Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A rare disease startup in Edinburgh is seeking an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to manage the pre-launch strategy of an orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology. This crucial role requires strong medical governance skills and ABPI Final Signatory certification to facilitate successful market entry in the UK.

Qualifications

• ABPI Final Signatory certification is essential.
• Strong Medical Affairs leadership experience required.
• Experience in Rare diseases or orphan drugs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for the UK launch.
• Shape the medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Support early access and governance for a first-in-class therapy.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership experience

Experience with Rare diseases

Ophthalmology background

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, Edinburgh

Client: wax.

Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom

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.

#MedicalAffairs #InterimRole #ABPIFinalSignatory #RareDiseases #OrphanDrugs #Ophthalmology #EarlyAccess #HealthcareLeadership #MedicalStrategy #PharmaceuticalIndustry #LifeSciencesJobs #MedicalDirector #ContractRoles #BiotechJobs #LaunchExcellence #HTA #NICE #ClinicalDevelopment #PatientAccess #Compassionate Use