Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

wax.; Liverpool City Region; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biotech startup is seeking an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead for a remote role supporting the UK launch of a groundbreaking orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology. This role involves strategic leadership in medical affairs and developing governance frameworks for a successful launch phase amidst a lean setup. With key responsibilities including pre-launch strategies and scientific engagement, the ideal candidate must hold ABPI Final Signatory certification and have a strong background in medical affairs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Medical Affairs leadership roles.
• Experience in Rare Diseases or orphan drugs is a plus.
• Background in Ophthalmology is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a novel therapy launch.
• Shape the medical governance framework and drive scientific strategies.
• Engage cross-functionally for successful pre-launch readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Medical Affairs

Strategic Planning

Team Collaboration

Regulatory Knowledge

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:

Interim contract — 2–3 days per week (flexible) 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

Thsi 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.

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