Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

JR United Kingdom; Wakefield; Remote; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the healthcare sector is seeking an experienced Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead for the UK launch of a groundbreaking orphan drug in ophthalmology. This role involves strategic leadership and the opportunity to shape the medical governance framework, ensuring successful pre-launch activities in a startup environment. The position is fully remote with occasional travel and is expected to last approximately 6-9 months.

Qualifications

• Experienced ABPI Final Signatory required.
• Leadership experience in Medical Affairs essential.
• Exposure to rare diseases and orphan drugs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead Medical & Scientific Affairs for a new ophthalmology therapy launch.
• Shape medical governance framework and drive scientific strategy.
• Support early access and governance initiatives.

Skills

Leadership in Medical Affairs

Scientific Engagement

Governance Framework Development

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.