Medical Science Liaison Rare Disease - Southern California

Position Summary

As a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Acadia Pharmaceuticals, you will be a vital scientific ambassador, connecting cutting-edge research with healthcare professionals to drive better patient outcomes. Focused within the neuroscience therapeutic area, you will cultivate influential relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs), healthcare providers, and research centers, serving as a trusted resource for clinical and scientific expertise.

In this field-based role, you will facilitate meaningful scientific exchange, support clinical research initiatives, and deliver critical insights that help shape the strategic direction of Acadia’s medical and development programs. Your work will ensure timely access to the latest scientific data and innovations, supporting the advancement of novel therapies that transform patients' lives.

If you are passionate about science, communication, and making a real-world impact, Acadia offers the environment, resources, and vision to help you thrive.

The ideal candidate should be located in Southern California. 

Primary Responsibilities

• Identifies and develops relationships with national and regional medical and scientific thought leaders, patient advocacy groups, and centers of excellence consistent with the strategy and objectives of Acadia’s Medical Affairs Development

• Engages national and regional thought leaders to align interests, discuss research and medical information, and participate in scientific exchange and education about current and emerging therapies

• Provides research trial site support and investigator-initiated research proposal cultivation and facilitation

• Develops and maintains scientific, clinical and therapeutic expertise for Acadia’s portfolio

• Cross-functionally collaborates, following all compliance guidelines, with regional field leadership partners including Regional Business Leaders (RBL) and Account  Business Managers (ABMs)

• Provides strategic field insights

• Identifies disease concepts and compound characteristics that can be leveraged into product differentiation

• Provide appropriate scientific, clinical, and educational support for internal and external clients

• Represents the company at specific continuing educational events, programs, medical meetings and conventions

• Supports Commercial operations by participating in Speaker and Sales Representative Training

• Partners with the internal departments to ensure accurate delivery of medical and scientific information

• Performs other duties as assigned

Education/Experience/Skills

Advanced degree (MD, PharmD, PhD) in a scientific discipline or related field.  Targeting 5 years of progressively responsible experience within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry.  Focus on rare diseases, epilepsy, neurology or psychiatry is strongly preferred.  Previous MSL experience desired.  An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Key Skills:

• Scientific, clinical and therapeutic area expertise

• Knowledge of regulatory, compliance, commercial, and clinical issues affecting the pharmaceutical and managed care industries

• Knowledge of customer segments and market dynamics

• Excellent planning and organizational skills

• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation and facilitation formats

• Demonstrated expertise in drug information communication

• Skilled at negotiating with business partners or management and influencing leaders

• Highly skilled and proficient with all MS Suites programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Ability to travel up to 75% of time, with primary residence within the territory area

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.

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