Senior Research Scientist, Elite Athlete Performance

Location: Canada

State/Province/City: British Columbia

City: Vancouver

Business Unit: Store Support Centre (SSC)

Time Type: Full-time

Description & Requirements

who we are:

lululemon is an innovative performance apparel company for yoga, running, training, and other athletic pursuits. Setting the bar in technical fabrics and functional design, we create transformational products and experiences that support people in moving, growing, connecting, and being well. We owe our success to our innovative product, emphasis on stores, commitment to our people, and the incredible connections we make in every community we're in. As a company, we focus on creating positive change to build a healthier, thriving future. In particular, that includes creating an equitable, inclusive and growth-focused environment for our people.

 

about this team:

The Product Innovation team infuses the lululemon apparel business with new ideas, new technologies, new understanding, and new products. With a diverse and passionate team of innovators, our leading human and material research infrastructure, and the pioneering Science of Feel innovation philosophy, the Product Innovation team ensures that lululemon remains at the forefront of the sport, exercise, and lifestyle apparel industry.


As a Senior Research Scientist within our Elite Athlete Performance team, you will be directly accountable for designing and delivering research that enables new-to-world product elevating the performance of key lululemon athletes. You will lead research design, the translation of data into insight, and its implementation into innovative solutions, blending deep scientific rigor and evidence-based performance impact.

 

core responsibilities:

 Lead the scientific process and execution for key athlete innovation projects, ensuring scientific rigor and performance relevance.

•  Design and implement hypothesis-driven experimental methods and data analysis plans that inform product and technology development.

•  Translate complex research findings into scientifically grounded insights for design, development, and executive stakeholders.

•  Mentor and guide junior researchers working across a broader portfolio, elevating scientific quality and capability.

•  Collaborate cross-functionally to integrate research across all phases of the innovation process, from early exploration to final validation.

•  Advance research excellence by evolving scientific and engineering tools, methods, and partnerships that enhance our innovation pipeline.

• Minimum 25% travel per year.

 

qualifications:

PhD or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical engineering,

kinesiology, sports science) with 4+ years of applied industry research experience.

•  Proven ability to lead end-to-end research within complex, fast-paced environments.

•  Deep expertise in designing, conducting, and translating both qualitative and quantitative research into actionable insights.

•  Familiarity with engineering simulation and modeling tools (e.g. ANSYS)

•  Experience mentoring researchers and elevating research quality across teams.

•  Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and translate science for diverse audiences.

 

must haves:

  • Acknowledge the presence of choice in every moment and take personal responsibility for your life.
  • Possess an entrepreneurial spirit and continuously innovate to achieve great results. 
  • Communicate with honesty and kindness and create the space for others to do the same. 
  • Lead with courage, knowing the possibility of greatness is bigger than the fear of failure. 
  • Foster connection by putting people first and building trusting relationships. 
  • Integrate fun and joy as a way of being and working, aka doesn’t take yourself too seriously. 

 

additional notes:
Authorization to work in {Country} is required for this role.

 

compensation and benefits package:

lululemon’s compensation offerings are grounded in a pay-for-performance philosophy that recognizes exceptional individual and team performance. The typical hiring range for this position is from $96,800 - 127,100 CAD annually; the base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity. As part of our total rewards offering, permanent employees in this position may be eligible for our competitive annual bonus program and subject to program eligibility requirements.  
 

At lululemon, investing in our people is a top priority. We believe that when life works, work works. We strive to be the place where inclusive leaders come to develop and enable all to be well. Recognizing our teams for their performance and dedication, other components of our total rewards offerings include support of career development, wellbeing, and personal growth:

  • Extended health and dental benefits, and mental health plans 
  • Paid time off 
  • Savings and retirement plan matching 
  • Generous employee discount 
  • Fitness & yoga classes 
  • Parenthood top-up 
  • Extensive catalog of development course offerings 
  • People networks, mentorship programs, and leadership series (to name a few) 

 

Note: The incentive programs, benefits, and perks have certain eligibility requirements. The Company reserves the right to alter these incentive programs, benefits, and perks in whole or in part at any time without advance notice.

 
workplace arrangement:

Hybrid 

In-person collaboration and connection is important to our culture. Work is performed onsite, minimum 4 days per week.