Career in Regulatory Affairs after PhD | Dr. Anirban Sadhu | Biopatrika
Career Konnect brings forward diverse and impactful career journeys for life science professionals. In this edition, we feature Dr. Anirban Sadhu, Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs at Teva Pharmaceuticals, Switzerland. With over two decades of experience, his journey from academia to global leadership in regulatory affairs highlights how science, strategy, and business intersect in the pharmaceutical industry. His perspective emphasizes the importance of transferable skills, continuous learning, and strategic thinking in building a successful career beyond research.
Career Konnect Interview
Q1. Dr. Anirban, could you walk us through your academic journey and early career decisions?
Anirban:
My academic journey has been quite unconventional. I spent my early years growing up in a monastic environment, which shaped my discipline and mindset. Later, I pursued my Bachelor’s in Microbiology from the University of Pune, which at the time was an emerging and exciting field.
I then moved on to the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), one of India’s most prestigious institutions, where I had the opportunity to engage in high-level research. This phase was transformative for me, as it broadened my perspective and opened doors to global opportunities.
Subsequently, I moved to Switzerland to pursue my PhD in neuroscience, focusing on learning and memory. Interestingly, my PhD program was integrated with industry, as I was affiliated with Novartis while also being enrolled at the University of Basel. This exposure to both academia and industry played a key role in shaping my career decisions.
Q2. How did you decide to transition from academia to regulatory affairs?
Anirban:
Unlike many traditional career paths, my transition into regulatory affairs was a conscious and well-thought-out decision. During the final phase of my PhD, I took time to explore different career options rather than automatically pursuing a postdoctoral position.
Being part of an industry-linked PhD program gave me access to professionals across various functions within the pharmaceutical industry. I actively engaged with them to understand their roles and career trajectories.
What attracted me to regulatory affairs was its multidisciplinary nature. It allowed me to stay connected to science while also engaging with business, strategy, and global regulations. I realized that this role offered a broader impact compared to pure academic research, and that motivated me to pursue it.
Q3. What exactly is regulatory affairs, and what makes it an important career in life sciences?
Anirban:
Regulatory affairs is one of the most critical functions in the pharmaceutical industry. It involves ensuring that drugs and medical products meet all regulatory requirements throughout their lifecycle—from development to approval and post-market surveillance.
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in the world, even more than sectors like aerospace or nuclear energy. This makes regulatory professionals essential for navigating complex guidelines, ensuring compliance, and facilitating the successful launch of products.
What makes this role unique is that it spans the entire lifecycle of a drug. Regulatory involvement begins even before a molecule is fully developed and continues until the product is available in the market and beyond.
Q4. What skills are essential to succeed in regulatory affairs?
Anirban:
The most important skill is learning agility—the ability to continuously acquire new knowledge and adapt to changing environments. Regulatory affairs requires understanding not just science, but also regulations, business strategy, and global market dynamics.
Transferable skills are equally important. Skills such as communication, project management, and teamwork play a crucial role in this field. You must be able to interact with diverse stakeholders and communicate effectively across different domains.
At more advanced levels, leadership and people management become critical. Managing global teams, understanding cultural differences, and making strategic decisions are key aspects of senior roles in regulatory affairs.
Q5. What was your interview experience when you first transitioned into industry?
Anirban:
My first interview experience was quite memorable, not just because it was my first, but also because of an unusual incident—I was delayed due to a circus parade blocking the road, which is something I will never forget.
From a professional standpoint, interviews are not just about evaluating past experience, especially for fresh candidates. Instead, they focus on assessing potential. Interviewers look for qualities such as problem-solving ability, adaptability, and how you handle challenging situations.
Teamwork is another critical aspect that is evaluated. Unlike academia, where work is often individual-centric, industry roles require collaboration and shared responsibility. Demonstrating your ability to work effectively in a team is essential.
Q6. What advice would you give to someone preparing for a career in regulatory affairs?
Anirban:
The key is to plan ahead and be intentional about your career choices. Do not simply follow the most obvious path. Instead, take time to understand different roles and identify what aligns with your interests and strengths.
Networking plays a crucial role. Engaging with professionals, seeking guidance, and learning from their experiences can provide valuable insights and open up opportunities.
Persistence is equally important. Building a career in regulatory affairs requires patience, continuous learning, and strategic planning.
Q7. How does your role differ as a senior leader compared to early-career regulatory professionals?
Anirban:
At a senior level, the role becomes more strategic and people-oriented. While early-career professionals focus more on technical and regulatory details, senior roles involve decision-making, leadership, and managing global teams.
In my current role, I work across multiple countries and manage large, diverse teams. This requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to understand different perspectives and align them toward a common goal.
The nature of work also involves extensive travel, meetings, and stakeholder interactions, making it a highly dynamic and demanding role.
Q8. What advice would you give to PhD students considering industry roles?
Anirban:
First, understand whether a PhD aligns with your interests. A PhD is not just a degree—it is a commitment to deep learning and problem-solving. If you enjoy that process, it can be highly rewarding.
However, if you decide to transition into industry after your PhD, it is important to make that decision early. Many individuals pursue multiple postdoctoral positions without a clear plan, which can make transitioning into industry more challenging.
If your goal is to enter industry, especially in roles like regulatory affairs, it is often better to transition directly after your PhD rather than delaying the decision.
Dr. Anirban Sadhu’s journey highlights the evolving nature of careers in life sciences, where transferable skills, adaptability, and strategic thinking play a crucial role. His insights emphasize that success is not defined by a fixed path, but by the ability to learn, adapt, and make informed choices.
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End of Interview
