Interim Medical Lead - Rare disease startup

wax.; West Midlands Combined Authority; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an Interim Medical & Scientific Affairs Lead for a strategic role in the UK launch of an innovative orphan-designated therapy in ophthalmology. This position requires strong medical affairs leadership and ABPI Final Signatory certification. Join a collaborative startup environment with flexible remote working options as you drive the success of this groundbreaking launch.

Qualifications

• Experience leading medical governance and scientific strategies.
• Background in rare diseases or orphan drugs preferred.
• Compassionate Use or Named Patient Programme experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Shape the medical governance framework for the UK launch.
• Drive scientific strategy and ensure compliance.
• Support cross-functional engagements in a startup environment.

Skills

Medical Affairs leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

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:

Interim contract — 2–3 days per week (flexible) 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

Thsi 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.

#MedicalAffairs #InterimRole #ABPIFinalSignatory #RareDiseases #OrphanDrugs #Ophthalmology #EarlyAccess #HealthcareLeadership #MedicalStrategy #PharmaceuticalIndustry #LifeSciencesJobs #MedicalDirector #ContractRoles #BiotechJobs #LaunchExcellence #HTA #NICE #ClinicalDevelopment #PatientAccess #Compassionate Use