Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Plymouth; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the healthcare sector is seeking an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to oversee the UK launch of an innovative ophthalmology therapy. This role is critical for shaping medical governance and aligning scientific strategy in a progressive startup environment. The successful candidate will leverage their ABPI Final Signatory certification and medical affairs leadership experience for a 6-9 month contract, fully remote with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading medical affairs within the healthcare sector.
• Familiarity with rare diseases and orphan drugs is a plus.
• Experience in Compassionate Use or Named Patient Programs is nice to have.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a UK launch.
• Shape the medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Support early access and governance in a startup environment.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

Governance

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 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 interested, please contact us to arrange a confidential discussion.