Senior Medical Director, Italy

ph3Role Overview /h3pThe (Senior) Medical Director, Italy will serve as the foundational medical leader for Rett syndrome in Italy, responsible for designing and executing the full pre-launch and launch medical strategy for a first commercial product, in close collaboration with the country medical staff and aligned with Regional medical and country launch readiness plan strategy. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on execution, requiring comfort operating with limited infrastructure, evolving processes, and high ambiguity. The position will also act as medical interface to Italian healthcare professionals (HCPs), key opinion leaders (KOLs), and patient advocacy groups (PAGs), while increasing the company’s medical presence and credibility. /ph3Key Responsibilities /h3h3Medical Strategy Startup Leadership /h3ulliDevelop and own the Italian medical strategy for Rett syndrome from pre-launch through launch and post‑launch, including budget responsibilities. /liliAlign European scientific vision and strategy into practical, locally relevant medical plans aligned with Italian clinical practice and patient pathways. /liliAct as the single‑country medical authority for Rett syndrome, representing the company externally and internally, together with the country medical affairs cross functional team /li /ulh3Pre-Launch Launch Execution /h3ulliDesign and coordinate/execute disease‑education and unmet‑need medical initiatives ahead of national product approval aligned with launch readiness plan /liliLead medical launch readiness, including scientific narratives, medical materials, and internal training, aligned with cross functional launch readiness plan in collaboration EU Regional medical team and local cross functional team /liliPartner closely with Commercial, Market Access, Compliance, and Regulatory colleagues to ensure a cohesive, compliant launch. /li /ulh3HCP KOL Engagement /h3ulliFurther develop Italy-wide KOL networks and expert centers, and multidisciplinary Rett syndrome care teams aligned with cross functional engagement plan /liliTogether with country medical colleagues, lead high‑impact scientific exchanges, at medical conferences, advisory boards, and expert meetings, often acting as the primary scientific presenter. /liliSupport congress planning, abstracts, and publications relevant to Rett syndrome. /li /ulh3Patient Advocacy Group (PAG) Engagement /h3ulliSupport and increase established trusted, long‑term partnerships with Italian Rett syndrome patient and caregiver organizations together with country medical staff. /liliIntegrate the patient and caregiver perspective into medical strategy, education, and evidence generation. /liliCollaborate ethically with PAGs on disease awareness, diagnostic journeys, and unmet needs, in line with Italian and EU compliance standards. /li /ulh3Evidence Generation Medical Infrastructure /h3ulliContribute to the design and execution of real‑world evidence, registries, and post‑marketing studies in Italy, including Investigator Initiated Studies (IISs), as applicable /liliSupport and drive national publication strategies and scientific communication activities. /liliHelp establish medical governance, SOPs, and compliant ways of working in Italy, appropriate for a growing biotech organization. /li /ulh3Cross-Functional External Leadership /h3ulliAct as a key medical strategic partner to the General Manager, cross functional team, and senior leadership on scientific, clinical, and medical patient‑centric decisions related to Italy. /liliSupport build‑out of the Italian medical function, including future hiring, vendor selection, and process development, as needed. /liliBe an active member of local leadership team as well as European Medical Team /li /ulh3Qualifications Experience /h3h3Education /h3ulliMD, (PharmD, PhD) or equivalent advanced degree in life sciences. /liliBackground in neurology, paediatric neurology, neurodevelopmental disorders, or rare diseases strongly preferred. /li /ulh3Experience /h3ulli10+ years in Medical Affairs, Patient Advocacy, or related roles within biotech or (smaller) pharmaceutical companies. /liliExperience in pre‑launch and launch medical activities, ideally in a first‑in‑class or early‑stage product environment, is a strong plus. /liliStrong experience in rare diseases and/or neurodevelopmental disorders. /liliDemonstrated ability to work independently, entrepreneurially, and cross‑functionally in a lean organization. /liliDeep understanding of the Italian healthcare system, reference centers, and national rare disease networks. /li /ulh3Skills Attributes /h3ulliHighly hands‑on, adaptable, and comfortable with ambiguity. /liliCross‑functional understanding and collaboration /liliStrong scientific credibility and ability to influence without authority. /liliExcellent communication skills in Italian and English. /liliHigh ethical standards and strong understanding of medical compliance in Italy and the EU. /li /ulh3What we offer US-based Employees: /h3ulliCompetitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages /liliMedical, dental, and vision insurance /liliEmployer‑paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage /lili401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5% /liliEmployee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock‑in /lili15+ vacation days /lili13-15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st /lili10 days of paid sick time /liliPaid parental leave benefit /liliTuition assistance /li /ulpbEEO Statement (US-based Employees): /b 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. /ppIt 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. /ppAs an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. 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