Vice President, Commercial Strategy

Who We Are: MapLight Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotech company that focuses on drug discovery for central nervous system disorders. We combine cutting-edge technologies including optogenetics, in vivo physiology, and spatial transcriptomics to identify novel drug targets and develop effective therapies to address psychiatric symptoms.

What You’ll Do: The VP of Commercial Strategy will be responsible for crafting and executing the commercial strategy for a broad portfolio of late-stage and early-stage assets in development.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic leader with deep expertise in commercialization, particularly in psychiatry or neurology, to lead the planning and execution of commercial readiness activities for our lead asset. This role requires work closely with clinical development, medical affairs, regulatory, and executive teams to ensure strategic alignment and operational execution.

Responsibilities:

• Lead commercial strategy and launch planning for MapLight’s lead program by developing a fully integrated plan across multiple indications.
• Work closely with the executive team to define go-to-market strategy and long-term commercial infrastructure planning.
• Develop and refine brand strategy including positioning, messaging and promotional plans in coordination with key stakeholders.
• Develop robust market access strategies, including pricing, reimbursement, and health economics outcomes research (HEOR) plans.
• Drive launch readiness planning in collaboration with other functions (e.g., clinical, medical affairs, regulatory, and CMC).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key external stakeholders, including KOLs, patient advocacy groups, and industry associations.
• Continuously monitor market trends and competitive developments to translate into actionable commercial strategies.
• Lead commercial input into lifecycle management and pipeline development strategies.
• Manage commercial budgets and resource planning.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing commercial strategy team.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of progressive experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry with a strong background in developing product launch strategies.
• Experience leading commercial planning prior to product approval, particularly within psychiatry and neurology areas.
• Deep understanding of the pharmaceutical development and commercialization process, market access dynamics, pricing strategies, and regulatory environment.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with market forecasting, financial modeling, and competitive intelligence.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex strategies and insights clearly and persuasively.
• Strong leadership presence, strategic mindset, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• MBA or advanced degree (Ph.D., Pharm.D., M.D. or equivalent) preferred.

Location: This is a hybrid position with three days on site at our offices in either Redwood City, CA or Burlington, MA.

MapLight is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

EEOC Statement: MapLight Therapeutics is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.