Executive Director Translational Sciences

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. 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.

Requirements

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.
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

Nice To Haves

experience in neurology and across modalities (e.g., ASO, mRNA) is a plus

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

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.
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