Director, External Innovation

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:

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


• 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 handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. 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 schedule or business needs.

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