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Kinesiology Researcher

💰 $ - $

Research & DevelopmentScienceHealthcareSports ScienceBiomechanics

🎯 Role Definition

A Kinesiology Researcher is a scientific professional dedicated to the systematic investigation of human physical activity. They employ rigorous scientific methods to explore the biomechanical, physiological, neurological, and psychological aspects of movement. This role is pivotal in generating new knowledge, validating performance and health interventions, and contributing to evidence-based practices in fields ranging from elite athletics to clinical rehabilitation and wearable technology development. They are the subject matter experts who translate complex human data into actionable insights and foundational principles.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow
  • Ph.D. Graduate (Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology)
  • Research Associate / Lab Manager

Advancement To:

  • Senior Kinesiology Researcher / Senior Scientist
  • Principal Investigator / Lab Director
  • Research & Development Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Data Scientist (Human Movement Specialist)
  • Clinical Research Scientist
  • University Professor / Lecturer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Design, develop, and execute complex research studies to investigate human movement, biomechanics, and physiological responses to exercise, injury, and various interventions.
  • Lead the recruitment, screening, and enrollment of study participants, ensuring adherence to inclusion/exclusion criteria and maintaining a diverse subject pool.
  • Manage the entire data collection process in laboratory and field settings, utilizing advanced instrumentation such as 3D motion capture systems, force plates, electromyography (EMG), and metabolic carts.
  • Process, clean, and analyze large and complex datasets derived from biomechanical and physiological sensors, employing advanced signal processing and statistical techniques.
  • Develop and validate novel algorithms and data analysis pipelines for interpreting human movement data and extracting meaningful physiological metrics.
  • Prepare and submit high-quality, impactful manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals to contribute to the body of knowledge in the field.
  • Develop and present compelling research findings at national and international scientific conferences, workshops, and symposiums to engage with the scientific community.
  • Author and co-author grant proposals and funding applications to secure external and internal financial support for new and ongoing research projects.
  • Ensure all research activities are conducted with the highest ethical standards, including preparing, submitting, and maintaining protocols with the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
  • Conduct comprehensive and systematic literature reviews to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements and inform the direction of future research.
  • Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, data scientists, product managers, and clinicians, to translate research findings into tangible outcomes.
  • Supervise, mentor, and train junior researchers, graduate students, interns, and lab technicians on experimental procedures, data analysis, and scientific writing.
  • Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot sophisticated laboratory equipment to ensure data accuracy, integrity, and operational readiness.
  • Translate complex scientific concepts and research results into clear, concise language for non-technical stakeholders and executive leadership.
  • Contribute to the development of intellectual property by documenting novel methods and findings, and assisting in the patent application process.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide subject matter expertise and scientific consultation on human movement and physiology to support product development, validation, and marketing efforts.
  • Author detailed technical reports, internal whitepapers, and project documentation for archival and cross-functional communication purposes.
  • Manage research project timelines, milestones, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within financial scope.
  • Establish and maintain a network of external academic and industry collaborators to foster innovation and extend research capabilities.
  • Participate in the peer-review process for scientific journals and conferences, contributing to the quality and rigor of the field.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Biomechanical Data Collection: Expertise with motion capture systems (e.g., Vicon, OptiTrack), force plates (e.g., AMTI, Kistler), and inertial measurement units (IMUs).
  • Physiological Measurement: Proficiency in using metabolic carts, EMG systems, ECG, and other physiological monitoring equipment.
  • Data Analysis & Programming: Strong skills in at least one programming language for data analysis (Python, R) and specialized software like MATLAB or LabVIEW.
  • Statistical Analysis: Advanced knowledge of statistical methods (e.g., ANOVA, regression, mixed-effects models) and proficiency with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, RStudio).
  • Scientific Writing: Demonstrated ability to write clear, high-impact scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, and technical reports.
  • Signal Processing: Experience with digital signal processing techniques for cleaning and analyzing time-series data from biological sensors.
  • Experimental Design: Deep understanding of research methodology, study design, and controlling for confounding variables in human subjects research.

Soft Skills

  • Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Ability to deconstruct complex problems, design innovative solutions, and troubleshoot unexpected issues during research.
  • Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A proven track record of working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and fostering a collaborative environment.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and highly organized approach to data collection, analysis, and documentation to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
  • Mentorship & Leadership: Capacity to guide and develop junior team members, fostering their scientific and professional growth.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Master of Science (M.S.) in a relevant scientific discipline.

Preferred Education:

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Kinesiology
  • Biomechanics
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Rehabilitation Science
  • Motor Control / Neuroscience

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5+ years of hands-on, post-graduate research experience in a relevant academic or industry lab setting.

Preferred:

  • A strong publication record in reputable, peer-reviewed journals as a first author.
  • Experience securing research funding through grant applications.
  • Experience working on industry-focused research projects, particularly in wearable technology, sports performance, or clinical applications.
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