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. 

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

• 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

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.

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