Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kinesiology Instructor Intern

💰 $ - $

KinesiologyEducationInternshipExercise Science

🎯 Role Definition

The Kinesiology Instructor Intern supports faculty and course instructors by delivering safe, evidence-based instruction in laboratory and classroom settings, assisting with curriculum development, conducting fitness and biomechanical assessments, supervising student learning activities, and contributing to applied research and program evaluation. This role emphasizes student mentorship, hands-on demonstration of exercise techniques and lab protocols, strict adherence to safety and ethical guidelines, and active involvement in continuous improvement of instructional materials and learning outcomes.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Undergraduate student or recent graduate in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or related field
  • Teaching Assistant, Lab Assistant, or Fitness Coach
  • Athletic training student or rehabilitation technician

Advancement To:

  • Adjunct Instructor / Lecturer in Kinesiology or Exercise Science
  • Laboratory Coordinator or Instructional Specialist
  • Graduate research assistant or master's program in Kinesiology, Physical Therapy, or Sports Science

Lateral Moves:

  • Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
  • Clinical Exercise Physiologist
  • Community Health & Wellness Program Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Deliver structured, evidence-based instruction and live demonstrations in kinesiology laboratory sessions (biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor control), ensuring clarity of learning objectives and alignment with course syllabi.
  • Prepare detailed lesson plans, lab manuals, and instructional materials that translate core kinesiology concepts into measurable learning activities and practical skill acquisition for undergraduate students.
  • Supervise and facilitate hands-on student practice during exercise technique sessions, biomechanics data collection, and physiological testing, providing immediate corrective feedback to optimize motor learning and reduce injury risk.
  • Administer standardized fitness and physiological assessments (e.g., VO2 max/ submax tests, body composition, strength and endurance tests, functional movement screens) under faculty supervision and record accurate results.
  • Set up, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment (force plates, motion capture systems, EMG, metabolic carts, dynamometers), following institutional safety and maintenance protocols to ensure reliable data collection.
  • Assist faculty with grading assignments, practical exams, lab reports, and student presentations, applying consistent rubrics and providing constructive, development-focused feedback.
  • Support course assessment by collecting and analyzing student performance data, generating summary reports on learning outcomes, and recommending instructional adjustments to improve student mastery.
  • Mentor and tutor students during office hours and review sessions, helping diverse learners understand complex kinesiology concepts and apply theory to practice.
  • Enforce lab safety, informed consent, and human subjects protocols; screen participants for contraindications and document incidents or deviations in compliance with institutional review board (IRB) and departmental policies.
  • Demonstrate and teach safe exercise programming and injury prevention strategies, including appropriate progressions, spotting techniques, and accommodations for students with special needs.
  • Collaborate with course instructors to adapt instructional content for blended or online delivery, including uploading materials to LMS, creating video demonstrations, and supporting synchronous virtual lab sessions.
  • Support faculty-led research by recruiting participants, administering experimental protocols, collecting and processing biomechanical and physiological data, and maintaining organized data logs.
  • Assist in the design and pilot testing of new labs or curricular modules that integrate contemporary research findings, wearable technologies, and applied biomechanics into undergraduate learning experiences.
  • Lead small group discussions and lab debriefs that emphasize scientific reasoning, data interpretation, and translation of lab findings into practical coaching or rehabilitation recommendations.
  • Maintain accurate inventories of lab supplies and equipment, coordinate repair requests, and proactively recommend purchases to support instructional and research needs.
  • Provide frontline student support for accommodations, accessibility needs, and diverse learning styles by modifying demonstrations and assessments under faculty guidance.
  • Contribute to outreach and recruitment events by preparing demonstrations, engaging prospective students, and representing the kinesiology program’s applied learning opportunities.
  • Attend faculty meetings, training sessions, and professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in pedagogy, assessment, and laboratory safety.
  • Implement quality assurance for data collection procedures by following standardized protocols, conducting trial runs, and cross-checking datasets prior to faculty review.
  • Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration by coordinating with athletic trainers, physical therapy clinics, and campus recreation to create integrative learning experiences and community partnerships.
  • Provide administrative and logistical support for course scheduling, participant consent documentation, room reservations, and management of digital and physical course resources.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by soliciting student feedback, analyzing course evaluations, and contributing to the revision of course learning outcomes and lab activities.
  • Promote a positive, inclusive classroom and lab culture that models professional behavior, ethical research practices, and respect for participant confidentiality.
  • Contribute to grant-funded projects by assisting with protocol documentation, budget tracking for consumables, and preparation of supporting materials for progress reports.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist faculty with simple statistical summaries and visualization of student or research data (e.g., mean/SD, basic plots) and prepare brief summaries for instructional use.
  • Support development of multimedia instructional content (how-to videos, lab demonstration clips, annotated slides) to enhance hybrid and remote learning experiences.
  • Help coordinate scheduling between labs, gym spaces, and external facilities to maximize utilization and avoid conflicts for practical sessions.
  • Provide outreach support for community fitness screenings, workshops, and educational events showcasing student learning and departmental services.
  • Maintain digital repositories of lab protocols, consent forms, and standard operating procedures to ensure reproducibility and onboarding efficiency for new interns.
  • Act as backup proctor for practical exams and skills assessments to ensure smooth exam delivery and valid evaluation of student competencies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Applied knowledge of exercise physiology principles, including cardiopulmonary testing and interpretation of metabolic data (VO2/submax protocols).
  • Proficiency with biomechanics measurement tools and techniques (motion capture basics, force plate use, EMG fundamentals).
  • Experience using laboratory equipment and software for data collection and basic analysis (e.g., LabChart, Qualisys, Vicon, MATLAB, Python, SPSS, or Excel).
  • Practical ability to design and lead safe strength and conditioning sessions and functional movement assessments.
  • Familiarity with human subject research procedures, informed consent processes, and IRB-related documentation and compliance.
  • Competence in measuring and interpreting body composition, flexibility, muscular strength, and endurance assessments.
  • Ability to prepare clear, evidence-based lesson plans, lab manuals, rubrics, and assessment tools aligned to learning outcomes.
  • Basic statistical literacy for summarizing assessment and pilot research data (descriptive stats, t-tests, correlation).
  • Experience with learning management systems (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle) for uploading content, managing assignments, and communicating with students.
  • Current certifications preferred/required in CPR, AED, and First Aid; additional certifications such as CSCS, ACSM-EP, NASM-CPT, or similar viewed favorably.
  • Strong documentation and lab maintenance skills, including equipment calibration, safety checks, and inventory management.
  • Ability to perform participant screening and risk stratification for exercise testing (PAR-Q+, medical history review).

