Regulatory Affairs Director Jobs for OPT Students
Regulatory Affairs Director jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in life sciences, pharmacy, or engineering. This role qualifies as a specialty occupation, supporting OPT work authorization. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying.
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INTRODUCTION
Would you like to apply your Regulatory Affairs strategy expertise and passion to make an impact in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines?
At AstraZeneca, we do this with the upmost integrity even in the most sophisticated situations because we are committed to doing the right thing! We continuously forge partnerships that help bring world-class treatments to patients in new ways, combining our people’s outstanding skills with those of people from all over the globe. Within Oncology Regulatory Science Strategy and Excellence (ORSSE), we bring hope and solutions to patients with unmet needs. We work across our ground-breaking pipeline and the business to get medicines to patients as efficiently and optimally as possible.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Regulatory Affairs Director (RAD) provides strategic and operational regulatory leadership to the development, commercialization and life cycle management of assigned oncology products. Serves as the global regulatory lead (GRL) on early stage projects or specific indications of larger programs and/or as the regional regulatory lead. The RAD plays a substantial role crafting and implementing the clinical strategy and influencing health authorities to improve outcomes.
What you'll do:
- Lead cross functional teams in major regulatory submissions (NDA/BLA/IND/CTA), health authority interactions, label discussions, and securing approvals.
- Develop and implement the program's regional or global strategy ensuring that it is crafted to deliver rapid approval with competitive labeling that is identified by the business, markets and patients.
- Craft the health authority engagement strategy and interaction plan, drive the formulation of the briefing document focused on strategy and scientific content, lead the team through meeting rehearsals and moderate the meeting itself.
- Lead a Global Regulatory Strategy Team (GRST) of key contributing members from the regions, emerging markets, RA CMC, Labeling and members of the submission and execution team. Mentor and provide performance feedback to members of your GRST.
- Deliver regulatory milestones on your team including an assessment of risks and mitigations, emerging data, and the probability of success. Lead preparation of the regulatory strategy document and target product labeling.
- Own the negotiations with health authorities and initiate and deliver key regulatory documents.
- Plan and construct the global dossier and core prescribing information including product maintenance, supply and compliance activities.
- Partner with marketing companies (countries) and regional regulatory affairs staff to influence developing views/guidance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in a science related field with at least 3 years of Regulatory strategy or related knowledge/experience.
- A solid knowledge of regulatory affairs within at least one therapeutic area in both early and late development.
- Previous demonstrated experience of regulatory drug development or equivalent, and experience with major HA interactions.
- Demonstrated competencies of strategic thinking, strategic influencing, risk evaluation, innovation, initiative, leadership and excellent oral and written communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Experience in Oncology (small molecules & biologics) is preferred.
- Prior experience with phase 3 design including end of phase 2 health authority interactions.
- Contribution to a regulatory approval including leading response team and labeling negotiations.
- Knowledge and understanding of guiding principles in drug development such as benefit/risk profile, dose selection or statistical design.
- Broad background of experience working in pharmaceutical business and prior experience in several areas within regulatory affairs.
- Ability to work strategically within a business critical and high-profile development program.
- Critical thinking on current global regulatory science questions and good understanding of the corresponding scientific and clinical component.
NEXT STEPS – APPLY TODAY!
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.
COMPETITIVE SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE ON OFFER:
Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week.
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $186,232.80 - 279,349.20. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

INTRODUCTION
Would you like to apply your Regulatory Affairs strategy expertise and passion to make an impact in a company that follows the science and turns ideas into life changing medicines?
At AstraZeneca, we do this with the upmost integrity even in the most sophisticated situations because we are committed to doing the right thing! We continuously forge partnerships that help bring world-class treatments to patients in new ways, combining our people’s outstanding skills with those of people from all over the globe. Within Oncology Regulatory Science Strategy and Excellence (ORSSE), we bring hope and solutions to patients with unmet needs. We work across our ground-breaking pipeline and the business to get medicines to patients as efficiently and optimally as possible.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Regulatory Affairs Director (RAD) provides strategic and operational regulatory leadership to the development, commercialization and life cycle management of assigned oncology products. Serves as the global regulatory lead (GRL) on early stage projects or specific indications of larger programs and/or as the regional regulatory lead. The RAD plays a substantial role crafting and implementing the clinical strategy and influencing health authorities to improve outcomes.
What you'll do:
- Lead cross functional teams in major regulatory submissions (NDA/BLA/IND/CTA), health authority interactions, label discussions, and securing approvals.
- Develop and implement the program's regional or global strategy ensuring that it is crafted to deliver rapid approval with competitive labeling that is identified by the business, markets and patients.
- Craft the health authority engagement strategy and interaction plan, drive the formulation of the briefing document focused on strategy and scientific content, lead the team through meeting rehearsals and moderate the meeting itself.
