Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

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

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to oversee the UK launch of a pioneering orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology. This strategic interim role, fully remote with some travel, requires a strong background in medical affairs and ABPI Final Signatory certification, driving early access and governance in a startup environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in medical affairs with ABPI Final Signatory certification.
• Experience with compassionate use or named patient programmes is an advantage.
• Background in ophthalmology is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a UK drug launch.
• Shape medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Partner with cross-functional teams during the pre-launch phase.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

ABPI Final Signatory

Ophthalmology background

Rare disease experience

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.