Director Clinical Pharmacology at Acadia

**Who this is for** This Director-level role is for a seasoned clinical pharmacologist with deep expertise in both preclinical and clinical drug development, pa

Work type: hybrid

Location: Princeton, New Jersey, United States; San Diego, California, United States; San Francisco, California

Salary: $199,000 – $248,700/yr

Type: Full-time

Summary

**Who this is for** This Director-level role is for a seasoned clinical pharmacologist with deep expertise in both preclinical and clinical drug development, particularly in neuroscience. You will lead early-stage programs and serve as a key representative on cross-functional Asset Teams. **Key highlights** Your responsibilities will include designing and overseeing early-phase clinical trials (Phase 1, FIH, PoC), interpreting nonclinical data to inform development plans, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. You will also support regulatory submissions and evaluate licensing opportunities. **You might be a good fit if you...** - Hold a Ph.D. in Pharmacology or a related field with approximately 10 years of relevant industry experience. - Have a strong track record in designing and executing Phase 1 studies and selecting endpoints for Proof-of-Concept studies. - Possess deep knowledge of requirements for clinical pharmacology-related regulatory submissions (IND, NDA/MAA/NDS) with hands-on filing experience. - Demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Job Description

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 this role to work in our office three days per week on average.Position Summary

The Director of Clinical Pharmacology will bring deep expertise across both preclinical and clinical development, with a strong track record of success in advancing drug candidates through early development. This individual will serve as a key representative of the Clinical Pharmacology function on cross-functional Asset Teams and will be responsible for leading early-stage programs. Core responsibilities include the strategic planning and execution of Phase 1 clinical trials, including First-in-Human (FIH) and proof-of-concept (PoC) studies in healthy volunteers. This role supports drug development across multiple therapeutic areas, with a focus on neuroscience.

Primary Responsibilities

• Interpret nonclinical data and translate findings into clinical pharmacology development plans that position Acadia programs for successful clinical transitions

• Design and oversee early-phase clinical trials (e.g., FIH, food effect, DDI studies)

• Collaborate with colleagues on the selection and implementation of appropriate biomarker, imaging, and pharmacodynamic endpoints for proof-of-concept (PoC) studies in healthy volunteers

• Develop and review study protocols, statistical analysis plans, and tables, listings, and figures (TLFs) for Phase I studies

• Represent Translational Sciences / Clinical Pharmacology within asset teams

• Support regulatory submissions including IND enabling packages, NDAs, MAAs, and NDSs

• Acquire and maintain knowledge of national and international regulatory guidelines

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including clinical, regulatory, nonclinical, and CMC functions to ensure alignment and integration of clinical pharmacology strategies

• Ensure compliance with GCP, ICH guidelines, and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all clinical pharmacokinetic-related studies

• Work with the quality assurance team on SOP development, revision, and implementation

• Evaluate licensing and partnership opportunities, with a focus on clinical pharmacology aspects

• Other duties as assigned

Ph.D. in Pharmacology or related field. Targeting 10 years of relevant industry experience, including all aspects of drug development. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Key Skills

• Track record of successful design and execution of Phase I studies

• Proven success in the design and selection of endpoints for PoC studies in healthy volunteers

• Deep knowledge of requirements for clinical pharmacology-related regulatory submissions (IND, NDA/MAA/NDS), with hands-on filing experience

• Experience in rare disease is a strong plus

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to integrate multifactorial inputs into clear and actionable strategies

• Strong organizational skills and able to effectively multitask and prioritize

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the desire to work as part of a multi-functional team

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent trouble-shooting and decision-making skills; able to listen to and consider different functional perspectives and escalate response to situations when appropriate

• Ability to identify inconsistencies and ensure accuracy in all aspects of work

• Must be able to travel on occasion

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.

#transmed

#LI-Hybrid #LI-SL1

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
$199,000—$248,700 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

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