Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

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

Job summary

A leading company in the pharmaceutical industry is seeking an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to oversee the UK launch of a groundbreaking therapy in ophthalmology. This fully remote role involves strategic leadership, shaping medical governance, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure a successful pre-launch phase. Candidates must hold an ABPI Final Signatory certification and have a strong background in Medical Affairs, particularly with rare diseases.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading Medical Affairs for drug launches.
• Background in Rare disease or orphan drugs is a plus.
• Ophthalmology experience and Familiarity with Compassionate Use programs.

Responsibilities

• Shape the medical governance framework for UK launch.
• Drive the scientific strategy within a lean, agile setup.
• Support early access and governance for a new therapy.

Skills

Leadership in Medical Affairs

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

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 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.