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Exercise Science Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Exercise Science Research information

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$28K

$90.4K

$154K

How much do exercise science research jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise science research in the United States is $90,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Exercise Science Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Exercise Science Research jobs? Cities with the most Exercise Science Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Exercise Science Research jobs? The most popular types of Exercise Science Research jobs are:
What states have the most Exercise Science Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Exercise Science Research jobs include:
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Research job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,419 per year, or $43.5 per hour.
Edu - Assistant Professor/Associate Professor Exercise Science- Tenure/Tenure Track-527456

Edu - Assistant Professor/Associate Professor Exercise Science- Tenure/Tenure Track-527456

The University of Alabama

Montevallo, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


University Of Alabama rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

381st of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department/Organization
212801 - Kinesiology


Rank
Assistant/Associate Professor


Position Summary
The exercise science faculty in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Alabama invite applications to fill a full-time, tenure track position at the assistant or associate professor rank (commensurate with experience) in exercise science to begin August 16, 2026.


Detailed Position Information
The exercise science faculty in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Alabama invite applications to fill a full-time, tenure track position at the assistant or associate professor rank (commensurate with experience) in exercise science to begin August 16, 2026. There are currently 10 tenure-track and 7 renewable contract (non-tenure track) faculty in this area. Current research emphases include physical activity, sedentary
behavior, body composition, and cardiometabolic health outcomes; physiological adaptations to physical training and athlete monitoring; meta-analysis and evidenced-based methodology; cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses to heat stress and tactical performance with application to occupational health and safety; applied exercise physiology; aerobic exercise and PTSD; psychobiology and exercise; neuromuscular
mechanisms of altered motor control; and neuromechanical contributors to musculoskeletal injury and disease. Applicants are sought who can complement these research areas or expand the current profile into new areas and who value working collaboratively. Priority consideration will be given to those who have strong external
funding potential.
Responsibilities:
• Develop an externally funded research program
• Direct graduate student theses and dissertations
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in exercise science and related areas
• Participate in professional organizations
• Participate in academic citizenship


Minimum Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
• Earned doctorate in exercise science, or related field
• Post-doc or prior experience in a faculty position
• Ability to develop an extramurally funded research profile
• Previous teaching experience in exercise science


Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications: • Professional certification such as ACSM-EP or NSCA CSCS • Evidence of an active record of scholarship • Evidence of actively pursuing internal or external funding opportunities


Instructions and Required Materials for Application
The review of applicants will begin immediately upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled. To be considered for the position, applicants must apply online at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu. A letter of application; unofficial transcript(s) of all graduate level coursework; vita; up to three samples of professional writing; and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references are required to complete the online application process. Only completed applications will be considered. Questions regarding this position can be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Michael Fedewa (mvfedewa@ua.edu).


About the Division/College/School
For over 150 years, the College of Education has been dedicated to developing professionals with the expertise needed to advance the intellectual and social conditions of all learners. By effectively preparing graduates to pursue their pedagogical and scholarly endeavors, the College of Education aims to lead Alabama in teaching, scholarship, advocacy, and service. Our faculty’s research, teaching, and service is widely recognized through their securement of external funding, national awards, professional organization leadership, established centers and offices, and outreach to the local, state, and national communities. Faculty in the college are free to pursue their passions, partner with the local communities, and excel in their many pursuits of academia.
The College of Education consists of six academic departments and 29 high-caliber programs, including opportunities that enable students to earn specialized degrees in teacher education, exercise science, and educational neuroscience. Through a robust offering of main campus options, online degrees, and certification programs, the College is poised to accommodate any learner. The College of Education is also home to the No. 1 competitive adaptive sports program in the nation, UA Adapted Athletics, and proudly supports their successes at their state-of-the-art facilities. With teaching, research, and outreach efforts that serve the local community and beyond, the College of Education continues to expand its footprint in both the world of academia and in our global society.
The College of Education is committed to advancing opportunities for all of its community members, including increasing and retaining faculty, staff, and students from a range of backgrounds and areas of expertise, creating a culture that welcomes a vibrant and global college community, and providing opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to develop competencies that support these efforts. For more information on the College of Education’s commitments and efforts, please visit our website: https://education.ua.edu/


About the University
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, named one of Travel + Leisure’s 25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S. As one of the nation’s premier universities, UA offers bachelor’s, master's and doctoral degrees in nearly 200 fields of study. With more than 1,400 acres of tree-lined academic core campus and over 300 state-of-the art facilities, UA has been ranked among the most beautiful and most impressive college campuses in the South, in the state of Alabama and in the nation.
In Fall 2023, the Capstone set a new enrollment record with more than 39,000 students, including more than 8,200 in the freshman class. The current enrollment includes students from every county in Alabama, every state in the nation and 92 countries around the world. More than 1,100 National Merit Scholars are currently enrolled, making UA one of the largest enrolling institutions of the scholars in the country.
UA was recently recognized as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. students for the seventh time in nine years, as well as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the first time. UA is one of only 12 universities in the nation to receive both honors.
For reasons like this, the University made Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges for 2023 and Time magazine’s list of Top 50 Best Colleges for Future Leaders. It also made Princeton Review’s list of Top Value Colleges.
UA is also designated among the top doctoral research universities in the United States in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. One of the fastest growing major research institutions in the nation, UA saw a 21% increase in sponsored awards in the 2023 fiscal year.
Since 2015, UA has invested over $1.1 billion in the physical campus, adding more than 2.55 million gross square feet of space, over 150 new research-intensive faculty, signature research areas (e.g., “The Alabama Research Institutes”), and a growing number of partnerships with industry and with state and federal agencies.
The University employs nearly 2,100 faculty and over 4,500 staff, with 52 UA researchers included in the National Academy of Inventors. An additional 40 current faculty have received the NSF CAREER Award, the nation’s most prestigious recognition of top performing young scientists in disciplines ranging from nanoscience and engineering to biological sciences.


Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants to and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. Follow the link below to find out more. "EEO is the Law" https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf


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