Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

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

Job summary

A leading start-up in the UK is seeking an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to oversee the launch of an innovative rare disease therapy in ophthalmology. This strategic role will involve shaping governance frameworks and driving scientific strategy in a remote capacity with occasional travel. Ideal candidates will hold ABPI Final Signatory certification and possess solid leadership experience in medical affairs, particularly in rare diseases.

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 a new orphan drug launch.
• Shape the medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Support early access and scientific engagement ahead of launch.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Rare disease exposure

Compassionate Use experience

Ophthalmology background

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.