- Lead a Global Regulatory Strategy Team (GRST) of key contributing members from the regions, emerging markets, RA CMC, Labeling and members of the submission and execution team. Mentor and provide performance feedback to members of your GRST.
- Deliver regulatory milestones on your team including an assessment of risks and mitigations, emerging data, and the probability of success. Lead preparation of the regulatory strategy document and target product labeling.
- Own the negotiations with health authorities and initiate and deliver key regulatory documents.
- Plan and construct the global dossier and core prescribing information including product maintenance, supply and compliance activities.
- Partner with marketing companies (countries) and regional regulatory affairs staff to influence developing views/guidance.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in a science related field with at least 3 years of Regulatory strategy or related knowledge/experience.
- A solid knowledge of regulatory affairs within at least one therapeutic area in both early and late development.
- Previous demonstrated experience of regulatory drug development or equivalent, and experience with major HA interactions.
- Demonstrated competencies of strategic thinking, strategic influencing, risk evaluation, innovation, initiative, leadership and excellent oral and written communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Experience in Oncology (small molecules & biologics) is preferred.
- Prior experience with phase 3 design including end of phase 2 health authority interactions.
- Contribution to a regulatory approval including leading response team and labeling negotiations.
- Knowledge and understanding of guiding principles in drug development such as benefit/risk profile, dose selection or statistical design.
- Broad background of experience working in pharmaceutical business and prior experience in several areas within regulatory affairs.
- Ability to work strategically within a business critical and high-profile development program.
- Critical thinking on current global regulatory science questions and good understanding of the corresponding scientific and clinical component.
NEXT STEPS – APPLY TODAY!
AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We follow all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.
COMPETITIVE SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE ON OFFER:
Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week.
The annual base salary for this position ranges from $186,232.80 - 279,349.20. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles) or to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Regulatory Affairs Director
Target regulated industries with high sponsorship volume
Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies file H-1B petitions regularly for regulatory roles. Focusing your search on these sectors gives you the strongest shot at employers already comfortable navigating visa sponsorship for director-level positions.
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility before your job search
Regulatory Affairs Directors hired under STEM OPT get 24 additional months of work authorization. Your degree must be in an eligible STEM field. Verify your CIP code with your DSO early so you can accurately communicate your authorization timeline to prospective employers.
Demonstrate regulatory expertise that justifies a director-level hire
Employers sponsoring a director role need to justify the investment. Lead with specific submissions you have managed, such as INDs, NDAs, or 510(k)s. Tangible regulatory accomplishments reduce employer hesitation about sponsoring a candidate at this seniority level.
Address your OPT timeline proactively in interviews
Regulatory Affairs Directors often oversee multi-year product approval cycles. Reassure hiring managers by explaining your full OPT authorization window upfront, including any STEM extension, so they understand you can see long-term regulatory projects through to completion.
Prioritize companies with established immigration infrastructure
Large pharmaceutical and device companies have in-house immigration counsel and routine H-1B sponsorship processes. Targeting these employers reduces friction. Smaller startups may be willing but lack experience, which can create delays during your OPT authorization window.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly regulatory roles efficiently
Migrate Mate filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, saving you from applying to companies that won't support OPT students. Browse Regulatory Affairs Director openings directly to focus your effort on employers already open to hiring international candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Regulatory Affairs Director role qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?
Yes. Regulatory Affairs Director is a specialty occupation requiring at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, pharmacy, chemistry, or engineering. That degree requirement directly supports F-1 OPT eligibility. Your employment must be directly related to your major, so confirm alignment with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension working as a Regulatory Affairs Director?
You can if your underlying degree is in an eligible STEM field, such as biology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or biomedical engineering. The extension gives you 24 additional months of work authorization beyond your initial 12-month OPT period. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO to verify eligibility before assuming you qualify.
How likely are employers to sponsor an H-1B for a Regulatory Affairs Director?
Sponsorship rates are relatively high for this role compared to many others. Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies are frequent H-1B petitioners, and regulatory expertise is difficult to replace mid-project. Employers with active FDA submissions or CE marking programs are especially motivated to retain qualified regulatory staff, making them more likely to support a visa transition after OPT.
What should I tell employers about my OPT work authorization as a director candidate?
Be direct and specific. Explain that you hold F-1 OPT work authorization, state your current expiration date, and clarify whether you qualify for a STEM extension. Director-level hiring involves long planning cycles, so employers need confidence you can remain legally authorized for at least 12 to 36 months. Framing your timeline clearly early in the process prevents delays later.
Where can I find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, with job listings filtered for sponsorship openness. Rather than sorting through thousands of postings that exclude international candidates, you can browse Regulatory Affairs Director roles on Migrate Mate and focus your effort on employers already willing to hire OPT students at the director level.
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