Description

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.

The Technology, AI & Automation Intern will support Acadia Europe by contributing hands-on technical expertise to identify, prototype, and deliver technology-enabled improvements across the European organization. This internship is planned for a duration of 2–4 months and is intended to provide targeted, project-based support outside of the standard intern program framework.

The role is designed to bring current external perspectives on AI and automation into Acadia Europe, while enabling the intern to gain structured exposure to the pharmaceutical business. The intern will contribute cross-functionally to understanding business processes and deliver tangible, value-adding outputs aligned with Acadia’s ways of working and compliance requirements.

The position is paid and based in Baar (ZG), Switzerland. We are only able to consider students enrolled at Swiss learning institutions with valid work/stay permits.

This internship provides hands-on exposure to applying AI and automation in a real-world pharmaceutical setting. The intern will gain insight into cross-functional operations, regulatory considerations, and decision-making processes, with the opportunity to focus more deeply on selected functions based on project scope. For Acadia, the role provides targeted technical capacity and fresh external perspectives to explore how technology can further optimize ways of working.

Learn more about our internship program here.

Primary Responsibilities:

Design, prototype, and test automation and AI-enabled solutions to improve efficiency, quality, or speed of work across functions. This may include workflow automation, reporting automation, data handling, or AI-assisted analysis.

Apply up-to-date knowledge of AI, automation, and emerging technologies to identify relevant and feasible use cases within a regulated pharmaceutical environment.

Work with multiple functions (e.g., Commercial, Medical Affairs, Market Access, Operations, HR, Finance, IT) to understand workflows, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

Identify, scope, and deliver small to mid-sized projects with clear business value. Develop proof-of-concepts, prototypes, solution designs, or implementation recommendations.

Communicate technical concepts, progress, and outcomes clearly to non-technical stakeholders. Present findings and recommendations in a structured manner.
Participates in team meetings, planning sessions, and strategic discussions to gain exposure to business operations and contribute insights where appropriate.
Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and alignment with company values in all interactions.

Completes a capstone project or final presentation summarizing internship contributions and key learnings.

Education/Experience/Skills:

Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with hands-on interest in AI, automation, and technology-enabled process optimization.

Prior internship, leadership experience, campus involvement, or project-based work preferred.

Ability to translate business problems into practical technical solutions.

Experience or familiarity with automation tools, scripting, data analysis, AI/ML concepts, or low-code/no-code platforms is an advantage.

Structured, analytical mindset with the ability to work independently.

Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across functions.

Fluency in English

Ability to travel (if needed)

Interest in the pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology industry strongly preferred.

Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

High level of professionalism, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment.

Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and willingness to learn in a fast-paced environment.

#LI-HYBRID

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 our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at talentacquisition@acadia-pharm.com or 858-261-2923.

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 Serbia within 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.

Technology, AI and Automation Intern, Europe

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