Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

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

Job summary

A leading company seeks an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead for a strategic role supporting a landmark UK therapy launch in 2026. This fully remote position requires strong leadership experience in medical affairs, with growth opportunities in the rare disease domain.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in Medical Affairs.
• Experience with orphan drugs and rare diseases.
• Background in ophthalmology is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Shape the medical governance framework.
• Drive scientific strategy and governance.
• Partner cross-functionally for successful pre-launch.

Skills

Leadership

Medical Affairs

Governance

Scientific Strategy

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Job description

Interim Medical Lead - Rare Disease Startup, Leicester

Client: wax.

Location: UK/Remote

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)

This is a strategic interim role supporting early access, governance, and scientific engagement ahead of a landmark UK launch in 2026 for a first-in-class orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology.

Key Points:

• ABPI Final Signatory certification (essential)
• Strong Medical Affairs leadership experience
• Experience with rare diseases or orphan drugs is a plus
• Experience with Compassionate Use or Named Patient Programmes (desirable)
• Ophthalmology background (desirable)
• Fully remote with occasional travel

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 duration: approximately 6–9 months, extending through to post-launch readiness.

If interested, please contact us to arrange a confidential discussion.