Occupational Physiology Researcher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s health-conscious working environment, the focus on occupational physiology researchers has never been more critical.

As our understanding of workplace health and wellness evolves, there is an increasing demand for proficient experts who can investigate, enhance, and preserve our occupational health infrastructure.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from an occupational physiology researcher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to comprehend the crux of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the intricacies of occupational physiology research,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable occupational physiology researcher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Occupational Physiology Researcher Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Physiology Researchers are responsible for studying and analyzing the physical and physiological responses of the body to various occupational and working conditions.

They apply this knowledge to improve health, wellbeing and performance in the workplace.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting research to understand the physical and physiological responses to different occupational tasks and environments
• Designing and implementing experiments, studies, and tests to gather data
• Analysing and interpreting data to identify patterns and trends
• Publishing research findings in scientific journals, and presenting findings at conferences
• Developing strategies and interventions to improve occupational health and performance
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as occupational health doctors, to implement interventions
• Consulting with employers to provide advice on creating safer, healthier, and more productive work environments
• Stay updated with the latest research and developments in the field of occupational physiology
• Ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations during the research process
• Using statistical software to analyze data and predict trends.

 

Occupational Physiology Researcher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Occupational Physiology Researcher to study the physical and physiological responses of the body during work activities.

The role includes developing and conducting research programs, analyzing data, and providing insights that will help improve workplace conditions and promote employees’ overall health and wellbeing.

The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of the human body’s physiological processes, particularly in relation to work environments and tasks.

They should also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and implement occupational physiology research programs.
• Collect and analyze physiological data related to occupational tasks and environments.
• Generate hypotheses about how work environments and tasks can affect the human body and test these hypotheses through well-designed research studies.
• Interpret research findings and provide recommendations on how to improve workplace conditions.
• Conduct risk assessments related to physical tasks and work environments.
• Prepare and present research reports to stakeholders.
• Stay updated on advancements in occupational physiology and related fields.

 

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Exercise Physiology, Occupational Health, Kinesiology, or related field.
• Experience conducting physiological research in occupational settings.
• Strong understanding of physiological processes and how they are affected by physical tasks and environments.
• Proficient in data collection and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in using software for data analysis and presentation.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Physiology Researcher
• Work Environment: Laboratory and office setting with potential visits to various workplaces for data collection. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Occupational Health Research.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Occupational Physiology Researcher Do?

Occupational Physiology Researchers primarily work in the field of work physiology which studies the human body’s physiological responses to physical work or tasks.

They can be employed by universities, research institutions, or corporations involved in physical labor or athletic performance.

Their main responsibility is to design and conduct research studies on how the human body responds to various work conditions and physical activities.

This can include studying the effects of different work environments on the body, such as temperature or air quality, or how specific tasks or physical activities affect bodily functions like metabolism, heart rate, or muscle activity.

They collaborate with other professionals such as physiologists, occupational therapists, and industrial hygienists, to analyze the data collected from their studies.

Through their research, they develop strategies to optimize human performance and health in the workplace.

This can involve creating guidelines for safe work practices, recommending modifications to work environments or routines, or developing interventions to prevent work-related injuries or illnesses.

Occupational Physiology Researchers also often present their findings at scientific conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.

This allows them to contribute to the body of knowledge in their field and inform the development of policies and practices related to occupational health and safety.

In addition to their research duties, they may also teach courses on work physiology and related topics if they are affiliated with a university.

 

Occupational Physiology Researcher Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Physiology Researcher needs a specific set of skills and qualifications in order to effectively perform their duties, which may include:

• Strong research skills to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to occupational physiology.
• Knowledge of human physiology and anatomy to understand how different working conditions can affect the human body.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and mitigate potential health and safety risks in the workplace.
• Excellent analytical skills to understand complex physiological data and draw valid conclusions.
• Effective communication skills to convey research findings to colleagues, policymakers, and workplace managers.
• Proficiency with various scientific software and tools used for data analysis in occupational physiology research.
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in data collection and analysis.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team, collaborating with other researchers, healthcare professionals, and workplace administrators.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations to inform and guide research activities.

