Medical Director

Advanced Clinical; Bristol; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading clinical development organization in the UK is seeking a Senior Medical Director specializing in ophthalmology to lead global clinical programs. This high-impact role involves defining and executing clinical strategies, overseeing trial designs, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Candidates must have an MD or PhD with significant ophthalmology experience, alongside a proven track record in clinical development. You'll collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and key opinion leaders, ensuring programs remain competitive and scientifically robust.

Qualifications

• MD, MD/PhD, or PhD is mandatory, experience in ophthalmology essential.
• Proven experience in ophthalmology clinical development, ideally including retinal diseases.
• Strong expertise in clinical trial design and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead global clinical development programs in ophthalmology.
• Provide medical leadership across trial design and execution.
• Build and maintain relationships with key opinion leaders.

Skills

Ophthalmology clinical development

Clinical trial design

Regulatory compliance

Scientific discussions

Data review

Education

MD or PhD

Tools

OCT

Fundus photography

Job description

Medical Director, Ophthalmology (Clinical Development)

MD or PhD required | Ophthalmology experience essential

We are seeking a senior Medical Director with deep ophthalmology experience to lead global clinical development programs in this space. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for defining and executing clinical strategy across ophthalmology studies, from first-in-human through Phase 3.

You will provide medical and scientific leadership across trial design and execution, including protocol development, feasibility, site strategy, enrolment planning, and safety oversight. Acting as the primary medical authority, you will partner closely with cross-functional teams, investigators, and external experts, offering guidance on disease biology, benefit–risk assessment, and regulatory standards.

This role plays a key part in medical data review, safety monitoring, and contributions to regulatory submissions and interactions with health authorities. You will also build and maintain strong relationships with key opinion leaders, ensuring programs remain scientifically robust and competitive within the ophthalmology landscape.

Required Experience and Background

• MD, MD / PhD, or PhD is mandatory (ophthalmology degree not required, but ophthalmology experience is essential )
• Proven experience in ophthalmology clinical development , ideally including retinal or inherited retinal diseases
• Background in pharma or biotech in roles such as Medical Director, Associate Medical Director, or Clinical Scientist
• Strong expertise in clinical trial design, GCP, regulatory requirements, and medical monitoring
• Experience with safety oversight, pharmacovigilance, and data review
• Familiarity with ophthalmic assessments and imaging (e.g., OCT, fundus photography) is highly desirable
• Ability to lead scientific discussions, influence stakeholders, and operate strategically in a fast-moving environment