Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Kinesiology Research Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Kinesiology Research Assistant supports faculty and multi-disciplinary research teams in the design, execution, and dissemination of human-subjects research focused on exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control, and human performance. This role manages participant recruitment and scheduling, conducts standardized physiological and biomechanical testing (e.g., VO2max, metabolic cart, force plate, motion capture, EMG), collects and curates high-quality data, performs preliminary statistical analyses, ensures regulatory compliance (IRB/HIPAA), maintains lab equipment and biosafety standards, and contributes to manuscripts, grants, and presentations. Ideal candidates combine rigorous laboratory technique, strong data management and analysis capabilities, and excellent interpersonal skills to interact with participants and collaborators in clinical, field, and lab environments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or Physiology with lab course experience
Clinical exercise technician or fitness testing specialist (e.g., cardiac rehab tech, athletic trainer assistant)
Laboratory technician or student research assistant with exposure to human subject testing

Advancement To:

Senior Research Assistant or Lead Research Technician
Research Coordinator or Study Manager for multi-site trials
Graduate study (MSc/PhD) in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, or related fields

Lateral Moves:

Clinical Exercise Physiologist / Exercise Testing Specialist
Biomechanics or Motion Analysis Lab Technician
Data Analyst in sports science or healthcare settings

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Recruit, screen, and enroll study participants according to protocol criteria, conduct informed consent processes, and maintain accurate recruitment logs and participant files to ensure regulatory and IRB compliance.
Design and execute standardized exercise testing protocols (graded exercise tests, submaximal tests, VO2peak/VO2max assessments) using metabolic carts, gas analyzers, and treadmill/cycle ergometers while ensuring participant safety and data integrity.
Administer and monitor cardiovascular and metabolic measurements including ECG setup and interpretation for arrhythmia detection during exercise tests, heart rate variability assessments, and continuous blood pressure monitoring when required by protocol.
Collect biomechanical and motion analysis data using marker-based and markerless motion capture systems, force plates, inertial measurement units (IMUs), and pressure platforms, ensuring calibration procedures are documented and adhered to before each session.
Apply surface electromyography (EMG) techniques for muscle activation assessment, including electrode placement, signal acquisition, filtering, artifact rejection, and preliminary processing for downstream analysis.
Perform blood draws and basic biological sample handling (e.g., fingerstick or venipuncture when certified), process, aliquot, and store biospecimens according to cold chain and biosafety protocols, and maintain chain-of-custody documentation.
Operate and maintain specialized laboratory equipment (metabolic carts, DEXA, dynamometers, force platforms, motion capture systems), troubleshoot technical issues, perform routine calibrations, and coordinate maintenance and vendor service when needed.
Implement standardized data collection workflows in REDCap, Qualtrics, LabChart, or custom data acquisition software, ensuring data are complete, timestamped, de-identified where required, and backed up in secure institutional repositories.
Conduct preliminary statistical analyses and data visualization using software such as R, Python (pandas, numpy), SPSS, or MATLAB to generate descriptive statistics, quality-control reports, and figures for team meetings and manuscripts.
Follow and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), study manuals, and lab safety guidelines; contribute to protocol amendments and documentation required by IRB and funding agencies.
Coordinate multi-site or multi-session testing schedules, communicate effectively with participants to reduce no-shows, and maintain meticulous appointment logs and experimental conditions documentation (environmental conditions, test order, pre-test instructions).
Train and supervise undergraduate student assistants and junior technicians in human subject testing, equipment operation, data entry, safety protocols, and ethical conduct during research activities.
Support grant preparation by compiling preliminary data, assisting with literature searches, drafting methods sections, and preparing figures and tables that demonstrate feasibility and technical expertise for funding applications.
Collect and reconcile study-related invoices, unit costs, and equipment usage logs; assist the PI or study manager with budget tracking, purchasing requisitions, and inventory control of consumables and calibration materials.
Ensure participant safety during testing by performing pre-test health screenings, monitoring for adverse events, documenting incidents, administering first aid/CPR if necessary, and escalating clinical concerns to licensed personnel.
Coordinate with institutional regulatory offices to support IRB submissions, amendments, continuing reviews, and adverse event reporting; maintain participant confidentiality and HIPAA compliance across all data workflows.
Facilitate dissemination of research findings by co-authoring abstracts, draft manuscripts, and poster presentations; prepare slides and support live demonstrations for conferences and stakeholder meetings.
Contribute to study design refinement by providing methodological input on measurement validity, sample size feasibility, power calculations, and pilot testing outcomes based on hands-on experience with target populations.
Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) tasks on raw data files (signal trimming, artifact detection, synchronization across devices), document QA decisions, and generate cleaned datasets primed for statistical modeling.
Conduct field-based or community outreach testing sessions (e.g., schools, sports clubs, clinical settings), adapting lab protocols to pragmatic settings while maintaining data fidelity and participant safety.
Maintain logs of training, certifications (CPR, biosafety, phlebotomy), and continuing education; proactively identify and complete skill-building activities to support research objectives and growing responsibilities.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests, assemble analysis-ready datasets, and provide timely summary reports to investigators and collaborators for grant reports and stakeholder meetings.
Set up and manage participant databases, including demographic, medical history, and questionnaire data, and perform data merges and cross-validation checks between physiological and survey datasets.
Assist with community engagement and participant retention strategies, including follow-up calls, reminder systems, and development of participant-facing materials that explain study procedures and benefits.
Participate in departmental safety committees and assist with lab inspections, inventory audits, and documentation of chemical, biological, and electrical safety compliance.
Help develop training materials, video tutorials, and checklists for standardized testing procedures to improve reproducibility and reduce inter-rater variability.
Coordinate shipping and receiving of study samples and equipment, liaise with core facilities, and manage customs or institutional paperwork for international collaborations when relevant.
Provide cross-functional support to related projects in nutrition, rehabilitation science, or clinical trials by adapting existing skills to complementary measurement techniques or participant cohorts.
Aid in preparation of ethics and data access requests for secondary data use, meta-analyses, or data sharing plans required by funders or institutional policies.
Support implementation of new data acquisition platforms or analytic pipelines, including beta-testing, feedback collection, and user training for lab staff and students.
Manage routine clerical tasks associated with research activities (scheduling, invoice coding, supply orders) to ensure smooth operation of the laboratory or research unit.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in exercise testing and physiological monitoring: VO2max/VO2peak protocols, metabolic carts, indirect calorimetry, and expired gas analysis.
Hands-on experience with biomechanical data collection: marker-based/markerless motion capture systems, force plates, instrumented treadmills, and 3D kinematics.
Competence in EMG acquisition and preprocessing (surface electrode placement, signal conditioning, filtering, normalization).
Familiarity with cardiovascular monitoring: 12-lead or ambulatory ECG setup, interpretation of basic arrhythmias, and continuous heart rate/blood pressure measurement.
Skilled in laboratory-grade strength and power testing: isokinetic and handheld dynamometry, countermovement jump testing, and muscle torque assessments.
Experience with data acquisition platforms and software such as LabChart, Qualisys/Nexus, Vicon, Cortex, Delsys, Motion Analysis, and similar vendor environments.
Strong quantitative analysis skills using R, Python, MATLAB, or SPSS for data cleaning, statistical tests (t-tests, ANOVA/MANOVA, mixed models), regression, and simple machine learning workflows.
Knowledge of human-subjects research administration: IRB protocols, informed consent processes, HIPAA, and documentation for adverse event reporting.
Competency with electronic data capture systems (REDCap, Qualtrics) and secure data management practices including de-identification, encryption, and institutional backup policies.
Skill in biospecimen processing and handling (phlebotomy or coordinating with phlebotomists, centrifugation, aliquoting, freezer management) and familiarity with cold-chain logistics.
Ability to calibrate and maintain lab equipment, perform basic mechanical and electronic troubleshooting, and manage vendor service relationships.
Experience preparing figures, tables, and methods sections for peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.

