Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

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

Job summary

A leading company in the rare disease sector seeks an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to guide their UK launch of an innovative therapy. This role requires strong leadership and ABPI Final Signatory certification, focusing on shaping medical governance and strategy in a start-up environment. Ideal for individuals with experience in ophthalmology and compassionate use programs, this position offers fully remote working options with some travel required.

Qualifications

• Experienced ABPI Final Signatory.
• Strong leadership in Medical Affairs.
• Exposure to rare diseases or orphan drugs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Medical & Scientific Affairs function for UK launch.
• Shape the medical governance framework and scientific strategy.
• Drive pre-launch activities and partner cross-functionally.

Skills

Medical Affairs Leadership

Strategic Planning

Ophthalmology Expertise

ABPI Final Signatory Certification

Job description

Interim Medical Lead - Rare Disease Startup, Cambridge

Client: wax.

Location: UK/Remote

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Details

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 start-up 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.

Hashtags:

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