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Regulatory Science Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

This work supports regulatory science objectives related to potency assay development for biological products whose mechanisms of action depend on modulation of specific subunits. What You Will Do

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This position will contribute to the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of qualitative and quantitative social science research projects focused on tobacco regulatory science and related ...

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Regulatory Science information

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How much do regulatory science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for regulatory science in Reston, VA is $52.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.35 and $54.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Regulatory Science job?

A Regulatory Science job involves evaluating and developing scientific methods to assess the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products, food, and other regulated items. Professionals in this field work at the intersection of science, policy, and regulation to ensure compliance with government standards. They may collaborate with regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and researchers to facilitate product approvals and post-market surveillance.

What can you do with a regulatory science degree?

A regulatory science degree prepares individuals for roles in regulatory affairs, compliance, and policy within industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices. Graduates can work as regulatory specialists, managers, or consultants, ensuring products meet legal and safety standards, often using knowledge of regulations, documentation, and scientific principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Regulatory Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Regulatory Science, you need a solid background in life sciences or a related field, strong analytical and research skills, and familiarity with regulatory frameworks. Experience with regulatory submission systems (like eCTD), knowledge of global regulations, and certifications such as RAC (Regulatory Affairs Certification) can be highly advantageous. Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong cross-functional communication are critical for success in this field. These competencies ensure regulatory compliance and efficient product development while minimizing delays and risks for organizations bringing products to market.

Is regulatory a good career?

Regulatory science is a growing field that involves ensuring products like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food meet safety and compliance standards. It offers opportunities in industries such as healthcare, biotech, and government agencies, often requiring knowledge of regulations, good communication skills, and relevant certifications. The career can be stable and rewarding for those interested in public health and compliance roles.

What is the highest paying job in regulatory affairs?

The highest paying roles in regulatory affairs are typically senior executive positions such as Vice President or Director of Regulatory Affairs, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills in managing regulatory strategies across global markets.

What does a regulatory scientist do?

A regulatory scientist evaluates and ensures that products such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or food meet government regulations and safety standards. They analyze data, prepare documentation for regulatory submissions, and stay updated on evolving policies, often using tools like compliance databases and scientific research methods.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Regulatory Science professional in the workplace?

Regulatory Science professionals are responsible for ensuring that products comply with regulations throughout all development and commercialization stages. Their daily activities may include preparing and submitting regulatory documents, collaborating with R&D, quality assurance, and legal teams, and interpreting updates to regulations or guidelines that affect product approval. They may also interact directly with regulatory agencies and participate in strategic meetings to help guide product development decisions. Working in Regulatory Science often means being a key liaison between internal teams and regulatory authorities to facilitate smooth approvals and ongoing compliance.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Regulatory Science jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Regulatory Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Regulatory Science job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,527 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Director, Regulatory Science and Policy

