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; Princeton, NJ; San Francisco, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office an average of 3 days per week.

Position Summary

The Sr. Director, Data Management is a key leadership role within Acadia’s R&D organization, responsible for driving strategy, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the Data Management function. This individual will lead the design, implementation, and oversight of clinical data collection and database review activities that support critical development programs and company objectives.

Working closely with cross-functional leaders, the Sr. Director will advance efficient, high-quality data management processes, ensure systems are business-ready, and lead data management outsourcing and vendor/FSP partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity to shape data strategy and make a meaningful impact on the development of therapies for patients with unmet medical needs.

Primary Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Data Management activities across Acadia's clinical development portfolio
Lead and develop the Data Management function, including organizational design, resource planning, budgeting, hiring, and performance management
Establish and evolve a scalable Data Management operating model that leverages both internal capabilities and outsourced vendor/FSP partnerships
Oversee vendor selection, governance, contract management, and performance to ensure high-quality data management deliverables
Drive the development and implementation of Data Management standards, processes, SOPs, and inspection-readiness practices
Ensure the timely delivery of high-quality clinical databases and datasets supporting analysis, regulatory submissions, and health authority inspections
Provide strategic oversight of clinical data management systems, technologies, and data standards to support business and development objectives
Identify operational risks and lead process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, quality, and business continuity
Serve as the Data Management subject matter expert during audits, inspections, and cross-functional governance activities
Other responsibilities as assigned

Education/Experience/Skills

Bachelor’s degree in the scientific, biological, statistical or computer science field or related discipline; advanced degree strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Targeting 12-15 years of experience in the pharma/biotech industry, including 10 years direct report or vendor management experience
Experience managing multiple direct reports, contingent workers and programs, including resource planning for Data Management functions, workforce, infrastructure and clinical study deliverables
Self-directed, technically strong, and a recognized leader maintaining a strategic prospective regarding data management processes, management of DM activities and customer management
Experience working within both in-house and outsourced Data Management operating models
Vendor evaluation, selection, governance and management experience, including oversight of Data Management activities outsourced to CROs, FSPs and other vendors
Experience leading organizational change and driving process improvements within a Data Management function
Strong understanding of clinical trials, pharmaceutical operations, regulatory compliance, FDA regulations and ICH guidelines related to data integrity
Ability to manage timelines, incomplete information and unexpected events while maintaining accuracy and operational excellence
Demonstrated ability to influence and communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, including executive leadership, and build strong working relationships across teams
Must be willing and able to travel both domestically and internationally as needed

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

$219,000—$273,700 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

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.

Senior Director, Data Management

Key skills

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