Director Translational Science Operations
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
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 San Diego, CA OR San Francisco, CA OR Princeton, NJ. Acadia’s hybrid model requires the role to work in our office three days per week on average.
Position Summary 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 non‑clinical 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.
Primary 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 coordination 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
Education / Experience / Skills 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.
Key Skills
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
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 $200,700 — $250,900 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.
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Please note that this position can be based in San Diego, CA OR San Francisco, CA OR Princeton, NJ. Acadia’s hybrid model requires the role to work in our office three days per week on average.
Position Summary 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 non‑clinical 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.
Primary 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 coordination 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
Education / Experience / Skills 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.
Key Skills
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
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 $200,700 — $250,900 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.
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