Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

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

Job summary

A leading company seeks an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead for a rare disease launch in Stockport. This strategic role involves leading governance and scientific engagement for an orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology, ideally suited for candidates with ABPI Final Signatory certification. Join a dynamic startup landscape and help shape medical strategies leading to a successful launch.

Qualifications

• Experience in Medical Affairs leadership roles.
• Background in rare disease or orphan drugs is a plus.
• Experience with Compassionate Use or Named Patient Programme is advantageous.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

Scientific engagement

Pre-launch strategy

Education

ABPI Final Signatory certification

Job description

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Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup, Stockport

Client: wax.

Location: Stockport, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

3

Posted:

10.06.2025

Expiry Date:

25.07.2025

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.

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