Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Milton Keynes; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading startup seeks an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to guide the UK launch of a first-in-class orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology. This strategic role focuses on medical governance, scientific engagement, and cross-functional partnerships, ideal for candidates with ABPI Final Signatory certification and a strong background in medical affairs.

Qualifications

• Experience in Rare Disease or orphan drug exposure is a plus.
• Knowledge of Compassionate Use or Named Patient Programme is nice to have.
• Ophthalmology background is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a UK launch.
• Shape the medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Ensure a successful pre-launch phase in a lean, agile setup.

Skills

Medical Affairs Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Job description

Interim Medical Lead - Rare Disease Startup, Milton Keynes

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)

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 #CompassionateUse