Director, Product Counsel (San Diego)
About Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes a difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities worldwide. 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. Position Summary We are seeking a Director, Product Counsel to serve as the primary legal advisor to assigned pharmaceutical brand(s), providing strategic and day‑to‑day legal support across the full product lifecycle. The director will be responsible for all promotional, medical, clinical, and access‑related activities impacting assigned product(s), serve as the legal representative on the Medical, Legal, and Regulatory (MLR) review committee, and partner closely with cross‑functional teams to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate legal and compliance risk. Location: This position can be based in Princeton, NJ, San Francisco, CA, or San Diego, CA. Acadia’s hybrid model requires the role to work in our office roughly three days per week on average. Primary Responsibilities Act as lead legal counsel for assigned pharmaceutical brand(s) across pre‑launch, launch, and post‑launch phases. Provide strategic legal guidance and work closely with leadership on brand strategy, messaging, and execution to support business objectives while managing legal risk. Serve as a core member of brand and cross‑functional teams, including Commercial, Medical Affairs, Market Access, R&D, Compliance, and Regulatory Affairs; provide timely legal review of all promotional and non‑promotional tactics and materials as the legal representative of the MLR committee. Advise on FDA labeling, clinical operations, marketing strategies, direct‑to‑consumer advertising campaigns, patient support programs, customer interactions, HCP engagements, sales training, social media, and commercial sponsorships. Counsel on federal and state healthcare laws and regulations, including the Anti‑Kickback Statute and False Claims Act. Proactively identify risks, opportunities, and mitigating actions, and collaborate across business functions to implement solutions. Assist with employment law matters and investigations as needed. Lead, engage, coach, and develop teams in the Legal department to foster high performance. Stay informed of new laws, regulations, and industry trends; assist with development of policies and training. Provide oversight to internal teams and external partners; may serve as a manager. Perform other duties as needed or assigned. Education/Experience/Skills Juris Doctorate from an ABA‑accredited law school; active member of the California or New Jersey State Bars (or qualified as Registered In‑house Counsel in either State). Five (5) or more years of relevant legal experience, with experience within the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry required and previous product counsel experience preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered. Key Skills: Deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and Acadia’s product(s) and business model. Strong problem‑solving skills, creativity, and a solutions‑oriented mindset. Ability to operate as a trusted business partner and gain trust at all levels of the organization. High level of integrity and protection of proprietary and confidential information. Strong written and verbal communication skills; effective collaboration with client groups, senior management, and executives. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously independently. Collaborative approach; embraces ideas of others to complete assignments effectively. Strong knowledge of FDA advertising and promotion regulations, healthcare compliance laws, and industry standards. R&D, clinical, and/or labeling experience preferred. Experience with AI governance is a plus. 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. This position is geographically based. Salary Range $218,900—$273,600 USD Benefits for 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) 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 come from a less traditional background or 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 applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local law. Additional Information for Applicants California applicants: Please see additional information for California residents within our privacy policy. Canadian applicants: Please see additional information for Canadian residents within our privacy policy. Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see additional information for individuals in these regions within our privacy policy. J-18808-Ljbffr
