Research Internship [Regulatory]

Starting Date: September 09, 2024

Location: India

Application Closing date: August 10, 2024

Regulatory Representative Managers Association (RRMA), in collaboration with Global Product Compliance (GPC), is offering a series of impactful internship opportunities. Through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the renowned institute, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Mumbai, these internships are intended to provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in regulatory management and sustainability.

 

About Regulatory Representatives and Managers Association (RRMA)

Regulatory Representatives and Managers Association (RRMA) is a membership-based association that promotes an understanding of chemical compliance and capacity building for industries. RRMA circulates regulatory updates to its members via diverse channels such as newsletters, webinars, and conferences to achieve responsible business management.

With a vision of a mature and impactful regulatory system of technical regulations on chemicals where India and other developing nations attain high environmental, social and human health objectives. RMA was established in 2021 to represent service providers and regulatory professionals with a mission to help industries and businesses established in India comply with India’s regulatory requirements and other countries. RRMA is committed to providing industries with the essential training and certification to qualify as regulatory professionals. 

RRMA partners with academic institutes to offer hands-on internships. RRMA has initiated internship programs in India and Sweden, focusing on chemical compliance, product-based environmental regulation, impact analysis and comparative analysis of different country regulations and stakeholder mapping. 

To organize internships and projects RRMA partners up with Global Product Compliance (GPC), where GPC acts as a knowledge partner to the internship programs.

https://rrma-global.org/or follow RRMA on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/rrma/

 

About the Global Product Compliance (GPC) Group

Global Product Compliance (GPC) specializes in Global Regulatory Compliance Solutions. Since 2008, GPC has emerged as one of the leading names among Global Regulatory Compliance service providers with Representation services in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for respective chemical regulations. 

Our over 1500 Happy Clients are a testimony to the great rapport we share with them and the fine quality that we offer in our services. This is also reflected in the fact that we have about 99% customer retention (Client loyalty) and we have had over 172 companies opting to switch over to us from other service providers, for better and cost-effective services. 

Our extensive experience in regulatory compliance services started with EU REACH but our large client base has motivated us to venture into every new regulation that has emerged over the past few years like Cosmetics Regulations (EU, India, and the USA), Korea and Turkey REACH, and the regulations in the UK, Eurasia, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, China, US, Canada, Latin America, etc. 

 Being India's largest regulatory compliance service provider, GPC has been actively contributing to the finalization of India’s chemical regulation and policy (Indian Chemical (Management and Safety) Rules (CMSR)). Indian Ministry of Commerce has commissioned GPC for several studies and reports which have contributed significantly to the upcoming Indian CMSR. 

www.gpcgateway.com or follow GPC on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-product-compliance-gpc-group

 

MoU with Indian Institute of Management Mumbai 

The Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM, Mumbai) formerly known as National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) is a leading business school established in 1963, aiming to provide world-class management education and develop leaders capable of making a significant impact in the business world. IIM Mumbai offers various programs in management, operations and supply chain and sustainability domains. IIM Mumbai has made significant strides in various areas, including strong industry connections, an innovative curriculum, research and publications, a diverse student body, and a state-of-the-art campus. Its commitment to academic rigor, practical insights, and ethical values has led to its success in enhancing the practical learning experience for students and facilitating better placement opportunities. The institute's diverse student body promotes creativity and innovation, and its state-of-the-art campus provides a conducive environment for holistic development. Faculty Prof. Anju Singh from IIM Mumbai will be mentor for the internships.

https://iimmumbai.ac.in/

About the Internship

Applications are invited from candidates who are interested in Regulatory Compliance Applied Research related to the project area/specific topic in this research internship announcement. Applicants must be enrolled in Master studies, preferably in the final year of their educational program. Applicants who recently completed their studies in higher education can also apply. 

During your internship, you will be expected to provide a mid-term and final presentation together with a final report summarizing the findings of your studies in the field. You will be guided and supervised by mentors throughout the internship. GPC grows with interns and ensures our interns develop hands-on skills related to the direct implementation of policies and consulting.

Internship Duration: 3 - 6 months.

