Please note that this position is based in San Diego, CA and Acadia’s hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.

Responsible for oversight of the outsourced analytical development activities associated with the development, validation, technology transfer, and line extension of drug product. Support pre-formulation and drug product characterization activities. Manages multiple contract service providers (CSPs) to deliver comprehensive, consistent, and compliant analytical development results related to drug product development in reports and certificates of analysis.

Primary Responsibilities

Develops and validates analytical methods for small molecules in various dosage forms:
Participates with others to plan analytical development and testing requirements.
Collaborates with testing labs to develop analytical methods.
Drafts and/or reviews method validation protocols and reports.
Drafts and/or approves analytical methods.
Provides information for chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) section of regulatory documentation.
Provides oversight of testing at contract service providers (CSPs):
Reviews testing sections of process development protocols and reports.
Define testing requirements.
Observes, as needed, testing at CSPs.
Assist site(s) in assessing technical abilities and for formal planning activities.
Liaises with formulations, manufacturing, quality and regulatory counterparts to develop plans and protocols for drug product development
Performs laboratory investigations:
Investigates and/or reviews CSP out-of-specification/out-of-trend (OOS/OOT) for scientific soundness and completeness.
Assesses performance of CSP laboratory for accuracy and technical expertise.
Other Duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

M.S. in Chemistry or related field. Ph.D. preferred.
Targeting 8 years’ experience in progressively responsible roles with a focus on analytical development techniques for finished drug products with 5 years’ in a leadership role required.
Experience authoring technical reports and CMC sections for regulatory filings.
Related experience should include hands-on experience in at least one of the following analytical chemistry techniques: chromatography, dissolution and/or spectroscopic techniques. Experience with oversight management of CSP analytical laboratory preferred.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and applicable job experience may be considered.

Key Skills:

Strong understanding of GMP working environments and regulatory guidance and regulations (e.g. ICH guidance’s, 21 CFR Part 211, 21 CFR Part 11).
Working knowledge of United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and European Pharmacopeia (EP).
Demonstrated problem solving abilities.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage change in a dynamic environment.
Strong understanding of analytical methods required for testing drug products and intermediates developed for small molecules and peptides
Knowledge in testing related to sterile/aseptic drug products and nasal delivered drug products.
Skilled at negotiating with business partners or management and influencing senior level leaders regarding matters of significance to the department or segments of the organization.
Adept at creating and communicating a clear vision among team members effectively aligning resources to achieve functional area goals.
Ability to travel up to 20% of the time both domestically and internationally

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, see, talk or hear in a standard office environment. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Ability to travel by car or airplane independently up to 20% of the time and work after hours if required by travel schedule or business needs.

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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

$114,000—$180,000 USD

What we offer you (US-Based Employees):

Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
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
14 paid holidays plus one floating holiday of your choice, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
10 days of paid sick time
Paid parental leave
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 single 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 would strongly encourage you to apply – especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly as we describe it 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 [email protected] or 858-261-2923.

Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodation given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.

Notice for California Applicants: Please see our California Applicant Privacy Notice within our Privacy Policy.

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 absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with the 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.

Compensation Overview