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 either Princeton, NJ, San Diego, CA, or South San Francisco, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office an average of 3 days per week.

Position Summary

This position serves a role in the organization as the asset leader in support of the cross-functional strategy for programs (assets) in Acadia’s portfolio. This role contributes to the creation of the asset’s strategies, collaborating with the commercial, R&D, and G&A organizations to successfully deliver on asset objectives and goals. This role is accountable for the development and execution of program plans, including leading the Asset Strategy Teams (ASTs), ensuring effective communication across the wider cross-functional organization and translating decisions into action.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead ASTs by developing, articulating, and delivering on an integrated asset strategy.
Drive planning for key drug development stage-gate decision points, for approval at Portfolio Governance.
Proactively conduct risk management, and contingency and scenario planning across disciplines, ensure transparent communication of risks and escalate to executive management with appropriate speed.
Drive decision analysis with the team including development and assessment of outcome scenarios with alternative development options, robust go/no go decision criteria, probability of technical and regulatory success (PTRS), and value and investment implications.
Ensure a coordinated approach across Portfolio Management to ensure aligned execution and consistent reporting across stakeholders (i.e., financial planning and analytics, governances).
Manage an integrated program budget and resource plan in partnership with Finance team member and functional line representatives and sub-teams.
Coordinate formation of the ASTs for early-stage development programs following a stage gate decision to move into IND-enabling studies or later stages through in licensing or acquisition.
Facilitate resource planning, including financial and capacity assessments for assigned assets.
Establish or update Target Product Profiles (TPPs) through ASTs.
Collaborate with Sub-Teams to ensure development team plans and timelines align with asset objectives and goals.
Other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skills

Bachelor’s degree in life science or related field; Advanced degree preferred. Targeting 12 years of progressively responsible, relevant experience focusing on program management with 8 years experience managing cross-functional project teams. Successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the drug development process from preclinical pharmacology through to regulatory approval and the principles, concepts, practices, and standards of pharmaceutical program management. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Key Skills:

Executive presence and communication skills required.
Excellent knowledge of project management discipline and its application to drug development required to deliver time, cost, quality and risk management to teams.
Advanced meeting facilitation skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams that include executive and senior management without direct authority.
Financial management knowledge required.
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
Independent, motivated, team leader with the ability to thrive in a matrix environment.
Ability to support multiple asset teams simultaneously with strong organizational and time management skills and attention to detail.
Ability to accommodate and lead teams through shifting priorities, demands and timelines.
Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources and to be persuasive, encouraging and motivating.
Adept at creating and communicating a clear vision for a program among team members to facilitate alignment of resources to achieve program and corporate goals.
Proven track record of implementing Project Management tools, methodologies, practices and infrastructure, as related to the biopharmaceutical Industry.
In-depth knowledge and skill with Microsoft (MS) suite including MS PowerPoint, MS Project, MS Word, MS Excel.
Must be able to travel domestically on occasions.

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-HYBRID #LI-CA1

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

$238,000—$297,800 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 talentacquisition@acadia-pharm.com 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 see Additional 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.