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Senior Manager, Research
Group: Science and Medicine
Reports to: Head of Research
Location: WADA Headquarters, Montreal, Canada
Posting deadline:14 October 2026
WHO WE ARE
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport. As the global regulatory body, WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries. Our key activities include: scientific and social science research; education; intelligence & investigations; development of anti-doping capacity; and, monitoring of compliance with the World Anti-Doping Program.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a Senior Manager, Research to play a key leadership role in shaping and delivering WADA's scientific research agenda. Reporting to the Head of Research, you will lead a portfolio of high-impact research initiatives, from identifying emerging scientific opportunities through translating validated research outcomes into practical anti-doping solutions. You will work with WADA-accredited laboratories, researchers, academic institutions, international organizations, and colleagues across WADA to ensure our research investments deliver meaningful impact for the global anti-doping system.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Lead the development and implementation of scientific research initiatives aligned with WADA's strategic and scientific priorities;
- Manage a portfolio of complex research projects, including planning, resource coordination, risk management, milestone monitoring, and performance assessment;
- Identify emerging scientific opportunities, research needs, and technological developments to help shape future research priorities and funding initiatives;
- Oversee the research project lifecycle, from proposal evaluation and peer review through to supporting the implementation of validated research outcomes;
- Build strong relationships with researchers, WADA-accredited laboratories, international organizations, funding agencies, and other scientific stakeholders;
- Collaborate across WADA to bring scientific expertise to cross-functional initiatives involving areas such as Science & Medicine, Legal Affairs, IT, Digital Insights, Compliance, Rules and Standards, Communications, and Finance;
- Help translate research findings into practical applications, including their implementation by WADA-accredited laboratories and integration into programs such as the Athlete Biological Passport and the Prohibited List;
- Lead scientific discussions and multidisciplinary collaboration while identifying and managing project risks;
- Coordinate rigorous, transparent, and evidence-based scientific evaluation and peer review of research funding applications;
- Develop and monitor performance indicators to assess the effectiveness and impact of WADA's research investments;
- Represent WADA at scientific conferences, workshops, and expert meetings and contribute to knowledge exchange across the international anti-doping research community;
- Share your expertise with colleagues and help foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications and Experience
- A doctorate degree in a relevant field, such as chemistry or life sciences, combined with at least 8 years of relevant professional experience;
- Good knowledge of international sports movements;
- Demonstrated experience leading complex research portfolios and multidisciplinary teams;
- Experience managing budgets, governance processes, and research funding programs.
Assets / Preferred Qualifications
- Strong leadership, coaching, and people development capabilities;
- Good knowledge of anti-doping regulations;
- Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships;
- Excellent executive communication and presentation skills;
- Excellent oral and written skills in one of the two WADA official languages (English/French) and very good command of the other official language; Additional languages would be an asset;
- Fit with organizational culture: Teamwork, team spirit and love of sport;
- Aligned with WADA core values: Integrity, Openness, Excellence.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A Competitive Benefits Package.
Vision: WADA’s vision is a world where all athletes compete in a doping-free sporting environment.
Mission: WADA's mission is to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport.
About us: WADA is headquartered in Montreal, Canada and has regional offices in Cape Town, South Africa; Lausanne, Switzerland; Montevideo, Uruguay; Tokyo, Japan and the office of the President in Warsaw, Poland. As of February 2026, the Agency employs approximately 177 employees and is represented by 55 nationalities. We value the diversity of our employees – current and future – that, as a global team, endeavor every day to protect the rights of clean athletes worldwide.
The masculine is used in our communications for the sole purpose of lightening the text and it designates all genders. WADA believes in the success of an inclusive organization that values diversity within its team. All qualified candidates will be considered for this position in a fair manner. WADA would like to thank all candidates who have shown an interest by applying for a position. However, after a thorough profile review, only the retained candidates will be contacted.
