Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

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

Job summary

A rare disease startup in Colchester seeks an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead (ABPI Final Signatory). You will guide the UK launch of an innovative therapy in ophthalmology, ensuring medical governance and scientific engagements are strategically aligned as the company prepares for market entry. This interim role offers remote working flexibility and a unique opportunity to shape a critical function in a dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Medical Affairs, especially in pharmaceutical launches.
• Exposure to rare diseases or orphan drugs preferred.
• Ophthalmology knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a rare disease therapy launch.
• Shape medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Ensure successful pre-launch phase in a startup environment.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

Strategic oversight

Scientific engagement

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Job description

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Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, Colchester

Client: wax.

Location: Colchester, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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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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