Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Basingstoke; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A rare disease startup seeks an Interim Medical Affairs Lead in Basingstoke. This strategic role focuses on leading the medical and scientific governance for an innovative ophthalmology treatment. The position is fully remote, with responsibilities including shaping governance frameworks and scientific strategy ahead of a significant UK launch.

Qualifications

• Experience in the pharmaceutical industry and familiarity with rare diseases.
• Background in ophthalmology preferred.
• Ability to shape medical governance and drive scientific strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a rare disease therapy launch.
• Shape medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to prepare for the product launch.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

Governance

Scientific engagement

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Job description

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Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, Basingstoke

Client: wax.

Location: UK/Remote

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 3

Posted: 10.06.2025

Expiry Date: 25.07.2025

Job Description:

Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead (Final Signatory)

Focus: Rare Disease | Ophthalmology

An exciting opportunity for an experienced ABPI Final Signatory to lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for the UK launch of a first-in-class orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology.

This is a strategic interim role supporting early access, governance, and scientific engagement ahead of a landmark UK launch in 2026.

Key Points:

• ABPI Final Signatory certification (essential)
• Strong Medical Affairs leadership experience
• Rare disease or orphan drug exposure is a plus
• Compassionate Use or Named Patient Programme experience (nice to have)
• Ophthalmology background (nice to have)
• Fully remote with occasional travel

This is a startup situation, so you will be shaping the medical governance framework, driving scientific strategy, and partnering cross-functionally to ensure a successful pre-launch phase within a lean, agile setup.

Contract: Approximately 6–9 months, through to post-launch readiness.

If you are interested, please get in touch to arrange a confidential discussion.

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