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.

Seeking talent near: Princeton, NJ ; San Diego, CA

Position Summary

The Senior Manager R&D Learning & Development supports the development, implementation, and ongoing management of onboarding, training strategies, systems training, and learning processes that build scientific, operational, and future‑ready capabilities across the Research and Development organization and pipeline.

Primary Responsibilities

Assist in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of a tiered onboarding and capability-building curriculum aligned to the evolving needs of the R&D pipeline, including discovery, early development, and late-stage programs.
Utilize experiential learning best practices to effectively engage adult learners and ensure the successful transfer of knowledge.
Support the management of GxP, congress, and data training with internal stakeholders.
Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D subject matter experts to develop disease area, modality, platform, and pipeline-focused training, including investigational asset education and emerging science.
Lead and support training initiatives with internal stakeholders.
Facilitate the management and development of learning modules in partnership with external vendors.
Oversee the development of advanced, recurrent, and future-focused training programs, including non-technical skills critical to R&D success (e.g., scientific storytelling, data interpretation, matrix leadership, and decision-making).
Ensure all content and training are in compliance with internal policies and external regulations.
Lead cross-functional collaboration to enable systems and digital capability development that support scalable, data-driven learning across the R&D organization.
Other responsibilities as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skills

Masters’ degree in Life Sciences or a related field; Advanced science degree strongly preferred (PharmD, PhD, MD). Targeting 7 years of progressively responsible experience in psychiatry, neurology, or rare disease preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment. Psychiatry, neurology, or rare disease experience strongly desired. Must have education or training experience, including design, delivery, and evaluation of learning programs. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Key Skills:

Knowledge of scientific, clinical and/or therapeutic area is preferred.
Skilled and knowledgeable presenter, able to communicate complex scientific information clearly and effectively.
Excellent oral and writing skills.
Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
Experience working with external vendors.
Highly detail oriented, self-disciplined, and ability to work independently with limited direction to resolve discrepancies and issues.
Ability to take initiative and demonstrate follow through skills.
Excellent planning and organizational skills.
Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a matrix organizational structure, and with all levels within the organization.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
Must be willing and able to travel both domestically and internationally.

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.

#LI-HYBRID #NC1

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

$139,600—$174,500 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.