Medical Science Liaison (North Central)

About the role

At Acadia, we are committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes a difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities. 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 addressing other underserved patient needs.

Responsibilities

• Build and sustain strong relationships with national and regional medical and scientific thought leaders, patient advocacy groups, and centers of excellence aligned to Acadia’s Medical Affairs strategy
• Engage key opinion leaders in meaningful scientific exchange, research discussions, and education on current and emerging therapies
• Support clinical research activities, including trial site engagement and cultivation and facilitation of investigator-initiated research proposals
• Develop and maintain deep scientific, clinical, and therapeutic expertise across Acadia’s portfolio
• Collaborate cross-functionally, in compliance with all guidelines, with Regional Business Leaders and Account Business Managers to support aligned field execution
• Provide strategic field insights that inform Medical Affairs and broader organizational decision-making
• Identify disease state insights and compound attributes that contribute to product differentiation and scientific value
• Deliver high-quality scientific, clinical, and educational support to internal stakeholders and external healthcare partners
• Represent Acadia at medical meetings, congresses, educational programs, and support Commercial activities including speaker and sales training
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Advanced scientific degree (MD, PharmD, or PhD) in a relevant discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, with hands-on scientific or medical affairs responsibilities
• Prior Medical Science Liaison experience within a field-based medical affairs role
• Demonstrated scientific and clinical expertise, with experience in rare diseases, epilepsy, neurology, or psychiatry
• Strong working knowledge of regulatory, compliance, and clinical considerations impacting pharmaceutical and managed care environments
• Proven ability to communicate complex scientific and drug information to healthcare professionals and internal stakeholders
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Able to travel up to 75% of the time, with residence within the assigned territory

Qualifications

• Education/Experience/Skills

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

For Sr. Medical Science Liaison positions, 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

• Regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds
• Ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs

Benefits

• 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

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

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.