Jobs and Careers

Senior Medical Science Liaison, Rare Disease - West

Washington, United StatesRemotefull_timeVerifiedPosted 4 Aug 2026

💰 $226,600/yr($181,300/yr – $226,600/yr)

About the role

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.

Location: Field-based position covering the West region, including Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Candidates may reside anywhere within the assigned territory

Position Summary

The Senior Medical Science Liaison (MSL), Rare Disease - West serves as a key scientific resource within Medical Affairs, building trusted relationships with healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders (KOLs), researchers, and advocacy organizations. This field-based role is responsible for facilitating scientific exchange, advancing medical education, and providing strategic insights that support Acadia's rare disease portfolio. The Senior MSL partners cross-functionally to deliver accurate, balanced scientific information while helping advance patient-focused research and therapeutic innovation. This field-based role is responsible for the West region, with coverage spanning Northern California, Oregon, and Washington, including major academic and community healthcare centers throughout the territory. Candidates may reside anywhere within the assigned region and must be able to travel up to 75%.

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 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

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.

In addition to a competitiv