Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Crawley; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare startup is seeking an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead for the UK launch of a rare ophthalmology therapy. This strategic role requires significant leadership experience and ABPI Final Signatory certification to develop governance frameworks and ensure a successful pre-launch phase. Remote work is possible with occasional travel required.

Qualifications

• Experience in medical leadership, particularly in rare diseases.
• Background in Ophthalmology is preferred.
• Familiarity with Compassionate Use programs is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Shape the medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Support early access and governance for a UK drug launch.
• Partner cross-functionally to ensure pre-launch success.

Skills

Leadership in Medical Affairs

Strategic Planning

Scientific Engagement

Cross-functional Collaboration

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, Crawley, West Sussex

Client: wax.

Location: Crawley, West Sussex, 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 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.

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