Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Sheffield; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading global biopharmaceutical company as an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead to spearhead the UK launch of an innovative therapy in ophthalmology. This key role focuses on governance, scientific strategy, and cross-functional collaboration in shaping a successful pre-launch phase. Ideal candidates will possess ABPI Final Signatory certification and strong medical affairs leadership experience, particularly in rare diseases or orphan drugs.

Qualifications

• Experience in Rare Diseases or Orphan Drugs is a plus.
• Ability to shape medical governance frameworks.
• Experience in pre-launch strategies for pharmaceutical products.

Responsibilities

• Lead Medical & Scientific Affairs function for a first-in-class therapy launch.
• Drive scientific strategy and partner cross-functionally.
• Ensure compliance and governance in a startup medical environment.

Skills

Medical Affairs Leadership

Governance

Scientific Engagement

Compassionate Use Program Knowledge

Ophthalmology Background

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