Job description
About Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Acadia is advancing breakthroughs in neuroscience to elevate life. Since our founding, we have been working at the forefront of healthcare to bring vital solutions to people who need them most. We developed and commercialized the first and only FDA-approved drug to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis and the first and only approved drug in the United States and Canada for the treatment of Rett syndrome. Our clinical-stage development efforts are focused on Prader-Willi syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, and multiple other programs targeting neuro-psychiatric and neuro-rare diseases. For more information, visit us at Acadia.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.
Position Summary
As a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, you will be a vital scientific ambassador, connecting cutting-edge research with healthcare professionals to drive better patient outcomes. Focused within the neuroscience therapeutic area, you will cultivate influential relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare providers, and research centers, serving as a trusted resource for clinical and scientific expertise.
In this field-based role, you will facilitate meaningful scientific exchange, support clinical research initiatives, and deliver critical insights that help shape the strategic direction of Acadia’s medical and development programs. Your work will ensure timely access to the latest scientific data and innovations, supporting the advancement of novel therapies that transform patients’ lives.
If you are passionate about science, communication, and making a real-world impact, Acadia offers the environment, resources, and vision to help you thrive.
The ideal candidate should be located in the Greater Boston area and will cover regions including ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, CT.
Primary Responsibilities
- Identifies and develops relationships with national and regional medical and scientific thought leaders, patient advocacy groups, and centers of excellence consistent with the strategy and objectives of Acadia’s Medical Affairs and Development Departments
- Engages national and regional thought leaders to align interests, discuss research and medical information, and participate in scientific exchange and education about current and emerging therapies
- Provides Phase 2 / 3b / 4 research trial site support and investigator-initiated research proposal cultivation and facilitation
- Develops and maintains scientific, clinical and therapeutic expertise for Acadia’s portfolio
- Cross-functionally collaborates, following all compliance guidelines, with regional field leadership partners including HEOR Field Directors, Commercial Representatives & Leaders, Access Managers & Leaders, and Business Leaders alike
- Provides strategic field insights
- Identifies disease concepts and compound characteristics that can be leveraged into product differentiation
- Provides appropriate scientific, clinical, and educational support for internal and external clients
- Represents the company at specific continuing educational events, programs, medical meetings and conventions
- Supports Commercial operations by participating in Speaker and Sales Representative Training
- Partners with the internal departments to ensure accurate delivery of medical and scientific information
- Other duties as assigned
Education/Experience/Skills
An MD, DO, PharmD, or PhD in a related field is required. We are targeting individuals with 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may also be considered. Previous Medical Science Liaison (MSL) experience is preferred. Psychiatry or neurology experience is strongly preferred.
Key Skills:
- Scientific, clinical and therapeutic area expertise
- Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, commercial, and clinical issues affecting the pharmaceutical and managed care industries
- Skilled as a poised and knowledgeable presenter of scientific information. This includes excellent writing capabilities and strong demonstrated presentation skills, including presentations within external formats such as physician gatherings, medical congresses, etc
- Experience in preparation of materials for use by Medical Affairs, including reviewing/editing Promotional materials
- Knowledge of customer segments and market dynamics
- Excellent planning and organizational skills
- Ability to professionally collaborate and interact with all levels within the organization
- Skilled at negotiating with business partners or management and influencing leaders
- Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams
- Ability to take initiative and demonstrate follow-through skills
- Excellent oral and communication skills
- Demonstrated expertise in drug information communication
- Highly skilled and proficient with all MS Suites programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to travel up to 75% of time, with primary residence within the geographical area or near a major airport
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.
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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
$1—$2 USD
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 single 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 would strongly encourage you to apply – especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly as we describe it 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 accommodation given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.
Notice for California Applicants: Please see our California Applicant Privacy Notice 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 absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with the 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.