Why work with us

• Regulatory training will be provided from the beginning. 
• Access to GPC’s webinars and events organized to learn more about the state of the art of different regulations globally. 
• Get an applied first-hand experience of your thesis work. 
• Get international exposure for applying for higher studies.
• Possibility of journal publication, depending upon high quality and significant work.
• Opportunity to present your research work at conferences/seminars. 
• There is no fee for the internship program.
• Successful completion of the internship project (≥80% equivalent grades) will be rewarded with a cash price of a total of 7500 INR per month at the master’s level. 
• Certificate of excellence for outstanding performers with 5000 INR additional reward.
• Interns of this program will be prioritized when suitable project/employment opportunities arise.

Description

Project area 1: Chemicals regulations

There is a constant increase in the production of chemicals across the globe, which not only has an impact on the environment but also there is a rise in the exposure of hazardous industrial chemicals on human beings, which has significant health issues worldwide. In such a scenario, there is a requirement of certain safety regulations for chemicals for various stages e.g., during production, handling, and disposal. 

Chemical regulations are legal frameworks and policies designed to manage the production, use, disposal, and impact of chemicals to protect human health and the environment. Key regulations include REACH, TSCA, and GHS, requiring companies to register chemicals with the European Chemicals Agency and provide safety information. Effective chemical regulation requires collaboration among governments, industries, and international organizations to ensure a safe and sustainable future.

Global Product Compliance (GPC), one of the leading names among Regulatory Compliance Service Providers with Representation services in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for respective chemical regulations, has followed closely with the development of chemical policies worldwide and assisted companies to comply with chemical regulations worldwide. 

Internship topics under Project Area 1 are: 

1. Overview of regulatory updates on per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in different sectors
2. Global overview of microplastic regulations
3. Regulatory intern for intelligence Portal - Newsletter, Report and Summaries

Project area 2: Cosmetic regulations

Cosmetic regulations are essential laws and guidelines governing the manufacturing, labelling, distribution, and safety of cosmetic products. Their primary aim is to ensure the safety of cosmetics and provide clear labelling to protect consumers. Key aspects include adherence to safety standards, ingredient limits, accurate labelling, truthful advertising claims, implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and post-market surveillance. Manufacturers must comply with these regulations to prevent adverse health effects, maintain product quality, and ensure consumer safety. Major regulatory frameworks are established by authorities such as the FDA, EMA, and other national regulatory bodies. Compliance with these regulations is critical to market access and consumer safety.

Internship topics under project area 2 are:

1. Study of cosmetic regulatory updates in different countries (United Kingdom, Turkey, Latin America, Mexico, South Africa, Egypt, Bangladesh, Russia, Vietnam, Chile, Philippines, and Singapore)
2. Study of sustainable packaging regulations and evaluation of environmental impact of cosmetic products and packaging

Project area 3: Food Contact Materials FCM regulations

Food Contact Materials (FCM) rules are intended to safeguard the safety of materials and items in contact with food. They encompass a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, paper and coatings. The regulations establish safety requirements, allow only approved compounds, and impose migratory limitations. Manufacturers must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure quality and safety. Compliance documentation is essential, and FCMs must be clearly labelled and traceable throughout the supply chain. Rigid testing is used to determine safety. FCM regulations are overseen by regulatory authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority and the United States Food and Drug Administration. Compliance is critical to market access and consumer protection. To maintain safety standard of FCMs associated business operator need to comply with certain regulations, which will be studied in this project.

Internship topics under project area 3 is: 

1. Food Contact Materials (FCM) regulatory updates in USA, Middle East countries, South Africa, China, South America

Project area 4: Agrochemical regulations

Agrochemical regulations are crucial for the safe and effective use of chemicals in agriculture, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Agrochemical regulations ensure the safe and effective use of chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in agriculture, focusing on their safety, efficacy, and environmental impact. These chemicals are vital for protecting crops, improving yields, and promoting sustainable farming, but they also pose potential risks to human health and the environment. Regulatory bodies worldwide implement stringent guidelines for the approval, registration, and safe use of agrochemicals, including toxicity testing, environmental impact assessments, and maximum residue limits. Clear labelling, hazard communication, and usage restrictions are mandated, with compliance essential for public trust, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture.

The activity of germicides against microorganisms depends on several factors, some of which are intrinsic qualities of the organism, others of which are the chemical and external physical environment. Efficacy data are a fundamental component in the regulatory management and decision-making process for active substances and biocidal products. This data is required to establish the benefit arising from the use of the active substance in biocidal products and must be balanced against the risks their uses pose to humans and the environment.