Director, Regulatory Science and Policy

American Association for Cancer Research

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$169K - $224K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Overview
The Director, Regulatory Science and Policy, works closely with the Vice President, Science Policy and Government Affairs (and Chief Policy Officer) to implement a wide range of exciting regulatory science and policy programs and activities related to the mission of the AACR. Such activities are designed to create and strengthen the dialogue between policymakers, cancer researchers, and advocates to educate policymakers and make substantive contributions to advance scientific opportunities, as well as work to suggest ways to help overcome policy barriers that are challenging cancer research and patient care. Many of the activities are guided and recommended by the AACR Science Policy and Government Affairs Committee (SPGA), as well as the Regulatory Science and Policy Subcommittee, which are AACR's principal means for devising strategies to influence important cancer-related and broader biomedical research-related policy issues, which are ultimately approved by the AACR Board of Directors on behalf of the collective membership of the AACR. Therefore, the Director, Regulatory Science and Policy plays a central role in guiding AACR policy activities to a productive conclusion, especially in areas that are focused on FDA-related issues.
The Director, Regulatory Science and Policy, monitors and provides background and analysis to AACR leadership on a wide variety of regulatory science and policy-related issues, such as: advancing personalized medicine, promoting innovative clinical trial designs, improving co-development of two or more novel drugs, informing regulatory science, and recommending ideas to include as part of the reauthorization of the FDA user fees for prescription drugs and medical devices.
The Director, Regulatory Science and Policy, will work with the entire team in the Office of Science Policy and Government Affairs, the CEO and AACR leadership, to develop and implement AACR-specific initiatives to further priority goals related to advancing cancer research and translating scientific discoveries into public health benefit, such as being called upon to support broader AACR initiatives to increase appropriations for cancer research and to develop content for briefings and other special sessions to educate Members of Congress and their staff about important pending legislation and issues affecting cancer research.
The Director, Regulatory Science and Policy, functions as a representative of the AACR when making key contacts with federal officials, congressional offices, survivor and patient advocacy organizations, and other relevant appropriate bodies. He/she helps to develop effective initiatives that encourage agency officials and members of Congress and their staff to consult the AACR and its expert members on important matters related to cancer and cancer research. Overall, the Director, Regulatory Science and Policy, under the direction of the Vice President, Science Policy and Government Affairs (and Chief Policy Officer), is responsible for developing and supporting AACR's expanding agenda in FDA-related regulatory science and policy areas.
The Director, Regulatory Science and Policy, will manage a team of employees, work on a number of regulatory-related policy issues, identify opportunities to disseminate the information to a broader audience, and collaborate with many of our external partners in the cancer research advocacy community.
Responsibilities
  • Provide direction and support for AACR's science and health policy activities and priorities in terms of providing advice, establishing needs assessment, outlining strategies for implementation, and carrying them out to successful completion.
  • Be proactive in identifying science policy and regulatory science and policy areas of importance and conduct policy analysis and development in relation to these issues.
  • Support committee and task force activities, including coordinating meetings and providing background materials and draft reports.
  • Work collaboratively with others in the AACR D.C. office, including the Chief Policy Officer and the Director, Government Affairs and Health Policy, particularly on the numerous policy issues that are crosscutting and currently being addressed by many of them.
  • Monitor, analyze, and assess legislation as it pertains to priority science and regulatory science and policy issues.
  • Prepare issue briefs and contribute policy articles for AACR's monthly policy newsletter and annual Cancer Progress Report to help inform AACR members, cancer organizations, targeted individuals, and other groups.
  • Help shape special sessions and briefings to educate Members of Congress and their staffs about important pending legislation and issues affecting cancer research.
  • Keep abreast of the scientific programs of the AACR and consider policy implications where appropriate.
  • Develop and maintain strong working relationships with the policy staffs of other relevant organizations and coalitions.
  • Establish relationships and collaborate with other AACR staff members who work in program development, communications and public relations, patient advocacy support, such as on the scientist-survivor program, and with the AACR Journal Cancer Discovery.
  • Attend and report on relevant scientific and science and health policy meetings and conferences.
  • Manage direct reports to achieve AACR's science and health policy goals.

Qualifications
  • PhD, M.D., or other doctoral degree in a science and/or regulatory science-related field required.
  • Ten (10) years of relevant experience in a science policy and/or regulatory science and policy-related environment.
  • An expertise and a working knowledge and keen understanding of cancer research and biomedical related science, as well as an expert understanding of various areas of science policy and regulatory science and policy.
  • Ten (10) years of relevant experience in a science policy and/or regulatory science and policy-related environment.
  • Proven accomplishments in implementing complex policy projects.
  • Superb written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • High degree of judgment and insight.
  • A self-starter with creativity and initiative.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
  • Knowledge of government policies and procedures and the political process.
  • Strong strategic thinker and someone who has shown an ability to carry through to completion an initiative and/or project.
  • A demonstrated ability to analyze complex political and policy issues, build evidence based arguments for policy proposals to AACR approval bodies, and bring conflicting points of view to consensus.
  • Ability to interact, negotiate, and work with VIPs and all levels of management on complex policy matters, including the CEO, Board members, relevant committee members, prominent scientists, Administration and Congressional officials, corporate executives, and members of the media.
  • Ability to make rational decisions about achievable recommendations based on consideration of all facts and alternatives.
  • Ability to work independently towards approved goals and objectives, while at the same time being able to predict when such approaches need discussion with AACR officials prior to final action.
  • Ability to multi-task and work under rapidly developing deadlines and priorities.
  • Ability to effectively communicate the progress and future needs of cancer research to various constituencies.
  • Ability to effectively manage direct reports.
  • PC, word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.