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Exercise Science Research Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Indiana University

Postdoctoral Appointee

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

... scientific development. Interested candidates will possess significant experience in skeletal ... Interested candidates will join a dynamic and fast-paced research environment and will be ...

IQVIA

41935

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$51K - $108K/yr

Ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment, exercise good judgment during testing, and escalate ... research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and health ...

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All JobsExercise Science Research JobsExercise Science Research Jobs in Indiana

Exercise Science Research information

See Indiana salary details

$10.6K

$71.8K

$81.8K

How much do exercise science research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise science research in Indiana is $71,802.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do as an exercise scientist?

Exercise scientists can work in roles such as exercise physiologists, research coordinators, or fitness specialists, often in clinical, sports, or academic settings. They analyze human movement, develop training programs, and may conduct research using tools like VO2 max testing and biomechanical assessments. Certification and knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and data analysis are important for these positions.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Exercise Science Research, and how can they be overcome?

Professionals in Exercise Science Research often encounter challenges such as recruiting and retaining study participants, ensuring data reliability, and managing complex interdisciplinary projects. Building strong relationships with local communities and athletic organizations can improve participant engagement. Additionally, collaborating closely with colleagues from nutrition, physiology, and medical backgrounds helps ensure comprehensive research design and analysis. Staying current with advancements in technology and research methodology also supports high-quality, impactful studies.

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

AspectExercise Science ResearchExercise Physiologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Exercise Science or related field; research experience often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Exercise Physiology; certification (e.g., ACSM) often required
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, universities, research institutionsClinics, hospitals, fitness centers, sports facilities
Employer & IndustryAcademic institutions, research organizations, government agenciesHealthcare providers, fitness industry, sports teams
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in exercise scienceCareer as a practicing exercise physiologist

Exercise Science Research focuses on conducting studies to advance knowledge in exercise and human performance, often within academic or research settings. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists apply exercise principles directly to improve health and fitness in clinical or fitness environments. Both roles require related educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Exercise Science Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Exercise Science Researcher, you need a solid background in physiology, biomechanics, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant degree such as a master's or PhD in exercise science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software (like SPSS or R), and research methodologies is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for designing studies and sharing findings. These skills ensure rigorous research practices, accurate data interpretation, and impactful contributions to the advancement of exercise science.

What is exercise science research?

Exercise science research involves the systematic study of how physical activity, exercise, and sports impact human health, performance, and disease prevention. Researchers in this field investigate a range of topics including biomechanics, physiology, nutrition, psychology, and motor control. The goal is to understand how exercise affects the body and mind so that effective programs and recommendations can be developed for individuals and populations. Exercise science research is crucial for advancing knowledge in sports performance, rehabilitation, and overall health promotion.

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 experience in scientific studies, is essential for this career.
What are popular job titles related to Exercise Science Research jobs in Indiana? For Exercise Science Research jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Exercise Science Research jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Exercise Science Research jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Exercise Science Research jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Exercise Science Research job openings:
Exercise Science Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Research job openings in Indiana as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,802 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Associate/Full Professor in Physical Activity and Brain/Mental Health

Indiana University Academic Positions

Indianapolis, IN

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Title Associate/Full Professor in Physical Activity and Brain/Mental Health Appointment Status Tenure Department IU Indianapolis Department of Psychology - School of Science Location Indianapolis Position Summary
Tenured Associate/Full Professor in Physical Activity and Brain/Mental Health

