Associate Director, Medical Writing

Job Description

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference.

Position Summary

Join Acadia as an Associate Director, Medical Writing, and play a key role in advancing innovative therapies through the development of high-quality clinical and regulatory documents that support global product development and regulatory submissions. In this highly visible role, you will partner with cross-functional teams to transform complex scientific and clinical data into clear, compelling, and scientifically rigorous narratives for global health authorities. From shaping document strategy to leading the development of critical submission materials, you will help drive programs forward while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful development programs while influencing the quality and success of regulatory communications.

Primary Responsibilities

• Implements activities related to the preparation of defined documents (from planning/story-line development to writing, to the facilitation of review and approval, and final formatting). Documents to be assigned may include briefing books, cover letters, summary documents, etc., as well as other development-related documentation such as investigator brochures, clinical study reports, and protocols
• Synchronizes, with appropriate project management resources, the timelines and process for preparation, review, approval, and other appropriate functions involved in the production of high-quality documents
• Communicates and tracks deliverables, writing process, and timelines to the Development team and to management, as appropriate
• Converts relevant data and information into documents consistent with all applicable regulatory requirements
• Works with all relevant team members to develop strategy and content outline for the submission, and to assign content partners for key sections of the document
• Serves as writing lead on assigned documents
• Communicates with internal and external groups (e.g., Clinical Development, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Biometrics, Rare Disease, and Quality) to ensure accurate and timely completion/delivery of high-quality, scientifically-justified documents
• Ensures all clinical and regulatory electronic document deliverables are processed and compiled in alignment with timelines and relevant templates/standards
• Understands, assimilates, and interprets sources of information with appropriate guidance/direction from the Development team or other content experts
• Explains data in a manner consistent with scientific principles and regulatory requirements and with excellent diction, style and grammar
• Verifies completeness of information presented and ensures that the goals of the document are met
• Understands and complies with appropriate conventions, proper grammar usage, and correct format requirements per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and other governing bodies following applicable regulations, guidelines, templates, and Acadia SOP requirements
• Identifies and proposes creative and strategic solutions to resolve issues and questions arising during the writing process, including escalation as appropriate
• Maintains up-to-date compliance with all current Acadia and industry requirements as they relate to regulatory submissions by continually training and staying abreast of the latest developments
• Provides guidance and oversight to contract writers and external vendors/agencies when necessary
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Education/Experience/Skills

• Master’s degree in a related field; PhD preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Targeting 5 years’ progressively responsible experience in science and medical writing with a focus on clinical and regulatory document preparation, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment. American Medical Writing Association (AMWA) certification or other is strongly preferred, with a specialty in Pharmaceutical Writing
• Exceptional writing skills and the ability to convert scientific data into a clear, scientifically sound, well-structured ‘story’
• Ability to self-edit and improve own work to ensure readability, accuracy, consistency and aesthetic presentation of data and information
• Knowledge of US, ICH and international regulations, requirements and guidance associated with scientific and clinical/regulatory document preparation and submissions
• Knowledge and experience with Common Technical Document content templates as well as content expectations for IND/NDA/MAA and other regulatory documentation
• Working knowledge of current electronic document management systems and publishing systems
• Ability to assimilate, interpret and translate information/data for appropriate audiences
• Excellent working knowledge of software programs in Windows environment with high proficiency in word processing, flow diagrams, and spreadsheets
• Ability to learn fast, grasp the ‘essence’ of a strategy or a story quickly to convert relevant scientific data/information into high-quality summaries and reports
• Flexibility in the face of changing priorities and ability to change course, if needed, to improve or adjust a document when data or a new strategic direction suggests a need to do so
• Creates a learning environment; open to feedback and suggestions and innovation for improvement
• Embraces the ideas of others and cultivates a collaborative environment in order to complete assignments effectively
• Ability to build and engage strong relationships, motivate and influence others, including those over whom they have no direct authority
• Ensures compliance with all Acadia applicable policies, procedures and SOPs
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Physical Requirements

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs.

#LI-REMOTE #LI-RE1

In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.

Salary Range

$157,000—$196,500 USD

What we offer US-based Employees:

• Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
• 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
• 15+ vacation days
• 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
• 10 days of paid sick time
• Paid parental leave benefit
• Tuition assistance

EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here.

It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.

As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at [email protected] or 858-261-2923.

Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.

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Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Acadia”). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.