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Associate Director, Competitive Intelligence

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
$157,000—$196,900
vision insurance, parental leave, paid holidays, sick time, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, California, San Diego
12830 El Camino Real (Show on map)
Feb 04, 2026
About Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. 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. At Acadia, we're here to be their difference.

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

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Competitive Intelligence (CI) is a strategic role responsible for gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing competitive and market intelligence to support business decisions across therapeutic areas and product lifecycles. This individual will provide strategic insights and foresight to cross-functional stakeholders, including Commercial, R&D, Business Development, and Executive Leadership, enabling the company to maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic pharmaceutical landscape.

Primary Responsibilities



  • Develop and lead CI plans across key therapeutic areas, supporting early- to late-stage assets and marketed products. This includes leading CI initiatives to support internal product launches, lifecycle management, and portfolio optimization.
  • Continuously monitor, evaluate and synthesize competitive product and market developments (e.g., clinical trials, regulatory decisions, M&A activity, product launches, pricing/reimbursement, KOL sentiment, etc.).
  • Analyze and synthesize data to generate actionable CI insights; create high-quality CI deliverables such as landscape assessments, competitor profiles, SWOT analyses, and strategic implications.
  • Lead and/or manage third-party vendors to conduct primary intelligence (e.g., expert interviews, conference coverage) and synthesize secondary data sources (e.g., AlphaSense, EvaluatePharma, GlobalData, PubMed, other databases, news, publications).
  • Plan, execute, and report on intelligence gathering at major medical and scientific conferences.
  • Partner with market research, brand marketing and new product teams to help lead strategic planning sessions, including competitor simulations and war games to stress-test assumptions and inform strategic planning.
  • Partner with Commercial, Medical, Market Access, R&D, Regulatory, Business Development and Investor Relations teams to align CI efforts with strategic needs.
  • Present findings and strategic implications to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders in a clear, concise, and impactful manner.
  • Other responsibilities as assigned.


Education/Experience/Skills



  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences, pharmacy, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MBA, or MS) strongly preferred.
  • Targeting 8 years of experience in competitive intelligence, market research, strategic analysis, or related functions within a pharmaceutical or biotech environment.
  • In-depth knowledge of drug development, commercialization, and regulatory pathways required.
  • An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.


Key Skills:



  • Experience across multiple therapeutic areas is a plus
  • Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient in tools such as EvaluatePharma, Cortellis, Trialtrove, GlobalData, AlphaSense or similar databases.
  • Experience managing vendors and budgets.
  • High level of business acumen and executive presence.
  • Strategic thinker with a curious mindset and a proactive approach to problemsolving.
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and fast-paced environments.
  • Passion for continuous learning and keeping up with industry trends.
  • Ability to influence without authority and foster collaboration across teams.
  • Must be able and willing to travel on occasion.


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.

#LI-HYBRID #LI-BG1

In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.

Salary Range
$157,000 $196,900 USD

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 (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. 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.

It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.

As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia's career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete ourReasonable Accommodation Request Formor contact us attalentacquisition@acadia-pharm.comor858-261-2923.

Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.

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 the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbiawithin our Privacy Policy.

Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ("Acadia"). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.

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