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Exercise Science Professor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Exercise Science Professor information

See California salary details

$122.9K

$140.6K

$155.9K

How much do exercise science professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise science professor in California is $140,633.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,800.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Exercise Science Professor vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectExercise Science ProfessorExercise Physiologist
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.), research experienceBachelor's or Master's, certification (e.g., ACSM)
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research labs, classroomsClinics, hospitals, fitness centers
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, research organizationsHealthcare, sports medicine, fitness industry
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic roles, teaching, researchClinical practice, health assessment

Exercise Science Professors primarily focus on teaching and research within academic settings, requiring advanced degrees and research experience. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists work directly with clients or patients in clinical or fitness environments, often holding certifications and focusing on health assessments and exercise prescriptions. Both roles share a foundation in exercise science but differ significantly in work environment and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise science professor?

To thrive as an Exercise Science Professor, you typically need a doctoral degree in exercise science or a related field, along with expertise in physiology, kinesiology, and research methodology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and academic publishing platforms is crucial. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help engage students and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These competencies ensure high-quality teaching, impactful research, and leadership within academic and professional communities.

What are some common challenges faced by exercise science professors in balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities?

Exercise Science Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting research, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and participating in service activities like academic committees or community outreach. Balancing these tasks can be challenging, especially during peak periods like grant submission deadlines or exam seasons. Successful professors typically manage their time carefully, set clear priorities, and collaborate with colleagues to share the workload. Additionally, staying current with the latest research while ensuring high-quality teaching and meaningful student mentorship requires strong organizational and communication skills.

What does an exercise science professor do?

An Exercise Science Professor teaches undergraduate and graduate courses related to human movement, physiology, biomechanics, and health. They conduct research in areas such as physical fitness, sports performance, rehabilitation, and chronic disease prevention. In addition to teaching and research, they may mentor students, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to curriculum development within their department. Exercise Science Professors often collaborate with other professionals in health and wellness fields to advance scientific knowledge and best practices.
What cities in California are hiring for Exercise Science Professor jobs? Cities in California with the most Exercise Science Professor job openings:
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Professor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,633 per year, or $67.6 per hour.

$140K - $255K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Sanford Burnham Prebys is much more than a research facility and hub for innovation; it’s a vibrant global community of talented scientists and researchers from over 30 countries. This worldwide representation enriches our perspectives and enhances our creative approach to solving complex scientific challenges.

We strive to be leaders not only in biomedical research but also in creating an environment where excellence thrives through collaboration across cultures and backgrounds. Our mission is to advance the biomedical sciences by cultivating the next generation of scientific leaders, providing meaningful opportunities for researchers of all backgrounds to learn, innovate, and make breakthrough discoveries that improve human health.

Together, we translate science into health

The Center for Neurologic Diseases at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute is seeking outstanding candidates for Assistant, Associate, or Full Professorships. Suitable candidates will hold an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD and have a strong, proven research track record in Neuroscience.

We welcome applications from candidates conducting internationally competitive fundamental and translational research in areas of cellular, molecular, structural, and systems neuroscience.

The faculty package will include a competitive salary and benefits, along with generous start-up research funding. San Diego’s dynamic research environment offers excellent opportunities for neuroscience faculty to collaborate and secure competitive federal and CIRM (California Institute for Regenerative Medicine) funding.

The duties and responsibilities contained in the job description are intended to be examples of the accountabilities for which the person in the position will demonstrate competency through performance. The job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Duties and responsibilities are subject to change and other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Position Summary:

  • Serve as the Principal Investigator for existing and ongoing research projects and perform all duties customary or necessary in connection with such research projects. Exercise best efforts to advance research projects and to secure and maintain funding for such projects.
  • Academic rank will be determined in accordance with the candidate’s experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Leads and collaborates with others, both within and outside SBP, to develop research proposals and write grants for external funding that align with the mission and strategic direction of SBP
  • Leads and collaborates with others, both within and outside SBP
  • Disseminates findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations and scientific and community meetings, internal and external seminars, and other venues
  • Provides oversight of research projects
  • Stays current in area of research interest through reviews of the relevant literature; educates self about the latest methods and evidence related to research area
  • Shares relevant, up-to-date knowledge with other staff including providing training and mentoring
  • Maintains knowledge of standard operating procedures for research and perform in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements
  • Provides mentoring, coaching, and feedback to junior level faculty to enhance their opportunities for success
  • Perform other related tasks, duties and responsibilities as required, assigned or directed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education: Requires a PhD, MD or equivalent degree or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skill and abilities have been attained.
  • Experience: Record of extensive research accomplishment, including history of obtaining extramural funding (previous NIH funding is a plus)
  • A first author publication record in peer-reviewed journals with demonstrated expertise in an established area of research interest
  • Knowledge and experience with qualitative research, or mixed methods, and a history of collaboration
  • Certifications, Licenses, etc:

Other Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:

Investigator will, at all times, use their best efforts to obtain and maintain grant funding adequate to support their laboratory space

Investigator will ensure that all rules, regulations and standards concerning norms of the academic and scientific communities with respect to the publication of research results are observed

Work independently as well as in a team environment

Be responsible, organized, and a problem solver

Possess strong analytical, time management, organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Professional proficiency in Microsoft Office

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct: Yes, this position oversees other individuals

Indirect:

Work Location: This is an onsite position; candidates must be willing to work onsite in San Diego. Out-of-state applicants must disclose their willingness to relocate.

Compensation: The expected hiring range for this position is 140k - 255k/annually commensurate with experience. The salary range for this posting encompasses faculty appointments from assistant to senior ranks.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit the following materials through the online application system:

  • Research Statement (required):
    A 1-3 page document describing your research trajectory, major scientific accomplishments, and future research goals.
  • Reference Letters (Assistant Professor applicants only):
    Applicants at the Assistant Professor level must arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation. Letters should be uploaded directly by the applicant via the application system and may be provided by mentors, supervisors, collaborators, or other professional colleagues familiar with the candidate’s research qualifications and potential.

We welcome talented individuals of all backgrounds regardless of gender, sex, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, perceived disability, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, reproductive health decisions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS, marital status, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. We are proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer.

As part of this commitment, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our Benefits Team at (858) 646-3100 or via e-mail at benefits@sbpdiscovery.org