Head of Clinical Operations – Ferring Ventures at Acadia Pharmaceuticals

West Drayton, England, United Kingdom

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Biotechnology, PharmaceuticalsIndustries

Requirements

Medical Doctor
Documented research capabilities, e.g. PhD with international publications and presentations or equivalent
Strong background in early-phase clinical development (Phase I–II) and familiarity with translational strategy, dose-finding methodologies, early proof-of-concept design and decision frameworks
10+ years’ experience from international pharma drug development, preferably including the US
Ability to work and influence across functions at multiple levels
Ability to develop and manage multi-facetted budgets
Quality mindset to ensure adherence to Rules & Regulations (GCP, FDA, EMEA)
High level of strategic and analytical competence
Fluency in English and an effective verbal/written Communicator
Innovation mindset, curiosity and forward-thinking approach to problem-solving
Capable of navigating a complex organization, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
Able to build relationships, to negotiate & influence

Responsibilities

Co-shape, design and implement the FV strategy alongside the Managing Director
Provide scientific and clinical support to Scientific Directors across early- and mid-stage programmes
Ensure clinical studies are designed and executed with excellence
Influence strategic decisions in FV’s governance bodies
Recommend, design, execute clinical development activities, adhering to agreed timelines, budget and quality standards. Support clinical development for all relevant phases (mostly I and II), ensuring robust early-phase strategy, clear go/no-go criteria, and data-driven decision-making
Together with the project teams, ensure efficient selection and management of external vendors (Agency Workers (TCS), CROs, contract labs, etc.). This includes: establishing expectations, KPIs and quality/performance metrics; ensuring adequate oversight and escalation pathways; driving vendor accountability for delivery, cost discipline and compliance
In collaboration with other team members ensure proper progress of development and due diligence activities. This includes scientific and clinical evaluation of external opportunities, contribution to partnership models and support to outbound activities such as preparing assets for spin-out, partnering or strategic sale
Accountable for clinical contents and clinical input in regulatory interactions, including trial design alignment and ensuring dossiers are supported by rigorously generated clinical data
Lead Protocol Review Meetings (PRC) to ensure scientific and operational quality for all relevant phases

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Clinical OperationsClinical DevelopmentPhase IPhase IIClinical StrategyScientific LeadershipStudy DesignStudy ExecutionPortfolio ManagementBiotech InvestmentsGCPRegulatory Compliance

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the employment type for this role?

This is a full-time position.

Is this role remote or does it require office presence?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the key responsibilities of the Head of Clinical Operations?

The role involves recommending, designing, and executing clinical development activities for phases I and II, managing external vendors like CROs, ensuring regulatory interactions, and leading Protocol Review Meetings.

What is the team structure like for this position?

The Head of Clinical Operations is part of a small, highly entrepreneurial leadership team reporting directly to the Managing Director.

What kind of experience makes a strong candidate for this role?

Strong candidates will have expertise in clinical strategy, scientific leadership, operational oversight for early-phase clinical studies (Phases I and II), vendor management, and regulatory interactions, with the ability to thrive in a small entrepreneurial team.

Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Develops therapies for neurological disorders

About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia Pharmaceuticals develops therapies for neurological disorders, focusing on conditions like Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and Rett syndrome. The company conducts extensive research and clinical trials to create drugs that are safe and effective, seeking approval from regulatory bodies like the FDA before bringing them to market. Acadia differentiates itself by targeting areas with significant unmet medical needs, ensuring that their products address critical health challenges. Their goal is to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from these disorders while also promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their operations.

Dallas, TexasHeadquarters

1993Year Founded

$813.4MTotal Funding

ACQUISITIONCompany Stage

Biotechnology, HealthcareIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Risks

Increased competition in CNS drug market may impact Acadia's market share.

Potential clinical trial delays could affect drug approval timelines.

Dependence on partnerships poses risks if collaborations face challenges or dissolve.

Differentiation

Acadia focuses on CNS disorders with unmet medical needs, like Parkinson's and Rett syndrome.

The company has a strong R&D foundation, developing innovative small molecule drugs.

Acadia's strategic partnerships enhance its research capabilities and market reach.

Upsides

Acadia's collaboration with Saniona expands its portfolio with SAN711 for neurological disorders.

Health Canada's approval of Daybue boosts Acadia's presence in the Canadian market.

The rise of personalized medicine aligns with Acadia's targeted therapy approach.

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