Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Belfast; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to guide the UK launch of a pioneering orphan drug in ophthalmology. This strategic role for an experienced ABPI Final Signatory will encompass building medical governance, driving scientific engagement, and ensuring successful launch readiness within a dynamic startup setting. The role includes remote work with some travel, aiming for approximately 6-9 months contract period.

Qualifications

• Experience as an ABPI Final Signatory is essential.
• Strong leadership in Medical Affairs is crucial.
• Experience with orphan drugs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Shape the medical governance framework for the UK launch.
• Drive scientific strategy and partner cross-functionally.
• Support early access and governance in a startup environment.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

ABPI Final Signatory

Ophthalmology

Rare disease knowledge

Job description

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Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, Belfast

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Client:

Wax.

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)

Location: UK/Remote

Start: June/July 2025

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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