Associate Director, SAS Programming

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.

. Serve as programming lead for an assigned compound, accountable for deliverables, timelines, and quality across studies.

Posted 11/6/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $162,600 - $203,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expert-level SAS Programming skills, including Base SAS, SAS/STAT, and SAS Macro, while ensuring compliance with CDISC standards and regulatory requirements. Capable of leading programming strategy and managing resources across multiple clinical studies in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Expert-Level SAS ProgrammingCDISC Standards KnowledgeClinical Trial Data ExpertiseLead Programmer ExperienceRegulatory Compliance Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

SAS ProgrammingBase SASSAS/STATSAS MacroODSSAS/GRAPHSQLSDTMADaMIntegrated Dataset Design

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsAbility to Balance Competing PrioritiesProblem-Solving Skills

Tools & Technologies

Pinnacle 21Generative AI Tools

Industry Keywords

Clinical DataDrug Development ProcessGCPICH21 CFR Part 11FDAEMAPMDACRO ManagementFSP Management

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Google Cloud PlatformSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as programming lead for an assigned compound, accountable for deliverables, timelines, and quality across studies.
Coordinate lead programmers assigned to the compound.
Set compound programming strategy, including standards implementation, integrated dataset design, and validation approach.
Develop and maintain resource plans and timelines; forecast demand, identify gaps, and recommend resourcing.
Provide programming input into statistical analysis plans, mock shells, CRF design, annotated CRFs, and data specifications.
Perform hands-on development and validation of SDTM, ADaM, and TLF programs for high-priority deliverables.
Review SDTM and ADaM specifications for consistency across studies.
Design and program integrated datasets for safety and efficacy summaries, pooled analyses, and cross-study comparisons.
Define and oversee validation approaches and acceptance of define.xml, cSDRG, ADRG, and conformance reports.
Deliver ad hoc analyses for senior leadership, regulatory interactions, and health authority requests.
Ensure clinical study reports, submissions, and health authority responses are submission-ready and compliant with applicable requirements.
Serve as compound subject matter expert during audits and inspections.
Drive use of global macro libraries and departmental standards.
Qualify and manage CRO and FSP programming partners.
Direct FSP, contractor, and CRO resources.
Collaborate with SAS Programming, Biometrics, and R&D teams.
Communicate status, risks, issues, and decisions, escalating early when needed.
Provide technical guidance and contribute to standards, SOPs, and training.
Serve as an escalation point for complex programming problems.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in statistics, biostatistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Targeting 8 years of progressively responsible experience in statistical programming with clinical data, preferably in a pharmaceutical or biotech environment.
Lead programmer experience on more than one study or program and oversight of CRO or FSP deliverables.
Expert-level SAS programming, including Base SAS, SAS/STAT, SAS Macro, ODS, SAS/GRAPH, and SQL.
In-depth knowledge of CDISC standards, including SDTM, ADaM, controlled terminology, define.xml, and reviewer guides.
Detailed knowledge of clinical trial data, the drug development process, and regulatory requirements, including GCP, ICH, 21 CFR Part 11, and FDA, EMA, and PMDA electronic submission requirements.
Experience constructing integrated datasets across multiple clinical trials.
Experience with Pinnacle 21 or equivalent conformance tooling.
Ability to set programming strategy across multiple studies, plan resources, and guide lead programmers.
Practical use of generative AI tools in a regulated environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to balance competing priorities and deadlines.
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

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