Senior Director, Clinical Development
Acadia Pharmaceuticals
August 15, 2026
Remote friendly (San Diego, CA)
United States
Clinical Research and Development
Position Summary:
Senior Director, Clinical Development providing scientific and medical leadership across clinical development programs for CNS therapies.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Create and execute global clinical development plans aligned to company strategy
- Plan, implement, and interpret clinical studies (protocol/synopsis development, medical monitoring, data analysis, final reports)
- Build relationships with investigators, thought leaders, centers of excellence, and internal cross-functional teams
- Support site awareness, patient recruitment, and quality of study conduct
- Communicate program issues/results to internal and external stakeholders
- Support regulatory interactions (submissions, presentations)
- Lead clinical/scientific expertise from discovery to development and life-cycle management
- Review business development opportunities and translate needs into cost-effective, regulatory-compliant development strategies
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and Good Clinical Practices
Education/Experience/Skills:
- MD, MD-PhD, or equivalent required; Board Certified/Board Eligible in Psychiatry or Neurology
- 5+ years industry experience across multiple development phases (desired)
- CNS clinical research experience required; experience in neurodegenerative and/or psychiatric disorders preferred
- Established relationships with thought leaders/investigators
- Effective oral and written communication; ability to work in geographically diverse teams
- Highly motivated, self-driven, dependable; open, transparent stakeholder dialogue
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed
Benefits (as listed):
- Medical/dental/vision; employer-paid life/disability/EAP; 401(k) match 1:1 up to 5%; ESPP; 15+ vacation days; paid holidays; sick time; paid parental leave; tuition assistance
Senior Director, Clinical Development providing scientific and medical leadership across clinical development programs for CNS therapies.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Create and execute global clinical development plans aligned to company strategy
- Plan, implement, and interpret clinical studies (protocol/synopsis development, medical monitoring, data analysis, final reports)
- Build relationships with investigators, thought leaders, centers of excellence, and internal cross-functional teams
- Support site awareness, patient recruitment, and quality of study conduct
- Communicate program issues/results to internal and external stakeholders
- Support regulatory interactions (submissions, presentations)
- Lead clinical/scientific expertise from discovery to development and life-cycle management
- Review business development opportunities and translate needs into cost-effective, regulatory-compliant development strategies
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and Good Clinical Practices
Education/Experience/Skills:
- MD, MD-PhD, or equivalent required; Board Certified/Board Eligible in Psychiatry or Neurology
- 5+ years industry experience across multiple development phases (desired)
- CNS clinical research experience required; experience in neurodegenerative and/or psychiatric disorders preferred
- Established relationships with thought leaders/investigators
- Effective oral and written communication; ability to work in geographically diverse teams
- Highly motivated, self-driven, dependable; open, transparent stakeholder dialogue
- Travel domestically and internationally as needed
Benefits (as listed):
- Medical/dental/vision; employer-paid life/disability/EAP; 401(k) match 1:1 up to 5%; ESPP; 15+ vacation days; paid holidays; sick time; paid parental leave; tuition assistance