Director Translational Science Operations at Acadia

**Who this is for** This leadership role is for an experienced Director of Translational Science Operations seeking to manage and optimize operations supporting

Work type: remote

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

Salary: $200,700 – $250,900/yr

Type: Full-time

Summary

**Who this is for** This leadership role is for an experienced Director of Translational Science Operations seeking to manage and optimize operations supporting nonclinical, toxicology, and pharmacology/pharmacometrics clinical functions. You will oversee systems, vendor management, budget, and timelines to ensure seamless execution of Translational Science activities. **Key highlights** This fully remote position offers a hybrid work model, requiring you to be in the office three days a week on average, and can be based in San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, or Princeton, NJ. You will be a key partner in ensuring the smooth and timely operational execution of Acadia's programs by interfacing with internal and external stakeholders. **You might be a good fit if you...** - Have 10+ years of experience in project operations or management, preferably in early-stage drug development within pharma/biotech. - Possess strong experience managing operational aspects of early-stage drug development, including CRO contracts and execution. - Demonstrate deep experience in managing toxicology and clinical pharmacology activities. - Have proven experience overseeing vendors and consultants, including performance and deliverables. - Hold a Bachelor's degree in life sciences or a related field.

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 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.

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 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

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

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.

#LI #SL-1

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
$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

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