Director Translational Science Operations

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

Position Summary

The Director will lead Translational Sciences operations to support nonclinical, toxicology, and pharmacology/pharmacometrics clinical functions.  The role will own and manage systems to facilitate clinical and nonclinical activities within the Translational Science department including internal and external vendor and contract management, oversight and due diligence of agreements, management and oversight of budgets and timelines. Interfacing with internal and external stakeholders is central to the role to ensure smooth and timely operational execution across Acadia programs.

Primary Responsibilities

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  Oversees the operational management of Translational Science project activities, partnering with functional representatives to ensure delivery to plan and budget and in accordance to Program Team plans/commitments

  
  


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  Provides Translational Science team cross-functional project support to ensure seamless progress of activities across programs and with adjacent functions (CMC, Clinical Development)

  
  


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  Identifies and manages vendors and consultants needed to complete Translational Science studies, including associated contracts and budgets. Key partner for Finance, Legal, Vendor Management and Project Management Functions

  
  


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  Provides guidance to team members to objectively assess and resolve operational project issues to improve project effectiveness

  
  


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  Owner of operational Translational Science group meetings to ensure budgetary compliance across programs and co-ordination with CMC to ensure compound supply is met for seamless program progression

  
  


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  Partners with Head of Translational Sciences to maximize group efficiency and coordination, anticipating potential hurdles and developing mitigation strategies

  
  


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  Other responsibilities as assigned

  
  

Education/Experience/Skills

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field.  Targeting 10 years of progressively responsible experience in project operations and/or project management, preferably supporting early‑stage drug development. Experience managing team resources, budgets, and external vendors or consultants., preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment.  An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Key Skills:

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  Experience managing cross-functional project activities and deliverables across complex programs

  
  


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  Strong understanding of the drug development process, including pharmaceutical project management principles and GxP regulations (GLP, GCP, and related guidelines)

  
  


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  Deep experience managing operational aspects of early-stage drug development, including academic and CRO-based contracts, timelines, and execution

  
  


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  Demonstrated operational management of Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology activities

  
  


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  Proven experience overseeing vendors and consultants, including performance and deliverables management

  
  


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  Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

  
  


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  Demonstrated experience in budget and resource planning, tracking, and management

  
  


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  Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively with business partners and leadership

  
  


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  Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, and reporting/tracking tools; ability to lead management of Translational Sciences systems and represent the function across tools

  
  


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  Self-motivated team player who thrives in dynamic environments, with willingness to travel domestically and internationally

  
  

   

  
  

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.

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