Research Associate II Import/Export Specialist (Pharma R&D)

Vantive; India; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantive in Bengaluru, India, seeks a Research Associate II to manage global import/export activities for R&D materials, APIs, excipients, reference standards, and medical devices, ensuring strict GxP and regulatory compliance.

You will coordinate with regulatory affairs, quality, procurement, and logistics, prepare shipment documents, obtain licenses and approvals, and maintain audit-ready records to support clinical research and product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 37 years of experience in import/export operations or trade compliance in pharma or medical device industries.
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations and import licensing for R&D materials.
• Familiarity with GxP standards, CDSCO, FDA, ICH, and ISO 13485 guidelines.
• Experience working with logistics vendors and customs brokers.
• Proficiency in documentation, compliance systems, and ERP tools.

Responsibilities

• Import/Export Operations & Logistics management for R&D materials and devices.
• Prepare and review shipment documents: invoices, packing lists, COA, MSDS.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics partners.
• Track shipments, timelines, and resolve delays or discrepancies.
• Ensure correct HS classifications, valuation and origin documentation.

Skills

Regulatory & Trade Compliance

Import/Export Documentation

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

Analytical Thinking

Risk Identification

Time & Priority Management

Communication & Coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Research Associate II Import/Export Specialist (Pharma R&D)

Location: Bengaluru, India (Whitefield)
Company: Vantive
Job ID: JR - 193859
Category: General R&D / Supply Chain / Regulatory Operations
Experience Required: 37 years (Not suitable for freshers)

About the Company

Vantive is a global healthcare innovator focused on advancing vital organ therapies, with a strong legacy of nearly 70 years in kidney care and dialysis solutions. The organization is committed to improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge R&D, digital transformation, and advanced therapeutic solutions.

At Vantive, professionals work in a purpose-driven environment that combines scientific innovation with real-world healthcare impact.

Job Summary

The Research Associate II (Import/Export Specialist) plays a critical role in supporting pharmaceutical and medical device R&D operations. This position is responsible for managing global import and export activities of research materials, medical devices, and laboratory equipment while ensuring strict compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

This role directly contributes to uninterrupted clinical research, product development, and validation processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Import/Export Operations & Logistics
• Manage end-to-end import and export of R&D materials including APIs, excipients, reference standards, and medical devices
• Prepare and review shipment documentation such as invoices, packing lists, certificates of analysis, and MSDS
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and logistics partners for international shipments
• Track shipments, manage timelines, and resolve delays or discrepancies
• Ensure accurate classification (HS codes), valuation, and country-of-origin documentation
• Regulatory & Compliance Management
• Ensure compliance with global and regional regulations including Indian Customs, CDSCO, FDA, EU MDR, ICH, and ISO standards
• Adhere to GxP guidelines (GMP, GLP, GDP) across all processes
• Obtain and manage licenses, NOCs, and regulatory approvals for R&D imports
• Collaborate with Regulatory Affairs and Quality teams to maintain compliance standards
• Vendor & Stakeholder Coordination
• Liaise with vendors, customs authorities, logistics providers, and internal stakeholders
• Work closely with R&D, procurement, and engineering teams to align material requirements
• Support supplier qualification and onboarding processes
• Documentation & Record Management
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready records of import/export transactions
• Ensure proper documentation archiving and traceability
• Support internal and external audits by providing compliance documentation
• Risk & Issue Management
• Identify potential risks related to customs delays, regulatory changes, or compliance gaps
• Resolve customs queries, shipment holds, and inspection issues
• Escalate critical challenges and implement corrective actions
• Stay updated with global trade regulations and pharma/medical device compliance requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field
• 37 years of experience in import/export operations or trade compliance within pharmaceutical or medical device industries
• Strong knowledge of customs regulations and import licensing for R&D materials
• Familiarity with GxP standards, CDSCO, FDA, ICH, and ISO 13485 guidelines
• Experience working with logistics vendors and customs brokers
• Proficiency in documentation, compliance systems, and ERP tools

Key Skills & Competencies

• Regulatory and Trade Compliance Expertise
• Import/Export Documentation and Licensing
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management
• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Risk Identification and MitigationTime and Priority Management
• Strong Communication and Coordination Skills

Why This Role Matters

This position is critical for ensuring seamless global movement of research materials, directly impacting clinical development timelines and product innovation. It offers exposure to international regulatory frameworks and cross-functional collaboration in a high-growth healthcare environment.

Important Note for Applicants

This role requires prior experience in pharmaceutical or medical device import/export operations. Freshers are advised to begin with entry-level roles in supply chain, regulatory affairs, or clinical research before applying to mid-level positions like this.