Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

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

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead (ABPI Final Signatory) for the UK launch of a rare disease therapy in ophthalmology. This strategic role focuses on establishing governance and driving scientific engagement in a start-up-like environment. The contract lasts approximately 6-9 months with remote work and occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Must have ABPI Final Signatory certification.
• Strong background in Medical Affairs leadership.
• Experience with Rare disease or orphan drugs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Shape the medical governance framework for a new therapy launch.
• Drive scientific strategy and partner cross-functionally.
• Support early access, governance, and scientific engagement.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Rare disease experience

Ophthalmology background

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