Associate Director Toxicology
Acadia Pharmaceuticals
August 16, 2026
Remote friendly (Princeton, NJ)
United States
$155,000 - $193,200 USD yearly
Clinical Research and Development
Position Summary
The Associate Director oversees Translational Science preclinical safety assessment/toxicology deliverables, with understanding of functional interdependence and critical path activities. Contributes to research and/or development of products/projects/programs in support of the pipeline, designing and overseeing preclinical safety and toxicology studies, and ensuring timely communication of status/issues.
Primary Responsibilities
- Plan safety assessment/toxicology programs (design, logistics, resourcing, schedules); identify critical support needs.
- Provide scientific management oversight for preclinical safety/toxicology studies supporting early drug development (lead optimization through IND/NDA and nonclinical post-marketing approval requirements).
- Monitor CROs for quality/compliance.
- Manage vendors/consultants (study design, coordination, quality compliance, scientific rigor).
- Review and contribute to preparation of toxicology reports.
- Oversee test compound delivery, shipment, and supply requirements.
- Collaborate cross-functionally; convene/participate in working groups as needed.
- Communicate project status; proactively identify issues to meet team and regulatory deliverables.
- Guide team members to assess and resolve preclinical safety/toxicology issues.
Education/Experience/Skills
- BS or MS in a relevant discipline.
- 6–8 years preclinical safety assessment/toxicology experience in pharma/biotech.
- DABT strongly preferred (or equivalent education/experience).
- Knowledge of drug development and executing preclinical safety/toxicology strategies.
- Expertise in study types (acute/chronic tox, safety pharmacology, DART, genotox/carcinogenicity).
- CRO GLP study monitoring experience.
- Experience composing/reviewing preclinical safety/toxicology reports.
- Knowledge of GLP/ICH/FDA guidance and regulations.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional skills; semi-virtual experience.
- Travel as needed.
What we offer (eligible items stated)
- Discretionary bonus and equity awards.
Benefits (listed)
- Medical, dental, vision; employer-paid life/disability/business travel/EAP; 401(k) match up to 5%; employee stock purchase plan; 15+ vacation; paid holidays; paid sick time; paid parental leave; tuition assistance.
The Associate Director oversees Translational Science preclinical safety assessment/toxicology deliverables, with understanding of functional interdependence and critical path activities. Contributes to research and/or development of products/projects/programs in support of the pipeline, designing and overseeing preclinical safety and toxicology studies, and ensuring timely communication of status/issues.
Primary Responsibilities
- Plan safety assessment/toxicology programs (design, logistics, resourcing, schedules); identify critical support needs.
- Provide scientific management oversight for preclinical safety/toxicology studies supporting early drug development (lead optimization through IND/NDA and nonclinical post-marketing approval requirements).
- Monitor CROs for quality/compliance.
- Manage vendors/consultants (study design, coordination, quality compliance, scientific rigor).
- Review and contribute to preparation of toxicology reports.
- Oversee test compound delivery, shipment, and supply requirements.
- Collaborate cross-functionally; convene/participate in working groups as needed.
- Communicate project status; proactively identify issues to meet team and regulatory deliverables.
- Guide team members to assess and resolve preclinical safety/toxicology issues.
Education/Experience/Skills
- BS or MS in a relevant discipline.
- 6–8 years preclinical safety assessment/toxicology experience in pharma/biotech.
- DABT strongly preferred (or equivalent education/experience).
- Knowledge of drug development and executing preclinical safety/toxicology strategies.
- Expertise in study types (acute/chronic tox, safety pharmacology, DART, genotox/carcinogenicity).
- CRO GLP study monitoring experience.
- Experience composing/reviewing preclinical safety/toxicology reports.
- Knowledge of GLP/ICH/FDA guidance and regulations.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional skills; semi-virtual experience.
- Travel as needed.
What we offer (eligible items stated)
- Discretionary bonus and equity awards.
Benefits (listed)
- Medical, dental, vision; employer-paid life/disability/business travel/EAP; 401(k) match up to 5%; employee stock purchase plan; 15+ vacation; paid holidays; paid sick time; paid parental leave; tuition assistance.