 

Occupational Physiology Researcher Experience Requirements

Entry-level Occupational Physiology Researchers typically hold a Master’s degree in occupational physiology, kinesiology, or a related field.

They might have gained some experience during their studies through laboratory internships, research assistantships, or through completion of a thesis project.

Beyond entry-level, many roles may require at least 2-3 years of experience in conducting research in occupational physiology.

This experience often involves conducting lab experiments, analyzing data, and writing research reports or articles.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a PhD in Occupational Physiology or a related field.

They typically have a proven track record of conducting independent research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and contributing to the advancement of occupational physiology.

Senior roles may also require leadership experience, including managing research teams, overseeing research projects, and securing funding for research.

Experience teaching or mentoring students may also be beneficial for more senior roles in academic settings.

 

Occupational Physiology Researcher Education and Training Requirements

An Occupational Physiology Researcher typically holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, exercise science, or a similar field.

This degree provides a strong background in the physiological and biomechanical aspects of human movement, as well as the psychological factors that influence exercise and sport.

In addition to the bachelor’s degree, many Occupational Physiology Researchers opt to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational physiology, exercise physiology, or a related discipline.

These advanced degrees usually involve specialized research, offering opportunities to delve deeper into areas such as work physiology, ergonomics, occupational health, and injury prevention.

A familiarity with various research methodologies, statistical analysis, and data interpretation is crucial for this role.

As such, coursework or experience in research design and statistics is highly valued.

Many roles in occupational physiology research also require knowledge of, and experience with, specific tools and techniques used in physiological assessments.

These may include electromyography, metabolic testing, biomechanical analysis, and physical function tests.

Certification from a recognized body, such as the American College of Sports Medicine or the National Strength and Conditioning Association, may also be beneficial.

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and adherence to the professional standards in the field.

Finally, practical experience, obtained through internships, research assistantships, or similar roles, is a crucial component of training for an Occupational Physiology Researcher.

 

Occupational Physiology Researcher Salary Expectations

An Occupational Physiology Researcher can expect an average salary of $70,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, education, location, and the type of institution or organization employing the researcher.

 

Occupational Physiology Researcher Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Occupational Physiology Researcher need?

Occupational Physiology Researchers need to possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to handle complex data and draw accurate conclusions.

Proficiency in scientific methodologies and statistical analysis is necessary, as is the ability to use specialized software tools.

They should have good communication skills to present their findings effectively to different stakeholders.

They should also have a deep understanding of human physiology and its responses to various occupational environments.

 

Do Occupational Physiology Researchers need a degree?

Yes, Occupational Physiology Researchers typically need a degree in Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, or a related field.

Most researchers in this field hold a Master’s or Doctoral degree.

They also often have prior experience in conducting research or working in an occupational setting.

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Physiology Researcher resume?

Check for a degree in a relevant field and prior experience in research or occupational settings.

Look for demonstrated expertise in human physiology and ergonomics, and familiarity with analytical tools and methodologies.

Additionally, any publications or presentations at scientific conferences can indicate a candidate’s proficiency and recognition in the field.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Physiology Researcher?

A good Occupational Physiology Researcher should have a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach to ensure accurate and reliable research results.

They should be patient and persistent, as research often requires long periods of data collection and analysis.

Good researchers are also creative and innovative, able to come up with new research questions and methods.

Excellent communication skills are also essential, as they often need to present their findings to non-scientific audiences.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Occupational Physiology Researcher?

The difficulty in hiring an Occupational Physiology Researcher largely depends on the specific requirements of the role and the availability of qualified candidates.

While there are many qualified researchers in the field, finding one with the specific expertise and experience your organization requires may be challenging.

Offering competitive compensation, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment can attract top candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what it means to be an Occupational Physiology Researcher.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about understanding the human body.

It’s about crafting a healthier, more productive workforce, one physiological assessment at a time.

With our definitive Occupational Physiology Researcher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up to the plate.

But why halt your progress there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next station towards precision-crafted listings or enhancing your resume to its optimal form.

Remember:

Each physiological assessment contributes to the overall health and productivity of the workforce.

Let’s build that healthier, more productive future. Together.

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