Director Translational Science Operations

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.•San Diego, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. The Director will lead Translational Sciences operations to support nonclinical, toxicology, and pharmacology/pharmacometrics clinical functions. The role will own and manage systems to facilitate clinical and nonclinical activities within the Translational Science department including internal and external vendor and contract management, oversight and due diligence of agreements, management and oversight of budgets and timelines. Interfacing with internal and external stakeholders is central to the role to ensure smooth and timely operational execution across Acadia programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field. Targeting 10 years of progressively responsible experience in project operations and/or project management, preferably supporting early‑stage drug development. Experience managing team resources, budgets, and external vendors or consultants., preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Experience managing cross-functional project activities and deliverables across complex programs
Strong understanding of the drug development process, including pharmaceutical project management principles and GxP regulations (GLP, GCP, and related guidelines)
Deep experience managing operational aspects of early-stage drug development, including academic and CRO-based contracts, timelines, and execution
Demonstrated operational management of Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology activities
Proven experience overseeing vendors and consultants, including performance and deliverables management
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
Demonstrated experience in budget and resource planning, tracking, and management
Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively with business partners and leadership
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, and reporting/tracking tools; ability to lead management of Translational Sciences systems and represent the function across tools
Self-motivated team player who thrives in dynamic environments, with willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Responsibilities

Oversees the operational management of Translational Science project activities, partnering with functional representatives to ensure delivery to plan and budget and in accordance to Program Team plans/commitments
Provides Translational Science team cross-functional project support to ensure seamless progress of activities across programs and with adjacent functions (CMC, Clinical Development)
Identifies and manages vendors and consultants needed to complete Translational Science studies, including associated contracts and budgets. Key partner for Finance, Legal, Vendor Management and Project Management Functions
Provides guidance to team members to objectively assess and resolve operational project issues to improve project effectiveness
Owner of operational Translational Science group meetings to ensure budgetary compliance across programs and co-ordination with CMC to ensure compound supply is met for seamless program progression
Partners with Head of Translational Sciences to maximize group efficiency and coordination, anticipating potential hurdles and developing mitigation strategies
Other responsibilities as assigned

Benefits

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.
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