Director, External Innovation

Acadia Pharmaceuticals is seeking a Director, External Innovation to lead strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives that accelerate our pipeline in neurological and rare disease treatment. This full-time position is based in the US and offers the opportunity to shape how we leverage external expertise, academic collaborations, and emerging science to deliver meaningful solutions for underserved patient populations.

About the Role

The Director of External Innovation will be responsible for developing and executing Acadia's external innovation strategy, identifying scientific breakthroughs and partnership opportunities that complement our internal capabilities. You'll work across the organization to evaluate emerging therapies, manage strategic relationships, and identify high-potential candidates for collaboration, acquisition, or licensing.

What You'll Do

• Build and nurture relationships with academic medical centers, biotech companies, and research institutions focused on neurological and rare disease innovation
• Evaluate external research programs and early-stage assets for strategic fit and commercial potential
• Lead due diligence activities on potential partnerships, acquisitions, and licensing opportunities
• Identify scientific trends and emerging technologies that align with Acadia's therapeutic focus areas
• Develop business cases and recommendations for external opportunities to senior leadership
• Collaborate with clinical, regulatory, and commercial teams to translate external innovations into viable programs

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience, with 5+ years in business development, licensing, partnerships, or external innovation
• Strong understanding of drug development, regulatory pathways, and commercialization
• Proven track record identifying, evaluating, and closing partnerships or acquisitions
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Strategic mindset with ability to balance near-term value and long-term pipeline potential
• Advanced degree (MBA, PharmD, MD, or PhD) preferred

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia Pharmaceuticals is committed to transforming scientific innovation into meaningful therapies for patients with underserved neurological and rare diseases. Our portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson's disease psychosis and Rett syndrome, with a robust pipeline of next-generation therapeutic candidates under development.

How to Apply

To apply, complete your application directly on this page, or you'll be redirected to the employer's application platform to finish submitting there.