Exercise Physiologist

Institute For Medical Research, Inc.; Durham, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan matching

Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Institute for Medical Research, Inc. seeks an experienced Exercise Physiologist to support clinical research and exercise-related activities at the Durham site. You will assess, prescribe, monitor, and educate participants, ensuring safety and protocol adherence across diverse health profiles.

Responsibilities include individualized program design, progress monitoring, and meticulous documentation, in collaboration with investigators and clinical staff in a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science required.
• Bachelor's degree with ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) credential may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.
• Level I: 1 year minimum experience; Level II: 3 years minimum; leadership preferred.
• ACSM certification as an Exercise Physiologist or Clinical Exercise Physiologist required for Level I; Level II requires Clinical Exercise Physiologist certification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct exercise, fitness, and functional assessments for research participants.
• Develop individualized exercise prescriptions based on health history and assessment results.
• Monitor participants before, during, and after exercise for safety and protocol compliance.
• Document physiological responses (heart rate, BP, SpO2, symptoms, glucose) as required.
• Supervise exercise sessions and provide instruction on safe, effective activity.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assessments, prescriptions, and progress.
• Ensure compliance with study protocols, safety requirements, and professional standards.

Skills

Exercise physiology

Exercise assessment

Exercise testing

Exercise prescription

Safety monitoring

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science

Bachelor's degree with ACSM RCEP credential

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary Range: $62,400.00 To $83,200.00 Annually

The Institute for Medical Research (IMR), a nonprofit organization that conducts cutting-edge research for the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is seeking to hire an Exercise Physiologist to support clinical research and exercise-related activities.

The Exercise Physiologist will work collaboratively with investigators, research staff, clinical staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to support research protocols involving exercise assessment, exercise prescription, participant monitoring, education, and related research activities. The position will work with research participants representing a range of health histories, functional abilities, and exercise goals and will be responsible for helping ensure exercise-related research activities are conducted safely and in accordance with study protocols and established professional guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct exercise, fitness, and functional assessments for research participants with varying health histories, physical abilities, and risk levels.
• Develop individualized exercise prescriptions based on participant health history, functional ability, assessment results, study requirements, and individual goals.
• Establish appropriate exercise goals and coordinate exercise progression for participants at varying levels of risk.
• Monitor participants before, during, and after exercise activities to help ensure participant safety and adherence to established research protocols.
• Monitor and accurately document physiological responses to exercise, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, symptoms, and blood glucose levels, as applicable to the research protocol.
• Recognize abnormal physiological responses, symptoms, or other concerns during exercise activities and respond appropriately in accordance with established procedures and study protocols.
• Provide instruction and supervision during individual and group exercise sessions.
• Demonstrate appropriate exercise techniques and provide participants with instruction regarding safe and effective physical activity.
• Modify exercise activities as appropriate based on participant response, functional ability, health status, and established protocol requirements.
• Maintain a safe and appropriate environment for exercise testing, training, and other research-related activities.
• Plan, coordinate, and implement exercise and related programs for research participants and special populations.
• Provide participant education regarding exercise, physical activity, health promotion, and applicable risk-factor management as required by individual research protocols.
• Provide appropriate support and encouragement to research participants throughout their participation in exercise-related research activities.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation of participant assessments, exercise prescriptions, exercise sessions, physiological responses, participant progress, and other required research information.
• Assist with the collection, organization, and maintenance of research data and study documentation related to exercise interventions and participant assessments.
• Ensure exercise-related research activities are performed in accordance with approved study protocols, applicable policies, safety requirements, and professional standards.
• Maintain regular communication with investigators, research coordinators, clinical staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary team regarding participant progress, safety concerns, exercise plans, and other relevant information.
• Collaborate with investigators and research staff to support the implementation of research protocols involving exercise, physical activity, fitness testing, or related interventions.
• Participate in research and project meetings as required.
• Maintain exercise equipment and ensure equipment is appropriately prepared and functioning for participant assessments and exercise activities.
• Adhere to applicable safety and compliance regulations and complete required recurring training.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education

Master's degree in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science required.

A Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or a related field with an ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) credential may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.

Experience

Level I: Minimum of one (1) year of applicable experience required; two (2) years preferred.

Level II: Minimum of three (3) years of applicable experience required; leadership experience preferred.

Certification

Level I: ACSM certification as an Exercise Physiologist or Clinical Exercise Physiologist required.

Level II: ACSM certification as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist required.

Additional Requirements:

• Knowledge of exercise physiology principles, exercise assessment, exercise testing, exercise prescription, and exercise progression.
• Knowledge of appropriate exercise parameters and safety considerations for individuals with varying health conditions, functional abilities, and risk levels.
• Ability to accurately obtain and monitor vital signs and recognize abnormal physiological responses to exercise.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized exercise programs based on participant needs, assessment results, research protocols, and established professional guidelines.
• Ability to safely supervise participants during exercise testing, training, and other physical activities.
• Ability to work effectively with research participants representing a wide range of health histories, physical abilities, and exercise goals.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, professional initiative, teamwork, and reliability.
• Excellent written and oral communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with research participants, investigators, clinical staff, research personnel, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a deadline-sensitive research environment.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete participant, research, and regulatory documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft software and the ability to learn and utilize research-related databases, electronic systems, and other technology as required.
• Must adhere to applicable research, privacy, safety, regulatory, and compliance requirements.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, the following: standing and walking for extended periods of time; sitting for extended periods of time; demonstrating and supervising exercise activities; bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and stooping; moving and assisting with exercise equipment; and regularly using fingers and hands for computer work and documentation.

The employee must possess the physical and mental abilities necessary to safely monitor research participants during exercise-related activities and respond appropriately to participant needs.

Supervisory Controls:

The Exercise Physiologist will work under the direction of the Principal Investigator and designated research leadership. The position will collaborate closely with investigators, research coordinators, clinical staff, research personnel, and other members of the interdisciplinary team.

The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Status:

NON-EXEMPT

Start Date:

Expected start date will be approximately 6–8 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

Employee Benefits:

IMR offers a competitive benefits package if you work 30 hours or more, which includes health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403(b) retirement savings plan if you work 20 or more hours. Both part-time and full-time employees receive paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit the IMR Benefits page for information about employee benefits.

All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS). As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Residency Requirements:

As a condition of employment with the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), employees must reside within the State of North Carolina and maintain a reasonable commuting distance to their assigned work location throughout the duration of their employment. By accepting this offer, you acknowledge and agree to this requirement. Failure to maintain North Carolina residency at any time during employment may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment.

By accepting this offer, you acknowledge that your employment with IMR is at will. This means that neither you nor IMR have entered a contract regarding the terms or duration of employment. You may terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice. Likewise, IMR reserves the right to reassign duties, modify compensation, or terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice.

This position is grant- or contract-funded. Employment offers and continued employment are contingent upon the availability and continuation of funding.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.