Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Dartford; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the healthcare sector is looking for an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to spearhead the UK launch of a unique orphan therapy in ophthalmology. This role offers the chance to shape the medical governance framework and engage with scientific communities in a startup environment, ensuring readiness for a landmark launch in 2026. Fully remote work with occasional travel is included, targeting candidates with strong Medical Affairs leadership skills and ABPI Final Signatory certification.

Qualifications

• Experience as an ABPI Final Signatory is essential.
• Strong leadership in Medical Affairs is required.
• Exposure to orphan drugs and ophthalmology is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a UK launch.
• Drive scientific strategy and medical governance framework.
• Support early access and governance initiatives.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

Governance

Scientific engagement

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

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 interested, please get in touch to arrange a confidential discussion.