Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Leeds; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare startup is seeking an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to support the UK launch of a groundbreaking orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology. The role involves strategic leadership in medical affairs, shaping governance, and ensuring a successful pre-launch phase in a dynamic and agile environment. Suitable candidates should hold ABPI Final Signatory certification, possess strong leadership in medical strategy, and ideally have experience in rare diseases or ophthalmology.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership experience in Medical Affairs.
• Experience in rare diseases or orphan drugs preferred.
• Exposure to ophthalmology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for UK launch.
• Shape medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Support early access, governance, and scientific engagement.

Skills

Leadership in Medical Affairs

Strategic Thinking

Cross-functional Partnership

Education

ABPI Final Signatory Certification

Job description

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Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Client:

Wax.

Location:

Leeds, West Yorkshire, 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 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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