Director, External Innovation

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.

Please note that this position can be based in Princeton, NJ or San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.

Position Summary:

The Director, External Innovation will lead the scientific assessment and evaluation of new asset and partnership opportunities aligned with the company’s corporate strategy and R D portfolio across Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Neuro-rare, and Non-neuro Rare Disease areas. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of identifying promising science and helping determine which opportunities have the potential to strengthen the pipeline and create meaningful impact for patients.

This role plays a key part in identifying, evaluating, and advancing global in-licensing, acquisition, and partnership opportunities. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional leaders to support diligence, inform strategic decision-making, and contribute to transaction execution, while building trusted relationships across the biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic communities.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead search and evaluation activities within the External Innovation organization, identifying and assessing potential new assets, technologies, and partnership opportunities

Generate and prioritize opportunities through proactive external biotech, pharma, and academic landscape monitoring and through industry engagement

Evaluate scientific and clinical data to assess the value and strategic fit of in‑licensing and acquisition opportunities

Lead or co‑lead cross‑functional due diligence efforts, partnering with R D, CMC, Commercial, Legal, and Finance organizations to assess opportunities

Prepare and present opportunity assessments, recommendations, and strategic insights to senior leadership, accountable for deliverables including integrated development plans, budgets, and risk assessments to inform decision making

Contribute to development of deal structures, term sheets, and internal business cases to support transaction decisions

Partner with Finance and cross‑functional teams to assess potential return on investment and key value drivers

Support or lead elements of transaction processes, including formation and coordination of due diligence teams, acting as scientific interface with target company leadership, , and ensuring internal alignment

Build and maintain relationships with biotech companies, academic institutions, and key scientific leaders to support sourcing efforts

Stay current on scientific and industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies relevant to the company’s focus areas

Serve as a key contributor to knowledge management related to external opportunities and prior transactions

Perform other duties as assigned

Education/Experience/Skills

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline required; advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or Master’s) preferred

10–12+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, including experience in external innovation, business development, or related roles

Project Management Skills

Experience in neuroscience and/or rare disease (neurologic/psychiatric and/or non‑neuro rare disease) strongly preferred

Strong scientific expertise with the ability to evaluate complex clinical and preclinical data

Experience in external search, opportunity evaluation, and business development processes

Understanding of drug development, commercialization considerations, and industry dynamics

Cross-functional drug development project leadership and/or project management experience is a plus

Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders

Strong cross‑functional collaboration and influencing skills in a matrixed environment

Effective communication and presentation skills, including interaction with senior leadership

Working knowledge of transaction processes, due diligence, and partnership structures

Familiarity with intellectual property considerations in pharmaceutical development

Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment

Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required

Physical Requirements:

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for hand…