Cybersecurity Manager, AI & Security Operations

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 113,200 - 141,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) Plan with company match

Paid parental leave

Tuition assistance

15+ vacation days

Job summary

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. in Princeton, NJ, seeks a Cybersecurity Manager responsible for day-to-day cybersecurity operations. This role will actively monitor security tools, manage incident responses, and lead vulnerability programs with an emphasis on AI and automation.

Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, 5+ years experience, and relevant certifications. Competitive salary between $113,200 and $141,500, along with attractive benefits including healthcare and 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• At least 5 years of experience in cybersecurity.
• Prior experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage security tools to respond to alerts.
• Lead vulnerability and exposure management programs.
• Collaborate with teams to strengthen security posture.

Skills

Hands-on experience with enterprise security tools

Conducting penetration testing

Scripting in Python/PowerShell/Bash

Understanding of AI and ML concepts

Familiarity with NIST and CIS frameworks

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Ability to prioritize workload

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field

5 years of experience in cybersecurity

Industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications

Tools

SIEM

EDR

SOAR technologies

Job description

Position Summary

The Cybersecurity Manager is responsible for supporting Acadia’s day‑to‑day cybersecurity operations. This role actively monitors enterprise security tools, investigates alerts, and coordinates incident response activities with internal teams and third‑party security partners. The role supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Acadia’s cybersecurity operations, with a strong emphasis on automation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance detection, response, and operational efficiency.

This Cybersecurity Manager owns Acadia’s vulnerability and exposure management programs and leads penetration testing, threat intelligence, threat hunting, and proactive risk identification efforts. Additionally, this role will partner with enterprise stakeholders to support organization‑wide AI and machine learning initiatives, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of AI systems. This role helps align cybersecurity practices with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and emerging risks associated with AI technologies.

Primary Responsibilities

• Actively monitor and manage security tools and service providers to identify, investigate, and respond to security alerts in a timely and effective manner.
• Own and continuously improve the vulnerability and exposure management program, including tooling, vendor coordination, scanning, penetration testing, and remediation tracking.
• Lead threat hunting activities and manage the threat intelligence program to proactively identify, analyze, and mitigate emerging threats.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal and external teams to strengthen enterprise security posture and drive timely remediation of identified risks.
• Design, develop, and maintain automation scripts and SOAR workflows to improve efficiency across log analysis, alert triage, incident response, and reporting.
• Integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities into cybersecurity operations to enhance threat detection, anomaly identification, and risk analysis.
• Monitor and manage the Information Security ticket queue, ensuring timely resolution or escalation of incidents in accordance with defined service-level objectives (SLOs).
• Conduct and support security incident response and forensic investigations, including analysis, documentation, and evidence handling.
• Support cybersecurity audits, assessments, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Assist with the maintenance, documentation, and annual testing of the Cyber Incident Response Plan.
• Lead or contribute to cybersecurity initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and projects.
• Support the enterprise‑wide security of AI/ML systems, including model integrity, data protection, and access controls AI/ML‑related assets.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Education/Experience/Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field. Targeting 5 years of experience in cybersecurity and prior experience in Information Technology. Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry preferred. One or more industry‑recognized cybersecurity certifications required (e.g., Security+, SSCP, CCNP Security, CISSP, or equivalent). An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Key Skills:

• Hands‑on experience with enterprise security tools and platforms, including SIEM, EDR, NDR/NTA, vulnerability and exposure management solutions, and SOAR technologies.
• Experience conducting or supporting penetration testing and vulnerability assessments, and interpreting results to drive remediation.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation using languages such as Python, PowerShell, or Bash, with the ability to develop and maintain tools that enhance security operations.
• Foundational understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) concepts, particularly as applied to cybersecurity use cases such as anomaly detection, threat modeling, and analytics.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and standards including NIST, CIS Critical Security Controls, and MITRE ATT&CK.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to evaluate complex security issues and develop effective, risk‑based solutions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Task‑oriented and self‑directed, with the ability to prioritize workload, meet deadlines, and appropriately escalation issues.
• Demonstrates a high level of attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• 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.

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: $113,200—$141,500 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 [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.