Executive Neuroscience Sales Specialist - Richmond, VA

Acadia Pharmaceuticals; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Vacation and holidays

Paid sick time

Paid parental leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Acadia Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Neuroscience Sales Specialist to cover the Richmond, VA; Charlottesville, VA territory. You will build strong relationships with HCPs and deliver compliant product education to improve patient access.

The role requires neuroscience expertise, field selling skills, and travel up to 80%. A Bachelor's degree and 3 years pharma sales are required; salary ranges from $124,000 to $155,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with life sciences emphasis.
• 3+ years in pharma or healthcare sales, neuroscience preferred.
• Executive level requires 12+ years in healthcare sales.

Responsibilities

• Promote Acadia products to HCPs in person and virtually with compliant education.
• Develop territory business plan to meet or exceed sales objectives.
• Maintain strong relationships with HCPs, KOLs, and advocacy groups.
• Address questions and objections using advanced selling skills.
• Partner with internal teams to deliver coordinated solutions.
• Track sales activities and report outcomes in a timely manner.

Skills

Neuroscience knowledge

HCP relationship management

Sales skills

Payer dynamics

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Zoom

WebEx

Job description

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.

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: Richmond, VA; Charlottesville, VA; Virginia Beach, VA

Position Summary

The Neuroscience Sales Specialist is responsible for achieving sales goals within the assigned territory by building strong customer relationships, delivering compliant and compelling product education, and driving appropriate patient access. This role requires expertise in neuroscience, deep knowledge of the local healthcare landscape, and the ability to partner effectively with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and key stakeholders to deliver meaningful value and service.

Primary Responsibilities

• Promote Acadia products to HCPs in person and virtually, providing clinical, disease state, and reimbursement information in a compliant and customer-focused manner
• Develop and execute a territory business plan to meet or exceed sales objectives, leveraging market data, customer insights, and quarterly action plans
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with HCPs, including key opinion leaders, advocacy organizations, and other healthcare stakeholders
• Address customer questions, concerns, and objections using advanced dialogue and selling skills
• Tailor approved sales aids, clinical reprints, and brand resources to meet specific customer needs
• Partner with internal colleagues (e.g., managed markets, operations, sales training, marketing) to deliver coordinated solutions
• Provide guidance on product pricing, reimbursement, and specialty distribution channels, acting as a liaison between customers and the Company for access-related issues
• Accurately track and report sales activities, business expenses, and customer interactions in a timely manner
• Represent Acadia at conferences, exhibits, and trainings; participate in national, regional, and local meetings as required
• Mentor and train new sales specialists as needed and contribute to cross-functional projects and field strategic insights

Knowledge & Expertise

• Deep understanding of neuroscience disease states, Acadia products, and local/regional market dynamics
• Ability to serve as a trusted resource in the medical community
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual engagement platforms (e.g., Zoom, WebEx)
• Strong grasp of payer dynamics, including Part D and specialty pharmacy/hub distribution

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree required, with an emphasis in the life sciences preferred.
• Experience:
  • To qualify for Sales Specialist requires 3 years of sales experience with at least 1 year in pharmaceutical, and/or other related healthcare sales, with an emphasis on neuroscience preferred.
  • To qualify for Sr. Specialist level, requires a minimum of 8 years of healthcare sales with at least 2 years of experience in complex or account-based selling environments is required.
  • To qualify for Executive level, requires a minimum of 12 years of healthcare sales with at least 3 years of experience in complex or account-based selling environments is required.
• Demonstrated advanced selling skills, leadership abilities, and business acumen.
• Proven success in influencing diverse HCP audiences across multiple care settings.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently, adapt to change, and deliver consistently high results.
• Must reside within the territory (or within 30 miles of its border) and possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to meet travel requirements, including significant driving and overnight stays; air travel as needed.
• Must comply with vaccination requirements for HCP office access, long-term care facilities, and medical conferences.

Scope

Applies broad experience and professional judgment to address complex business challenges, using creativity and data-driven decision-making to achieve results in a highly regulated environment.

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 both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. 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 schedule or business needs. Must reside within the territory (or within 30 miles of its border) and, depending on territory needs, within reasonable proximity to a major airport. Requires eligibility to drive a company vehicle and ability to travel independently by air. Travel may be up to 80% of the time, including occasional after-hours work based on business needs.

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

$124,000—$155,000 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 [e-mail] 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.

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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.