Your regulatory affairs job questions, answered
What are the responsibilities in a regulatory affairs role?
Regulatory affairs jobs play a key role in any life science company to ensure the safe making of healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices. You’ll be responsible for giving strategic advice on the legal and scientific requirements that products must meet. Duties will include collecting, collating, and evaluating data as well as carrying out any necessary negotiations that affect a product’s market authorisation.
How can I get a job in regulatory affairs?
You’re expected to have a degree in a life science-related field. If you don’t have a degree in a science field, an alternative option would be to take a RAC certification which can help you compete against those who have a degree. In some cases, you could secure a regulatory affairs administrator role without a degree, this is a junior position and further career progression could prove difficult in the future.
What skills are required for regulatory affairs jobs?
The main skills you need include drug development lifecycle knowledge, critical thinking, and data analysis skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills are a must as most of the work involves communicating with inter-department staff, clients, and regulatory authorities. Employers also need soft skills including the ability to adopt change, problem-solving, flexibility, and adaptability skills. To improve any of these skills, visit Hays My Learning.
Should I apply for a contract or permanent regulatory affairs job?
They both have pros and cons. Contract regulatory affairs jobs offer superior earning potential and you can usually negotiate the terms of your contract; however, you are not entitled to many of the benefits that permanent employees get. Choosing a permanent job allows you to take advantage of many more benefits like steady pay, holiday allowance, childcare, maternity/paternity pay, and even training for career development.
What type of jobs are available?
We recruit for a selection of roles including regulatory affairs manager jobs, regulatory affairs associate jobs, and regulatory affairs officer jobs. Whatever your level of experience, search all opportunities on our job boards here.
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