Senior Manager, Research/Responsable principal, Recherche

World Anti-Doping Agency•Montreal, QC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Research plays a strategic leadership role in shaping and executing WADA's scientific research agenda. Leading a portfolio of high-impact research initiatives from concept to implementation, ensuring alignment with WADA's Strategic Plan and scientific priorities. The role is responsible for translating scientific innovation into operational anti-doping solutions by fostering collaboration across WADA departments, accredited laboratories, academic institutions, and international stakeholders. The Senior Manager provides strategic advice on research priorities, oversees and manages complex multidisciplinary projects, manages scientific partnerships, and drives the effective transfer of research outcomes into anti-doping programs that strengthen the global anti-doping system.

Requirements

Doctorate degree with experience in a relevant field (e.g., chemistry, life sciences);
Good knowledge of the field of anti-doping and international sport;
Demonstrated experience leading complex research portfolios and multidisciplinary teams;
Experience managing budgets, governance processes, and research funding programs;
Strong leadership, coaching, and people development capabilities;
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;
Periodic work in the evening or on weekends;
Fit with organizational culture: teamwork, team spirit and love of sport;
Aligned with WADA core values: integrity, openness and excellence.

Nice To Haves

Additional languages would be an asset

Responsibilities

Leading the development and implementation of scientific research initiatives in alignment with WADA's Strategic Plan and evolving priorities in anti-doping science;
Managing a portfolio of research projects, ensuring effective planning, resource coordination, risk management, and the successful delivery of high-quality outcomes;
Identifying emerging scientific opportunities, research needs, and technological developments, and contributing to the definition of research priorities and funding initiatives that address the evolving needs of the anti-doping community;
Overseeing the full lifecycle of research projects, including proposal evaluation, project planning, milestone monitoring, performance assessment, and supporting the transition of validated research outcomes into operational anti-doping activities;
Building and maintaining productive relationships with researchers, WADA-accredited laboratories, international organizations, funding agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen scientific collaboration and maximize the impact of WADA's research activities;
Providing scientific expertise and working collaboratively across the Agency with colleagues from Science & Medicine, Legal Affairs, IT, Digital Insights, Compliance, Rules and Standards, Communications, Finance, and external expert groups to support the effective delivery of cross-functional initiatives;
Facilitating the translation of research findings into practical applications, supporting their implementation by WADA-accredited laboratories and integration into operational programs such as the Athlete Biological Passport, the Prohibited List, and other anti-doping initiatives;
Leading scientific discussions, promoting multidisciplinary collaboration, and proactively identifying and mitigating project risks to ensure the timely achievement of research objectives;
Coordinating the scientific evaluation and peer-review process for research funding applications by engaging subject matter experts and ensuring a rigorous, transparent, and evidence-based assessment process;
Developing and monitoring key performance indicators and other measures to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of research investments, while contributing to the continuous improvement of WADA's research program;
Representing WADA at scientific conferences, workshops, and expert meetings, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and fostering collaboration within the global anti-doping research community;
Supporting the development of colleagues by sharing expertise, encouraging collaboration, and promoting a culture of scientific excellence, innovation, and continuous learning;
Contributing to broader departmental initiatives by providing scientific advice and supporting projects that advance WADA's mission and the effectiveness of the global anti-doping system.