Exercise Science Research Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

We’re looking for a well-rounded trainer who is comfortable working with both adults and athletes. Evening availability is a major priority for this position, with the expectation of working multiple evenings throughout the week.

We can also offer some morning hours, so the ideal candidate will have the flexibility to work a combination of morning and evening shifts.

Job Title: Personal Trainer/Performance Coach

Job Description

Summary

The Personal Trainer/Performance Coach is responsible for delivering high-quality private and small group training sessions to clients of all fitness levels. This role focuses on helping individuals move better, feel better, and perform better by designing customized training programs that align with their goals. The Personal Trainer must create an engaging and supportive environment while ensuring all training follows best practices in exercise science and safety.

Responsibilities

Personal Training & Program Development

• Design and implement customized training programs for clients based on their individual needs, goals, and movement capabilities
• Conduct one-on-one and small group training sessions with an emphasis on proper movement patterns, injury prevention, and long-term success
• Track client progress through assessments, data collection, and ongoing program adjustments
• Educate clients on proper exercise techniques, injury prevention, and general wellness strategies

Client Engagement & Community Building

• Foster a welcoming and motivating training environment for all clients
• Encourage consistent participation through personalized communication, motivation, and accountability strategies
• Promote the core value of Community Consciousness by building relationships and ensuring clients feel supported in their fitness journey

Professional Development & Lifelong Learning

• Stay updated on the latest trends, techniques, and research in personal training, fitness, and movement science
• Participate in continuing education opportunities to maintain certifications and improve coaching effectiveness
• Contribute to a culture of Lifelong Learning by sharing knowledge with clients and team members. 4. Sales & Client Retention
• Promote personal training packages and encourage long-term client commitments
• Provide goal-oriented check-ins to ensure clients see progress and remain engaged in their training plans
• Support client retention by consistently delivering high-quality sessions and ensuring clients feel valued

Safety & Evidence-Based Excellence

• Ensure all training adheres to evidence-based best practices for exercise selection, progression, and injury prevention
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe training environment for all clients
• Modify exercises appropriately for clients with injuries or physical limitations while ensuring they continue making progress
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment
• Other duties as assigned

OrthoHealth Responsibilities (as assigned)

When designated by management, the employee in this role may additionally function as a Clinical Fitness Specialist operating across OrthoHealth and HPI divisions. In this hybrid capacity, the employee’s scope of work expands to include serving as a clinical rehabilitation aide and exercise technician under the guidance of the physical therapy team.

• Responsibilities include taking medically referred patients through specialized metabolic, weight management, and chronic disease prevention protocols, while collaborating closely within an integrated care team (physicians, physical therapists, dietitians, and nurse practitioners) to ensure a seamless care continuum.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Sports Performance, or a related field (preferred)

Certifications/Licensure

• Nationally recognized certification (NSCA, ACSM, ACE, NASM, or equivalent)
• CPR/AED certification (required)

Experience

• Minimum of 1-2 years of personal training experience (or relevant internship experience)
• Strong knowledge of human movement, biomechanics, and injury prevention

Technical Skills

• Ability to customize workouts for individuals with varying fitness levels and physical conditions

Soft Skills

• Passion for fitness and a commitment to helping others achieve their goals
• Excellent communication and motivational skills to engage with a diverse client base

Physical Requirements

• Stand or sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to demonstrate exercises effectively and adapt movement patterns for client needs
• Capable of working with clients of all fitness levels, including those with mobility limitations
• Regularly required to stand, walk, lift, push, pull, squat, kneel, or balance
• Ability to lift and move up to 75 pounds and assist clients with equipment

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Duties and responsibilities, experience, qualifications, skills, supervisory relationship, physical/mental demands, and environmental/ working conditions may change as needs evolve.

Base salary offers for this position may vary based on factors such as location, skills and relevant experience. We offer the following benefits to those who are benefit eligible (30+ hours a week): medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, long and short term disability, 401k program with company match and profit sharing, wellness program, health savings accounts, flexible savings accounts, ID protection plan and accident, critical illness and hospital benefits. In addition, we offer paid holidays and paid time off.

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to recruitment and placement, promotion, training, transfer, retention, rate of pay and all other terms and conditions of employment.