Medical Science Liaison / Senior Medical Science Liaison, South West

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: Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, or Texas

Position Summary

Join Acadia's Medical Affairs team and play a critical role in advancing scientific and medical engagement across a designated therapeutic area. As a Medical Science Liaison (MSL), you will serve as a trusted scientific resource to healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders, patient advocacy organizations, and research investigators. Through strategic scientific exchange and partnership, you will help expand awareness of current and emerging therapies while providing valuable field insights that shape medical strategy. This is a field-based position requiring significant travel within the Southwest territory including Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Nevada, Texas, and Colorado. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Identifies and develops relationships with national and regional medical and scientific thought leaders, patient advocacy groups, and centers of excellence consistent with the strategy and objectives of Acadia’s Medical Affairs Development.
• Engages national and regional thought leaders to align interests, discuss research and medical information, and participate in scientific exchange and education about current and emerging therapies.
• Provides research trial site support and investigator-initiated research proposal cultivation and facilitation.
• Develops and maintains scientific, clinical and therapeutic expertise for Acadia’s portfolio.
• Cross-functionally collaborates, following all compliance guidelines, with regional field leadership partners including Regional Business Leaders (RBL) and Account  Business Managers (ABMs).
• Provides strategic field insights.
• Identifies disease concepts and compound characteristics that can be leveraged into product differentiation.
• Provide appropriate scientific, clinical, and educational support for internal and external clients.
• Represents the company at specific continuing educational events, programs, medical meetings and conventions.
• Supports Commercial operations by participating in Speaker and Sales Representative Training.
• Partners with the internal departments to ensure accurate delivery of medical and scientific information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Education/Experience/Skills

• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline or related field (MD, PharmD, or PhD)
• Minimum 5 years of experience within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
• Therapeutic area experience in rare diseases, epilepsy, neurology, or psychiatry
• Scientific, clinical, and therapeutic area expertise
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical industry regulations, compliance requirements, and clinical research practices
• Understanding of healthcare market dynamics and customer segments
• Demonstrated expertise in communicating complex scientific and medical information
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel up to 75% within the assigned territory
• Primary residence located within the assigned territory

 

Position levels:

• Medical Science Liaison: $139,600 - $174,500 requires an advanced degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) in a scientific discipline, 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the medical, clinical, and/or pharmaceutical field
• Sr. Medical Science Liaison: $176,000 - $220,000 requires an advanced degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) in a scientific discipline, 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the medical, clinical, and/or pharmaceutical field, including 3 years as an MS

 

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.

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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$143,400—$179,200 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 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.

California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy. 

Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy. 

Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia 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 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.