Dual Appointment - Department of Psychology in the School of Science and School of Health and Human Sciences, Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis
The School of Science Department of Psychology and the School of Health and Human Sciences at Indiana University, Indianapolis invite applications for a tenured associate or full professor position at the intersection of physical activity and brain/mental health. The ideal candidate will have an outstanding scholarly record of human subjects research focused on physical activity, sedentary behavior, exercise, and/or related constructs, particularly in connection with mental health and brain function. Research programs across the bench-to-bedside-to-community continuum are welcome.
Potential areas of interest for this position include but are not limited to:
  • Developing, testing, and/or implementing innovative interventions targeting physical activity and/or sedentary behavior to prevent or treat mental illness, substance use, or brain disorders
  • Exploring mental health in high level athletes and the connection between mental health and sport performance
  • Conducting trials with novel devices targeting physical activity and/or sedentary behavior to prevent or treat mental illness, substance use, or brain disorders
  • Integrating passive monitoring data with the electronic health record to improve the diagnosis and treatment of mental health, substance use, or brain disorders
  • Improving approaches to measuring and monitoring physical activity and sedentary behavior, such as actigraphy, mobile tracking technology, passive monitoring, and artificial intelligence applications
  • Elucidating mechanisms (e.g., systemic inflammation, gut microbiota, etc.) underlying the impact of physical activity and sedentary behavior on mental health (e.g., substance use, anxiety, depression, mood regulation, stress and coping) and/or brain function (e.g., brain plasticity, synaptic growth, brain network organization and connectivity, cognitive function)
  • Using advanced neuroimaging and/or machine learning techniques to understand the connection between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and brain health
  • Examining the effects of prolonged sedentary behavior on brain and mental health, particularly in aging populations, and identifying the neurobiological pathways though which these effects impact conditions like depression, anxiety, and dementia
  • Advancing understanding of the impacts of mental health, substance use, or brain function (e.g., traumatic brain injury, brain aging, depression) on physical activity and/or sedentary behavior
Studying how disruptions in circadian and behavioral rhythms and interventions addressing such rhythms impact mental health, substance use, or brain function
Exciting collaborative research efforts in areas overlapping with Physical Activity and Brain/Mental Health are currently underway at IU Indianapolis. In one large project, IU Indianapolis faculty are actively engaging the Indiana Pacers, USA Gymnastics, and Penske Racing, among others, in a large collaborative effort to explore factors impacting women's sports performance. In another effort, faculty at IU Indianapolis are working toward establishing a research center focused on injury recovery in women across the lifespan. These efforts and others could provide terrific opportunities at IU Indianapolis for the successful candidate.
The successful candidate will have high-impact peer-reviewed publications and an independently funded research agenda (e.g., NIH R01-funded or equivalent) as Principal Investigator. Candidates leading externally funded research groups (with research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and/or research staff) are especially encouraged to apply.
This position is a strategic joint-hire with the newly established IU Institute for Human Health and Wellbeing at IU Indianapolis. The mission of H2W is to foster collaborative research at the intersection of health, life science, and technology to meet community needs and improve health outcomes in the State of Indiana. The creation of H2W, along with the current construction of a new 50,000 sq ft state-of-the-art research building on the IU Indianapolis campus to house Institute faculty, was made possible by a record investment by the Indiana State Legislature (IU invests more than $250M to strengthen university's, state's leadership and impact in biosciences: IU News).
As an H2W investigator or fellow, the joint hire will have access to additional resources in support of their program of research, including seed funding for new projects, graduate student/postdoctoral training support, access to core facilities, research space in the new state-of-the-art research building, and opportunities to lead interdisciplinary research teams. In addition, they will have the added benefit of having access to additional seed funding, graduate students, and facilities in both the School of Science and School of Health and Human Sciences.
The primary appointment - in either the Department of Psychology in the School of Science or the School of Health and Human Sciences - will be determined based on the successful candidate's background. This is a research-intensive position. The candidate is expected to engage in interdisciplinary research and collaborative endeavors that transcend institutional silos to initiate and advance ambitious research initiatives at IU Indianapolis and within H2W. The candidate is also expected to contribute to translational research efforts that have a significant impact on the growing health, life, and technology ecosystem at IU Indianapolis. Some teaching in support of the educational missions of the primary and secondary appointments is expected, although the teaching load will be reduced to protect more time for research.
The candidate will interact with other IU centers/institutes (e.g., Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana Alcohol Research Center, Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Center for Aging Research, Regenstrief Institute, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Convergent Biosciences and Technology Institute) and affiliated researchers. In addition, the IU Indianapolis campus is home to the IU School of Medicine-the largest medical school in the country and who received $517 million in external research funding in 2024.
As the state's premier urban research institution, IU Indianapolis is committed to being a welcoming campus community. We seek candidates who will pursue the highest standards of academic excellence and whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to welcoming and respectful learning and working environments for our students, staff, and faculty.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

Review of applications will begin on or shortly after November 1, 2025. However, applications will be welcomed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About the IU Institute for Human Health and Wellbeing (H2W):
The IU Institute for Human Health and Wellbeing operates at the intersection of health, life sciences and technology to meet community needs and improve health outcomes across the State of Indiana. Working with industry and community partners, H2W will expand IU Indianapolis' efforts to translate research and creative activity that meet Hoosiers' most critical health challenges. This includes pursuit of community-engaged research focused on health equity. Interdisciplinary teams will address health issues, particularly in the area of health disparities, and promote mental and physical well-being. The Institute will build on IU's existing research strengths, with the potential for immediate growth in areas such as the use of artificial intelligence in early detection of chronic disease, physical activity and health monitoring, and health economics.

