Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

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

Job summary

A leading startup in the rare disease sector is seeking an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to oversee the UK launch of a groundbreaking therapy in ophthalmology. This role requires strong leadership in medical affairs, particularly someone with ABPI Final Signatory certification, to manage governance and strategic efforts crucial for the product launch slated for 2026.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in Medical Affairs with ABPI Final Signatory certification required.
• Experience in Rare Disease or orphan drugs is a plus.
• Background in Ophthalmology is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for UK launch.
• Shape medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Partner cross-functionally for successful pre-launch preparations.

Skills

Leadership

Medical Affairs

Governance Framework Development

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, Liverpool

Client: wax.

Location: Liverpool, 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.

#MedicalAffairs #InterimRole #ABPIFinalSignatory #RareDiseases #OrphanDrugs #Ophthalmology #EarlyAccess #HealthcareLeadership #MedicalStrategy #PharmaceuticalIndustry #LifeSciencesJobs #MedicalDirector #ContractRoles #BiotechJobs #LaunchExcellence #HTA #NICE #ClinicalDevelopment #PatientAccess #Compassionate Use