Soft Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills tailored to participants, clinicians, students, and academic audiences.
Strong attention to detail and rigorous documentation practices to ensure data reproducibility and regulatory compliance.
High level of organization and time management for multi-protocol scheduling, simultaneous participant flow, and deadline-driven deliverables.
Professional and empathetic participant rapport, with sensitivity to diverse populations, mobility limitations, and health conditions.
Collaborative team player comfortable working with multidisciplinary faculty, clinicians, engineers, and student researchers.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to adapt protocols and troubleshoot equipment or data quality issues in real time.
Initiative and ownership to propose improvements to lab processes, SOPs, and participant experience.
Ethical judgment and confidentiality in handling sensitive health and research data.
Teaching and mentoring ability to onboard junior staff and supervise student research activities.
Resilience and composure under pressure during emergency situations or high-volume testing periods.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Human Physiology, Biomechanics, Sports Science, or a closely related field.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's degree with 2–4 years of lab-based research experience or a Master’s degree (MSc) in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Rehabilitation Science, or related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Kinesiology / Exercise Science
Human Physiology / Applied Physiology
Biomechanics / Movement Science
Sports Science / Performance Science
Rehabilitation Science / Physical Therapy (research-focused tracks)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 1–4 years of hands-on experience supporting human-subjects research in exercise physiology, biomechanics, or related labs; may include internships, undergraduate research assistant roles, or clinical exercise technician positions.

Preferred: 2–5 years of progressive research experience including participant testing, lab equipment operation (metabolic carts, motion capture, EMG), basic data analysis experience (R, Python, MATLAB, or SPSS), and demonstrated involvement in manuscript or abstract preparation. Current certifications such as CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), and training in human subjects protection (CITI) are highly desirable; phlebotomy or clinical exercise certification (e.g., ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist/Certified Exercise Physiologist) is a plus.