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.
Position Summary
The Sr. Medical Director, Germany will lead the development and execution of the local medical affairs strategy together with the field Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) and in line with the European Medical Affairs strategy and the local country strategy for RETT syndrome including the integrated medical plans with full medical budget ownership and responsibility. Responsibilities will include building and maintaining external stakeholder relationships and collaborations, as well as continuing to position Acadia as a thought leader and valued partner with patient advocacy groups (PAG) and medical/scientific RETT community in Germany. This individual will be responsible for the effectiveness and compliance of scientific exchange conducted to meet the needs of clinicians, patient advocates, and other key external and internal stakeholders.
Primary Responsibilities
- Provide scientific and medical leadership, including development of strategic country medical affairs (post-launch) plans, identifying specific unmet medical needs, and data gaps.
- Leading the local medical affairs team.
- Ensure strong medical/scientific leadership in coordination and participation in country MRC/MLR procedures.
- Establish appropriate strategic partnerships with Centers of Excellence, KOLs, and PAGs, in areas of scientific interest.
- Ensure aligned and close cross-functional collaboration, with country GM, Market Access, other relevant country and international staff to optimally manage relationships and ensure alignment and effective execution of the German medical strategy.
- Coordinate and ensure operational medical excellence, in collaboration with EU medical teams and aligned with country strategy, to capture and track key medical tactics and medical (post-launch) activities in Germany.
- Provide medical expertise and editorial support in data dissemination at conferences and in medical journals, as appropriate.
- Involvement with key HCPs in the exchange of scientific and medical information including Advisory Boards and presentations at national meetings and conferences.
- Develop and maintain, together with MSLs, close professional relationships with KOLs and emerging scientific leaders in the community.
- Oversee gathering and reporting field medical insights through existing Veeva CRM system and in line with company rules and requirements.
- Oversee and communicate to cross-functional stakeholders the insights the MSL team gains about competitive landscape, unmet needs of physicians and advocacy groups. Develops potential actionable plans to address these local insights.
- Manages publication activities, including review and approval of abstracts and manuscripts, local publication strategy and real-world evidence development and compliant collaboration with authors, as needed.
Education/Experience/Skills
- MD highly preferred; PhD, PharmD, or an equivalent qualification may also be considered.
- 15+ years of Medical Affairs leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in Germany or the DACH region; broader regional experience is advantageous.
- Prior team-management experience is required.
- Substantial rare-disease—preferably neurological—experience in Germany and/or the DACH region.
- Extensive knowledge of the German healthcare system and applicable national rules and regulations.
- Significant experience coordinating and participating in national MLR/MRC procedures.
- Experience engaging with rare-disease patient advocacy groups is highly preferred.
Key Skills
- Extensive knowledge to critically appraise studies and clinical evidence to allow engagement on higher scientific level with HCPs.
- In depth understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements, including extensive personal experience and expertise with MRC/MLR procedures, for pharmaceutical Medical Affairs, R&D and Commercial activities in Germany.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, and experience in the delivery of scientific presentations.
- Agile, independent and proactive working style.
- Personal sense of purpose, confidence, and stand fest in challenging situations.
- Ability to build strong cross-functional and cross-company relationships.
- Ability to collaborate and share information to contribute to the planning process and execute the agreed local Medical (pre)launch plan, together with MSL team, and in line with Regional Medical Affairs strategy.
- Fluency in German at native or near-native level and strong English proficiency are required, with the ability to communicate complex details clearly.
- Ability to travel both locally and internationally is required.
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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 [email protected] 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.
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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.