About the IU Indianapolis School of Science:
The IU Indianapolis School of Science is a hub for scientific research and education, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate (MS and PhD) programs across disciplines including biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, forensic and investigational sciences, mathematics, neuroscience, physics, and psychology. With state-of-the-art facilities and close ties to Indianapolis' thriving healthcare, biotech, and life sciences sectors, the school fosters interdisciplinary research and innovation, and prepares students for careers in science, medicine, technology, and education through hands-on research and collaboration with leading industry and academic partners. The Department of Psychology is situated in the School of Science. It is comprised of 21 full-time faculty, 700+ undergraduate majors (BA and BS), 175+ undergraduate Neuroscience majors (BS), and approximately 55+ graduate students pursing degrees in Industrial and Organization Psychology (M.S.), Clinical Psychology (PhD, APA-accredited), and Addiction Neuroscience (PhD).
About the IU Indianapolis School of Health & Human Sciences:
The School of Health & Human Sciences offers a broad range of educational and research programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers in health, wellness, sports, and human sciences. The school's programs emphasize experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement, all tailored to meet the needs of students aiming for various professions in healthcare and wellness fields. Students can engage educational programs in health sciences (healthcare, rehabilitation, health promotion), exercise science and kinesiology, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, nutrition and dietetics, physical therapy, and tourism, event, and sport management. Core areas of research include rehabilitation science, musculoskeletal health, physical activity and exercise, community health and wellness, and neurological and behavioral health. The School of Health & Human Sciences is comprised 4 academic departments (Health Sciences, Kinesiology, Graduate Health Professions, Tourism, Event, and Sport Management) with 80 full-time faculty, 900+ undergraduate majors (BS), and approximately 500+ graduate students pursing degrees in Health Science, Kinesiology, and Nutrition and Dietetics (MS & DND), Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS), Physical Therapy (DPT), Occupational Therapy (OTD), Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (PhD) and Exercise Science (PhD).
About Indiana University Indianapolis:
The IU Indianapolis campus, with over 21,000 students, is located adjacent to downtown Indianapolis. IU Indianapolis is the health and life science campus of Indiana University, the focal point of health profession education in the State of Indiana. IU Indianapolis offers a full range of academic programs and is an academic leader in the life and health sciences. The School of Science and O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Indianapolis are on the academic Medical Center Campus, home to the Indiana University School of Medicine, the largest medical school in the US. Both schools have formed key research partnerships with the IU School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute, an internationally recognized medical informatics research center. The schools also enjoy collaborations with the Roudebush VA Medical Center, IU Health (one of the largest health care organizations in the Midwest), and the IU Schools of Nursing, Public Health, Public and Environmental Affairs, Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. IU faculty have access to state-of-the art computing resources. IU's Quartz supercomputer, Big Red 200 is among the world's fastest research supercomputers. Owned and operated solely by IU, these high-performance resources are designed to accelerate discovery in a wide variety of fields, including biomedicine, biotechnology, health care, and enable effective analysis of large, complex biomedical data sets (i.e., big data). Overall, IU Indianapolis research contributes significantly to the Indiana State economy, with an estimated $672 million generated in economic activity from NIH-funded projects alone. This growth aligns with the IU 2030 strategic plan, aiming to support Indiana's economic and health needs through expanded research infrastructure and collaboration across IU campuses.
About Indianapolis:
Indianapolis, encompassing a metropolitan population of 1.9 million, is the 14th-largest city in the nation and is the state's capital. This diverse city boasts a high quality of life, low cost of living, and easy commutes. Indianapolis has six thriving Cultural Districts, each offering a distinct mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Named "the biggest and boldest step by any American city" by Project for Public Spaces in New York City, the $63 million Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an internationally acclaimed eight-mile biking and walking trail that connects all six of Indy's Cultural Districts. Indianapolis is one of the country's most walkable cities, with numerous parks, paths, and recreational amenities promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Indianapolis is home to outstanding cultural institutions as well as companies such as Eli Lilly & Co, Roche Diagnostics, Salesforce, and Dow AgroSciences. Indianapolis, often called Indy, is home to the Indiana Pacers of the National Ba...

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