lipids. Candidate will need to also be able to provide psychosocial support to patients, as they are dealing with life-changing events. Candidate should have knowledge of exercise parameters for patients with heart disease.

Key Responsibilities:

* Monitor vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, symptoms, and blood glucose levels, ensuring accurate documentation within Epic, Duke's electronic medical records system.

* Formulate personalized exercise prescriptions tailored to clients with diverse health histories and varied goals.

* Deliver expert instruction in group exercise classes

* Offer individualized personal treatment plans to a diverse client base, accommodating a range of health histories and objectives.

* Maintain regular communication with patients and interdisciplinary team

Work Performed:

Ensure a secure exercise environment for clients, monitoring vital signs and collaboratively communicating care plans with the complete healthcare team. Spearhead the planning, coordination, and implementation of exercise and related programs tailored to diverse special populations, clinical programs, and healthy demographics. Undertake the responsibility of creating personalized exercise prescriptions, setting goals, and orchestrating exercise progression for patients at varying risk levels-low, medium, and high. Conduct comprehensive fitness assessments for clients spanning a spectrum of health abilities. Function as an integral team player, contributing to optimal client care and fostering mutual support within the team.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

Master's degree in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science. Bachelor's degree plus ACSM RCEP credential accepted

Experience

Level I: Minimum 1 yrs applicable experience, prefer 2

Level II: Minimum 3 yrs applicable experience (leadership experience preferred).

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Level I: ACSM Clinical Certification as Exercise Physiologist or Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Level II: ACSM Clinical Certification as Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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