Soft Skills

  • Clear, confident instructional communication with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into actionable steps for learners.
  • Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills for one-on-one coaching and group facilitation of diverse student populations.
  • Attention to detail and high organizational standards for reproducible lab work, accurate record-keeping, and reliable grading practices.
  • Demonstrated commitment to student-centered teaching, patience, and adaptive instruction for various learning styles and ability levels.
  • Professionalism and ethical judgment in managing confidential student and participant data.
  • Collaborative mindset to work effectively with faculty, peers, clinical partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Problem-solving skills and calm decision-making in managing live labs, safety incidents, or equipment failures.
  • Time management and prioritization skills to balance instructional duties, office hours, and research tasks.
  • Growth-oriented learning attitude with responsiveness to feedback and continuous pedagogical development.
  • Cultural competence and inclusivity in classroom and lab interactions, recognizing diverse backgrounds and accessibility needs.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Currently enrolled in or recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Human Movement Science, Sport Science, or closely related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Biomechanics, or Master's student in related program.
  • Coursework or certification in exercise testing, biomechanics, motor control, or human physiology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Kinesiology
  • Exercise Science / Exercise Physiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Sport Science
  • Human Movement Science
  • Physical Therapy / Athletic Training (pre-professional)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–2 years of related experience; suitable for current undergraduates, recent graduates, or early-career candidates with supervised lab, coaching, TA or research assistant experience.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience as a teaching assistant, laboratory assistant, coach, or clinical technician in exercise testing or biomechanics labs.
  • Experience with student mentoring, curriculum support, or academic tutoring.
  • Certifications: CPR/AED/First Aid required; CSCS, ACSM-EP, NASM, or equivalent preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience with lab equipment, LIMS/LMS platforms, basic data analysis, and adherence to human subjects protection standards.
Explore More Careers