The United States Anti Doping Agency, USADA, is the national anti doping organisation for the United States. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, USADA is responsible for the testing, results management, education, and research programmes that protect clean athletes across Olympic, Paralympic, and other sanctioned sports in the United States. The agency is recognised internationally as a leader in anti doping science and athlete education.

USADA offers paid internship and externship opportunities to students and recent graduates. Placements range from three to nine months in duration and are available year round. Externships run between twenty and forty hours per week and are based in person at the Colorado Springs office. All externships are paid, which reflects the agency commitment to making careers in anti doping accessible to candidates from a wide range of backgrounds.

Intern and extern roles at USADA span a variety of functions including legal, science, education, communications, operations, and athlete services. Legal interns in particular are expected to be current law students with strong oral and written communication skills, a strong record of academic achievement, and a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Specific openings vary by semester and by department, and the agency recruits for both internship and externship tracks on a rolling basis.

The externship application window opens on May twelfth and closes on July first each year. Candidates submit an application through the official USADA careers page, including a curriculum vitae and any supporting materials requested in the specific role description. Internship applications are accepted on a separate schedule and are advertised as openings become available.

Interns and externs at USADA gain direct exposure to the operational mechanics of a national anti doping programme, including sample collection logistics, results management, athlete education, and the legal framework that supports clean sport. The agency also operates an athlete anti doping education programme that reaches athletes at every level of competition, and interns in the education function may be involved in the development and delivery of training materials.

USADA is a key partner of the World Anti Doping Agency, WADA, and works closely with international federations, national Olympic and Paralympic committees, and other national anti doping organisations. Interns benefit from this network through exposure to international anti doping policy discussions and through collaboration with counterpart organisations worldwide. The FISLA directory entry for USADA is maintained as a reference and candidates should always consult the official USADA careers page for the most current openings, application windows, and any updates to the eligibility criteria.