Executive Director Translational Sciences
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Francisco, CA, United States
Location
This position can be based in
San Diego, CA OR San Francisco, CA OR Princeton, NJ . The hybrid model requires working in the office approximately three days per week.
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.
Partner with colleagues across the drug development paradigm to develop and test hypotheses to advance target and candidate molecule evaluation.
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 and success.
Identify and manage CROs and build strong collaborative relationships with Acadia partners to maximize complementary 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.
Salary Range $269,400 – $336,800 USD
Benefits
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. ... 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.
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San Diego, CA OR San Francisco, CA OR Princeton, NJ . The hybrid model requires working in the office approximately three days per week.
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.
Partner with colleagues across the drug development paradigm to develop and test hypotheses to advance target and candidate molecule evaluation.
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 and success.
Identify and manage CROs and build strong collaborative relationships with Acadia partners to maximize complementary 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.
Salary Range $269,400 – $336,800 USD
Benefits
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. ... 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr