Director, Content Development

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.

Position Summary

The Director, Content Development plays a pivotal role within Medical Affairs, leading the development, management, and scientific review of medical content that supports strategic communication across the organization. This individual will partner cross-functionally to ensure the delivery of accurate, consistent, and timely scientific information related to Acadia’s products and therapeutic areas.   The Director will drive the creation of high-quality medical content for scientific exchange activities, including slide presentations, medical congress materials, and medical information resources. In addition, this role will provide scientific review and strategic guidance for materials developed by Corporate Affairs, Investor Relations, Commercial, and Medical Affairs teams.   Working closely with internal stakeholders, including Field Medical colleagues, the Director will help communicate emerging scientific insights, evolving clinical data, and advancements within the medical and research communities to support informed decision-making and patient-focused outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for overseeing and contributing to development of medical content for scientific exchange (e.g. slide decks, medical booth content, digital enhancements).
• Collaborates with key stakeholders to develop medical content management plans.
• Responsible for review of corporate affairs, investor relations, commercial and medical materials for scientific accuracy.
• Coordinates with Medical Affairs colleagues, vendors and/or outsourced providers in the development, review and approval of medical materials; provides medical guidance and expertise to MLR and MRC teams in the review of promotional and medical materials during MLR/MRC meetings.
• Independently evaluates literature, interprets complex data, writes effectively, articulates information to a variety of audiences, and effectively negotiates with counterparts from cross-functional areas.
• Effectively prioritizing and allocating resources and developing a culture of excellence and efficient teamwork. 
• Maintains expert understanding of product knowledge and labeling, associated disease states, relevant literature, treatment guidelines, competitor information, and brand strategies and tactics for the therapeutic area involved.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with other functional groups to cultivate a positive relationship.
• Acts as a subject matter expert to internal customers or appropriate stakeholders to provide them with timely up-to-date scientific and clinical information necessary to make impactful business decisions. Serves as subject matter expert on both general and specific Medical Review practices and provides executable recommendations to senior stakeholders as needed.
• Anticipates risk and implements strategies to avoid potential problems. When appropriate, elevates to supervisor and other appropriate functional leaders as needed.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skills

• PharmD, PhD, or MD in a scientific discipline or related field required
• 7+ years of Medical Affairs experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
• 5+ years of experience in Scientific Communications, Medical Information, or related medical content functions
• Experience developing medical content to support scientific exchange activities
• Experience participating in Medical, Legal, and Regulatory (MLR) and Medical Review Committee (MRC) review processes
• Experience conducting literature searches, critically evaluating scientific literature, and applying drug information principles
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret scientific data and translate findings into clear, medically accurate communications
• Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry's legal, regulatory, and compliance environment

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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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$191,400—$239,300 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.

California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy. 

Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy. 

Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy. 

Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Acadia”). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.