OPT Regulatory Affairs Associate Jobs
Regulatory Affairs Associate jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in life sciences, chemistry, or engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in pharma, biotech, and medical devices regularly sponsor visas for this function.
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Company Description
SGS is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With over 97,000 employees in 130 countries and operating a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories, we provide services to almost every industry by assuring quality and safety of products and services.
Trusted all over the world, SGS is a market leader because we put 100% passion, pride and innovation into everything we do. We encourage new ideas. We welcome people who challenge the way we do things. And we will be 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential.
Job Description
Responsible for technical support and product testing in the US with the objective to support sales and operations in growing the business. Primary focus on laboratory testing and regulatory compliance.
Job Functions
- Provide technical support to sales teams and account managers internally and/or during interactions with clients
- Support responses to tenders and/or projects from a technical perspective
- Lead and support retailer programs for products within the business unit
- Support tracking of open and incoming order for local C&H laboratory
- Prepare or support the preparation of test plans, test protocols and/or SOPs according to regulatory and/or client requirements
- Prepare reports in the area of desktop reviews (ingredient and product label reviews in accordance with applicable US / Canada laws and regulations)
- Train, support and eventually lead the execution of sensory and consumer panel testing plans
- Stay up to date on applicable and upcoming federal and state laws, hazardous materials regulations, and other applicable US / Canada laws and regulations applicable to cosmetics, personal care and household products
- Create/Review/Send test reports as required
- Additional responsibilities as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree within a scientific discipline such as chemistry, microbiology, etc. AND (Required)
- For C&H: Knowledge / experience with regulations relating to cosmetics, personal care and/or household products (Required)
- Minimum 2-5 years of relevant experience (Required)
- Experience screening formulas and reviewing product labels for regulatory compliance (Required)
- For C&H: Knowledge / experience in cosmetics, personal care or household care related testing services (microbiological, chemical, etc.) desirable (Preferred)
- Regulatory knowledge / experience desirable (Required)
Additional Information
Salary
$62,000 - $75,000 USD
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.
- Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee wellness programs
- Wealth: Competitive pay, 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment), employee referral program, annual bonus target
- Happiness:
- Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
- Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off (vacation, sick, company holidays, floating holidays, volunteer time)
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the online employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Regulatory Affairs Associate
Target STEM-designated programs
Regulatory Affairs Associate roles typically fall under STEM OPT CIP codes in life sciences or engineering. Confirm your degree qualifies before applying so you can accurately represent your 36-month authorization window to employers.
Focus on regulated industries
Pharma, biotech, and medical device companies file for H-1B visa sponsorship at far higher rates than other sectors. Prioritize employers who already have regulatory teams, since those departments understand visa timelines and specialty occupation requirements for this role.
Highlight your degree field alignment
H-1B approval for regulatory roles depends on showing your degree directly relates to the job. Emphasize coursework in pharmacology, chemistry, toxicology, or biomedical engineering in your resume to establish that connection clearly.
Disclose your OPT timeline early
Regulatory hiring cycles can run three to six months. Mention your OPT end date in your first conversation so employers can plan whether sponsorship timing is feasible before investing in a lengthy interview process.
Research your employer's sponsorship history
Check whether a company has filed H-1B petitions before, specifically for regulatory titles. Companies with no prior sponsorship history often lack the internal processes needed to move quickly enough before your OPT expires.
Get your EAD card details ready
Employers need your EAD card number, start date, and expiration date for onboarding and I-9 verification. Having a clean copy of your card and your SEVIS record accessible avoids delays once an offer is extended.
Regulatory Affairs Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Regulatory Affairs Associate role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code, such as biology, chemistry, or biomedical engineering, and your employer is E-Verify enrolled, you can apply for the 24-month STEM extension. Most regulatory roles at life sciences companies meet both conditions, but confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Regulatory Affairs Associate jobs that sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job searches. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you filter for employers who have demonstrated sponsorship histories, so you're not wasting applications on companies that have never filed for a work visa. Regulatory roles in pharma and medical devices appear regularly on the platform.
Is Regulatory Affairs Associate considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS has consistently approved H-1B petitions for regulatory affairs roles when the petition establishes that the position requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific field. The key is that your employer's job description must specify a degree requirement tied to a particular discipline, not just any bachelor's degree.
Can I start a Regulatory Affairs Associate job before my OPT EAD card arrives?
No. You cannot begin working until you have your physical EAD card in hand and the start date printed on it has passed. USCIS processing currently takes two to three months, so apply for OPT at least 90 days before your intended start date. Your DSO can provide a timeline specific to your program end date.
What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off from a Regulatory Affairs Associate position?
F-1 OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment in total, or 150 days on an approved STEM extension. If you're laid off, that unemployment clock starts immediately. Notify your DSO right away and begin your job search. Regulatory affairs roles have consistent demand in pharma and device companies, so targeted outreach to those sectors typically yields results within the unemployment window.