Medical Science Liaison / Senior Medical Science Liaison, North Central

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: Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, or Wisconsin

Position Summary

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) serves as a key scientific resource supporting Acadia's Medical Affairs initiatives within an assigned therapeutic area. This field-based role builds and maintains strategic relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare professionals (HCPs), investigators, and other stakeholders to facilitate scientific exchange and advance disease-state and product-related education. The MSL delivers accurate, balanced, and timely medical information while bringing valuable field insights to support organizational objectives.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain scientific relationships with national and regional KOLs, HCPs, patient advocacy organizations, and centers of excellence
• Lead scientific exchange activities to communicate data, address medical inquiries, and support awareness of current and emerging therapies
• Support Phase 2, Phase 3b, and Phase 4 clinical research activities, including investigator engagement and research proposal facilitation
• Maintain deep scientific, clinical, and therapeutic expertise across Acadia's portfolio and relevant disease states
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Medical Affairs, HEOR, Market Access, Commercial, and other internal partners in accordance with compliance requirements
• Gather and communicate field insights, emerging scientific trends, and unmet patient and provider needs
• Identify opportunities to differentiate products through clinical and scientific insights
• Provide scientific and educational support to internal and external stakeholders
• Represent Acadia at medical congresses, educational programs, scientific meetings, and industry events
• Support internal training initiatives, including speaker development and field team education
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Experience/Skills

• PharmD, PhD, MD/DO, or DNP in a related field required
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry
• Psychiatry or neurology experience strongly preferred
• Scientific, clinical, and therapeutic area expertise
• Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, commercial, and clinical considerations within the pharmaceutical industry
• Experience preparing and reviewing Medical Affairs materials, including promotional material review
• Expertise in scientific and drug information communication
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel up to 75%, with residence within the territory or near a major airport

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.

#LI-Remote

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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.