Cybersecurity Manager, AI & Security Operations

Acadia Pharmaceuticals; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 113,200 - 141,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) Plan with company match

15+ vacation days

Paid parental leave benefit

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Acadia Pharmaceuticals in San Diego is seeking a Cybersecurity Manager to oversee day-to-day cybersecurity operations and incident response initiatives. This role emphasizes automation and AI to enhance the effectiveness of security operations, improve detection and response, and align practices with business goals.

The ideal candidate will have 5 years of cybersecurity experience and proven skills in enterprise security tools, scripting, and vulnerability management. A background in the pharmaceutical industry is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 5 years in cybersecurity required.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry preferred.
• One or more industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and respond to security alerts across enterprise security tools.
• Manage vulnerability and exposure management programs.
• Lead threat hunting and intelligence programs.

Skills

Enterprise security tools and platforms

Penetration testing

Scripting and automation (Python, PowerShell, Bash)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

NIST cybersecurity frameworks

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Effective communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

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

5 years of experience in cybersecurity

Industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications

Tools

SIEM

EDR

NDR/NTA

Vulnerability management solutions

SOAR technologies

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.

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, and 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 elevate 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.

Salary & Benefits

Salary Range: $113,200—$141,500 USD

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.

• 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

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 talentacquisition@acadia‑pharm.com 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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