Regulatory affairs question...

[Amanda Y.]

How "compatible" is a M.Sc degree in molecular biology with a career in regulatory affairs? It seems like most companies look for background in pharmacology or chemistry, although some did mention "life science background."

Thanks!

[Dave Jensen]

Hi Amanda,

Very compatible. Molecular Biology is just as fine as anything else, when co's are looking for a general "life sciences background." However, keep in mind that R/A positions are most often filled internally to start. In other words, you may need to get a bench research position first, and move laterally to the R/A department when they have an opening.

There are some new degree programs such as one offered by San Diego State in Regulatory Affairs. These help in the transtition to this hard-to-find job type,

Dave Jensen, Moderator
CareerTrax Inc.

[Lora]

It's perfect for companies that make biological reagents: vaccines, clinical blood chemistry, blood products, those all welcome molecular bio degrees.

Ditto what Dave said--most of those positions (highly coveted by people who dislike benchwork but enjoy science) are filled internally. Once you get into Regulatory, you will have to work at a sort of entry-level position as a QA/RA "associate" or some such title for (I think) 5 years. I say entry level, but it usually pays surprisingly well, better than you would make in 5 years as a bench scientist. At the 5-year point, your employer can sponsor you to take the official ASQ certification exams, which allow you to move up in the ranks. There are various levels of certifications you can get, some of which require different levels of workplace experience in the lower levels, but in the meantime there are various quality systems courses you can take that require zero experience: SixSigma is a popular one right now, the quality systems tend to go through little phases of popularity.

http://www.asq.org/ed/courses/

http://www.asq.org/cert/signup/prep/index.html