Director, Global Program Lead, External Innovation & Due Diligence

Acadia Pharmaceuticals; Princeton (NJ); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadia Pharmaceuticals seeks a Lead external due diligence role to drive evaluations of clinical-stage neuroscience, psychiatry, and rare disease assets. You will coordinate Clinical, Regulatory, CMC, Commercial and Legal teams, building risk-adjusted scenarios for senior leadership and potential partnerships.

The position requires 10–12 years in pharma/biotech with R&D program management, and a strong background in neuroscience or rare diseases.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science.
• 10–12 years in pharma/biotech, with R&D program management experience.
• Expertise in neuroscience or rare diseases preferred.
• Strong scientific, strategic, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate cross-functional assessments involving Clinical, Nonclinical, Regulatory, CMC, Commercial, Finance and Legal teams.
• Develop diligence workplans, risk assessments and integrated development scenarios.
• Evaluate scientific rationale, clinical and regulatory considerations and commercial potential.
• Synthesize complex data into clear recommendations for senior leadership and support external partnerships and in-licensing activities.

Skills

R&D program management

Neuroscience

Rare diseases

Cross-functional collaboration

Drug development

Pharma/biotech industry experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science

Job description

Role:

Lead external opportunity due diligence for clinical-stage assets within neuroscience, psychiatry, and rare diseases, supporting strategic evaluations and potential transactions.

Responsibilities:

coordinate cross-functional assessments involving Clinical, Nonclinical, Regulatory, CMC, Commercial, Finance, and Legal teams; develop diligence workplans, risk assessments, and integrated development scenarios; evaluate scientific rationale, clinical and regulatory considerations, and commercial potential; synthesize complex data into clear recommendations for senior leadership and support external partnerships and in-licensing activities.

Requirements:

bachelor’s degree in a relevant science; 10-12 years in pharma/biotech, with experience in R&D program management of clinical-stage assets; expertise in neuroscience or rare diseases preferred; strong scientific, strategic, and cross-functional collaboration skills; understanding of drug development and industry dynamics; ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

HighValue:

clinical-stage assets, neuroscience/rare diseases, portfolio strategy, external asset evaluation, cross-functional leadership, global R&D experience, strategic and investment decision support.

WorkSetup:

hybrid model with in-office presence in San Diego, San Francisco, or Princeton; domestic and international travel.