Internship topics under project area 4 are:

1. Study of fertilizer and biostimulant regulations in Europe & Australia
2. Biocide regulatory updates in Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Morocco

Project area 5: Safety – Endocrine Disruptors/CMR

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are substances that interfere with hormonal systems, causing adverse health and environmental effects. Carcinogens cause cancer, mutagens induce genetic mutations, and substances toxic to reproduction impair fertility. Minimizing exposure to these substances is crucial for protecting health and ecosystems.

Endocrine Disruptors (ED) and Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reprotoxic (CMR) rules aim to protect human health and the environment by limiting the use of substances that pose significant dangers. ED legislations involve detecting and managing drugs with endocrine-disrupting effects, which necessitate scientific study and risk assessment. They may face limitations or bans, particularly in consumer products, cosmetics, insecticides, and food contact materials. CMR chemicals are classified according to their risk level and must be properly labelled. They are strictly controlled, particularly in consumer products, cosmetics, toys, and food contact materials. Occupational exposure limits have been created to safeguard workers against CMR compounds. Companies must undertake risk management procedures to reduce their exposure to CMR compounds. Manufacturers must ensure compliance with ED and CMR rules.

Internship topic under project area 5 is: 

1. Overview and Comparative analysis of international regulations on endocrine disruptors and CMRs

Project Area 6: Sustainability

The sustainability sector promotes environmental, economic, and social well-being through conservation, renewable energy, pollution reduction, and climate change mitigation. It involves sustainable business practices, green finance, and a circular economy. Social sustainability focuses on equity, inclusion, and fair labour practices. The UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals guide this, and governments and organizations promote sustainability through regulations and policies. Technological innovations drive sustainability, and corporate social responsibility initiatives focus on environmental stewardship. Long-term strategies integrate environmental health, economic viability, and social equity.

Internship topics under the project area 6 are: 

1. Sector-wise Assessment of Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) of Indian Companies
2. Development of training modules for Sustainability frameworks
3. Pathways to Achieving Net Zero Emissions: Strategies and Implementation 
4. Exploration of Nature-based Credit systems
5. Biodiversity mapping for corporate India
6. Study of various sustainability certifications
7. Study of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) in India: Comparative Analysis
8. Study of carbon credit schemes (CCTS and green credit system) and decarbonization strategies in India.
9. Study on Extended producer responsibility (EPR) across the globe
10. Study on Carbon Border Adjustment Management (CBAM)

Responsibilities

• Navigate the regulations that apply to the industries (e.g., Industrial chemicals, cosmetic, agrochemical, food, etc.).
• Provide country-specific regulatory interpretation and guidance on requirements of the regulation for various actors in supply-chain. 
• Discussions with regulatory teams to decide on the topics that are useful and appealing to our regulatory intelligence portal subscribers.
• Author and produce regulatory news item for the Newsletter and social media post 
• Applies scientific writing document, and project management expertise – process management.
• Collect and analyze examples of challenges, gaps, and failures in regulatory compliance in a specific industry/country.  
• Conduct cross-country comparative studies on a specific regulatory compliance.  
• Market analysis of regulatory and compliance policies.   
• Convey complex regulatory requirements and content in a clear and structured manner 
• Creating scripts for regulatory webinars and videos 
• Content includes Website content /social media/Promotional email/Regulatory Actionable Summary/brochures 
• This Internship/dissertation project requires 30-40 hours of working hours per week.

Education/Experience Requirement [For Regulatory Interns only]

• Applicants must be enrolled in Master studies, preferably in the final year of his/her educational program. 
• Preferably candidates with background in Environmental science and Engineering/ Environmental Management/ Environmental Law and Policy/ Biotechnology/ Chemical Engineering/ Pharmacy/Life science/ Agricultural/Food technologyand other relevant studies.
• Excellent writing skills, ability to summarize and convey text in clear and structured manner 
• Experience authoring and/or editing regulatory documentation
• Project management skills
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Self-starter personality

Application Details

The application deadline is August 10, 2024.

Please contact for internship-related queries to info@rrma-global.org (Kindly mention Internship 2024-25 in the subject).

Please make the application as soon as possible as the applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

Note: This internship will be remote.