Senior Medical Science Liaison, Rare Disease

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Senior Medical Science Liaison supporting Acadia Pharmaceuticals’ rare disease portfolio across Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Building scientific relationships, enabling research, and delivering medical education across the West region.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeRemote • California, Oregon, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $181,300 - $226,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates advanced expertise in scientific, clinical, and therapeutic areas relevant to Acadia’s portfolio, with a strong focus on building relationships within the healthcare community and providing strategic insights. Proficient in facilitating medical education and supporting clinical research initiatives while ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Advanced Degree (MD, PharmD, or PhD)Medical Science Liaison ExperiencePharmaceutical Industry Regulations KnowledgeExperience in Neurology or Psychiatry Therapeutic AreasProficiency with Microsoft Office Applications

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Clinical Research PracticesScientific ExpertiseTherapeutic Area KnowledgeResearch Trial Site SupportInvestigator-Initiated Research Proposals

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingCollaborationStrategic Insight

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical IndustryBiotechnology IndustryRare DiseasesEpilepsyTravel Requirements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build trusted relationships with healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders, researchers, advocacy organizations, and centers of excellence
Facilitate scientific exchange and medical education about current and emerging therapies
Provide research trial site support and facilitate investigator-initiated research proposals
Develop and maintain scientific, clinical, and therapeutic expertise for Acadia’s portfolio
Collaborate cross-functionally with Regional Business Leaders and Account Business Managers
Provide strategic field insights
Identify disease concepts and compound characteristics for product differentiation
Provide scientific, clinical, and educational support for internal and external clients
Represent Acadia at continuing educational events, medical meetings, and conventions
Support Commercial operations through Speaker and Sales Representative Training
Partner with internal departments to ensure accurate medical and scientific information delivery
Travel throughout the West region, covering Northern California, Oregon, and Washington, up to 75%

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree required (MD, PharmD, or PhD) in a scientific discipline or related field
Minimum 5 years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience
Experience supporting rare diseases, epilepsy, neurology, or psychiatry therapeutic areas strongly preferred
Previous Medical Science Liaison experience preferred
Knowledge of pharmaceutical industry regulations, compliance requirements, and clinical research practices
Ability to travel up to 75%, including overnight travel, with residence located within the assigned territory
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to travel independently overnight and work after hours as required by travel schedules or business needs
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Discretionary bonus and equity awards