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.
Please note that this position can be based in San Diego, CA OR San Francisco, CA OR Princeton, NJ. Acadia’s hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.
Position Summary
The Executive Director will lead the design and implementation of disease and drug mechanism of action (MoA) studies to advance therapeutics into and through clinical development. The position requires deep experience in translational sciences, proven leadership and mentoring skills, hands-on rare disease experience, strong understanding of clinical biomarker development, and a deep understanding of drug development from discovery through late-stage clinical studies. The ability to synthesize complex biological concepts and data into clearly communicated actionable insights is critical, as is a track record of successful partnering with functions across the drug development paradigm.
Primary Responsibilities
Develop translational biology strategies to interrogate disease and drug MoA, implement and drive execution for candidate targets and therapeutics
Lead nonclinical sciences function, mentor scientists across translational sciences
Partners with colleagues across the drug development paradigm to develop and test hypotheses designed to advance target and candidate molecule evaluation through various stages of development
Partner with Translational Science colleagues to develop preclinical strategies supporting indication selection, PK/PD analyses, and mechanistic development for successful IND filing and clinical development
Synthesize, analyze and integrate complex biological data, providing clear and actionable insights to drive drug development decisions
Identify, evaluate and leverage cutting-edge technologies to expedite early-stage program development & success
Identify and manage CROs and build strong collaborative relationships with Acadia partners to maximize the application of complementary areas of expertise
Present programs and data for asset team, governance and senior / executive management review
Contribute, as author and strategist, to document generation for preclinical studies & clinical protocols, clinical study reports, statistical analysis plans, research partnerships, regulatory materials (IB, IND, NDA, etc.) and publications
Perform other responsibilities as assigned
Education/Experience/Skills
PhD in life science or related field. Targeting 15 years of progressively responsible experience in drug development within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Key Skills:
Strong cross-functional leadership with a proven ability to build collaborative, high-performing teams and represent nonclinical sciences across Translational Sciences and program teams
Hands-on experience across drug discovery, preclinical development, and clinical-stage programs (Phase 1–3), including rare disease
Demonstrated success leading programs through IND filing, with deep expertise in small molecule INDs and regulatory submissions (IND, NDA, BLA)
Expertise in preclinical (MoA) analysis, indication selection, and supporting clinical development strategies
Strong understanding of clinical biomarker strategy and development
Ability to analyze complex, multifactorial datasets, with computational literacy and collaboration with computational biology; bioinformatics integration experience is a plus
Effective communicator with high emotional intelligence; skilled in presenting complex data to senior leadership and influencing stakeholders
Proven ability to make decisions under uncertainty, aligning with timelines and organizational objectives
Track record of driving performance through goal-setting, accountability, continuous improvement, and leading change across teams
Able to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments, with flexibility for domestic and international travel; experience in neurology and across modalities (e.g., ASO, mRNA) is a plus
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 #SL-1
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
$269,400—$336,800 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.
California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Canadian Applicants: Please seeAdditional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy.
Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy.
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.
