Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Newcastle upon Tyne; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences company seeks an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead (Final Signatory) to oversee the UK launch of an orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology. This strategic role involves governance, driving scientific strategy, and ensuring cross-functional collaboration in a start-up environment. Candidates must have ABPI Final Signatory certification and leadership experience in Medical Affairs.

Qualifications

• Strong Medical Affairs leadership experience.
• Exposure in rare diseases or orphan drugs.
• Background in ophthalmology preferred.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership in Medical Affairs

Compassionate Use Programme

Scientific Engagement

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:

• 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 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 interested, please get in touch to arrange a confidential discussion.