Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Kinesiology Research Intern

🎯 Role Definition

A Kinesiology Research Intern is a foundational role within a scientific or clinical research team, dedicated to the study of human movement. This individual acts as a key support pillar for principal investigators and senior researchers, actively participating in all phases of the research lifecycle. From recruiting participants to collecting and analyzing complex biomechanical and physiological data, the intern gains invaluable hands-on experience. This role is not just about executing tasks; it's about developing a deep understanding of the scientific method, research ethics, and the technical intricacies of measuring human performance and function. The Kinesiology Research Intern is an integral team member who contributes directly to advancing our knowledge in areas like sports performance, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and ergonomics.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Undergraduate Student (Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Biomedical Engineering)
Recent Graduate (Bachelor of Science)
Pre-Physical Therapy or Pre-Medical Student

Advancement To:

Graduate Research Assistant (M.S. or Ph.D. Candidate)
Clinical Research Coordinator or Associate
Lead Lab Technician or Lab Manager

Lateral Moves:

Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Physical Therapy Aide or Technician
Ergonomics Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Facilitate the recruitment, screening, and scheduling of human research subjects according to strict study-specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Conduct the informed consent process with potential participants, ensuring they have a complete and clear understanding of the study procedures, risks, and benefits.
Set up, calibrate, and operate advanced biomechanical data collection equipment, including 3D motion capture systems (e.g., Vicon, Qualisys), force platforms, and electromyography (EMG) sensors.
Guide research participants through a variety of testing protocols, providing clear instructions for activities such as walking, running, jumping, and other functional movements.
Collect and meticulously record physiological data during testing, including metabolic information (VO2 max) from gas exchange systems, heart rate, and other vital signs.
Execute data processing tasks using specialized software (e.g., Visual3D, C-Motion, MATLAB) to filter, model, and prepare raw data for statistical analysis.
Perform detailed literature reviews on specified topics to support background sections of manuscripts, grant proposals, and new research questions.
Assist in the preparation of research findings for dissemination, including creating figures and tables for scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and conference presentations.
Maintain highly organized and accurate research records, including lab notebooks, participant files, and data logs, in compliance with institutional and ethical guidelines.
Adhere to and enforce all laboratory safety protocols and Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved procedures for human subjects research.
Administer and score standardized questionnaires, surveys, and functional assessments related to pain, disability, and quality of life.
Perform basic statistical analysis on collected data under the guidance of senior researchers, using software such as SPSS, R, or Python.
Troubleshoot minor technical issues with laboratory hardware and software to minimize downtime during data collection sessions.
Present preliminary data and project updates during internal lab meetings, contributing to the collaborative scientific process.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to investigate novel or unexpected findings.
Contribute to the organization's data management strategy by ensuring data is properly labeled, stored, and backed up on secure servers.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team, including engineers, clinicians, and statisticians, to translate research needs into actionable testing protocols.
Participate in sprint planning and agile-style project management ceremonies to track progress on various research studies.
Assist in maintaining inventory of laboratory supplies and consumables, and initiate procurement requests as needed.
Aid in the development and refinement of experimental protocols to improve data quality, efficiency, and the participant experience.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Human Subjects Research: Foundational knowledge of ethical principles (Belmont Report), IRB procedures, and informed consent practices.
Biomechanical Data Collection: Hands-on experience or strong theoretical knowledge of motion capture, force plates, EMG, and accelerometers.
Data Processing Software: Familiarity with biomechanics-specific software (e.g., Visual3D, OpenSim) and data analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
Physiological Testing: Ability to conduct and interpret data from exercise physiology assessments like VO2 max tests and lactate threshold testing.
Statistical Analysis: Basic understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics, and experience with statistical software (SPSS, R).
Scientific Writing: Competency in performing literature searches (PubMed, Google Scholar) and synthesizing information for reports and manuscripts.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous precision is critical when placing markers, calibrating equipment, and managing complex datasets.
Problem-Solving: The ability to think critically and troubleshoot technical and methodological challenges as they arise in real-time.
Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Excellent verbal skills for clearly instructing participants and written skills for documenting procedures and findings.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A proactive and supportive attitude, with the ability to work effectively within a diverse research team.
Time Management & Organization: Adept at prioritizing tasks and managing responsibilities across multiple concurrent research projects.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing research priorities, evolving protocols, and unexpected experimental outcomes.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program, having completed at least two years of coursework.

Preferred Education:

A recent graduate with a Bachelor's degree or a student currently enrolled in a Master's degree program.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Kinesiology / Exercise Science
Biomechanics / Biomedical Engineering
Human Physiology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-1 years of relevant experience. Academic coursework in biomechanics, anatomy, and research methods is essential.

Preferred:

Prior hands-on experience in a human movement research lab, whether through a class project, volunteer position, or previous internship, is highly advantageous. Experience with MATLAB, Python, or a specific motion capture system is a significant plus.