At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape opportunities and build companies from innovative University of Edinburgh research.
- Company: Join Edinburgh Innovations, a collaborative and progressive tech-driven environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days off, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of creativity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact by turning ideas into action across diverse sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in startups or venture creation with strong commercial judgement.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join to help turn exceptional University of Edinburgh research into new ventures with real-world impact. This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys ownership, pace and variety — working directly with academic founders to shape opportunities, test commercial potential and help build companies rooted in know-how, software and AI. You will work across a broad mix of ideas, from AI/ML and scientific SaaS to digital health, edtech and social enterprise, supporting ventures from early validation through to company formation. It is a role with breadth, autonomy and visibility, offering the chance to work alongside researchers and help create companies with potential for societal and commercial impact.
Responsibilities
- Work with academic founders to shape opportunities, test commercial potential and help build companies rooted in know-how, software and AI.
- Support ventures from early validation through to company formation across a broad mix of ideas (AI/ML, SaaS, digital health, edtech, social enterprise).
- Collaborate with researchers, provide hands-on ownership, pace and delivery-focused support in a lean environment.
Qualifications and Experience
- A builder at heart: former founder, startup operator, venture builder or venture creation professional who turns ideas into action.
- Commercially minded with strong judgement on viability, investability and value.
- Comfortable working with academics and technical founders, able to challenge constructively, build trust and support success.
- Confident across customer discovery, market validation, business models and early company formation.
- Energised by working across a wide range of sectors and technologies, not narrowly specialized.
- Practical, adaptable and delivery-focused, resilient in lean, fast-moving environments requiring initiative and follow-through.
About Us
At Edinburgh Innovations (EI), our culture is built on three core values: Collaborative, Progressive and Innovative. We believe the best results come from working together, sharing ideas, and supporting one another. We’re always looking forward, embracing change, challenging assumptions, and pushing boundaries to grow. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, encouraging creativity and fresh thinking at every level of the business. If you thrive in a team-driven environment that values bold ideas and continuous improvement, you’ll fit right in.
Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. EI celebrates diversity in all its forms and actively seeks to create a team that reflects the communities around us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities because different perspectives make us stronger.
Benefits and What You Can Look Forward To
- A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
- An exciting, positive, and creative workplace that’s rewarding as well as challenging.
- A generous 40 days of combined annual leave and public holiday entitlement.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including a defined contribution pension scheme (employee 3.5/4.5%, employer 9/14.5%), family-friendly policies, flexible working options, and more.
- Ongoing support to develop your skills, grow your career, and recognise your achievements.
About You
At EI, we look for people who live our core behaviours in everything they do: You work well with others, build strong relationships, and believe that teamwork drives better outcomes. You are curious, creative, and not afraid to challenge the norm to find smarter solutions. You take responsibility for your work, follow through on commitments, and are driven to deliver results. You seek feedback, grow from experiences, and are always looking to improve. You genuinely care about the impact of your work on colleagues, customers, and the wider community.
Application Information
Please submit your CV along with a covering letter that tells us why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit.
Right to Work
All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role. You will be required to provide documentation as part of the recruitment process to confirm your eligibility to work in the UK.
Key dates
The closing date for applications is 21 August 2026. The closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If applying outside the UK, the closing time on the advert adjusts to your browser’s local time zone. Interviews will be held early to mid-September.
Venture Creation Lead employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets inclusivity. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to cutting-edge research in cyber-security. Located in Glasgow, the university fosters a vibrant community that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all staff members.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Venture Creation Lead
✨Get Involved in Startup Events
Dive into the local startup scene! Attend pitch nights, hackathons, and networking events. It's a great way to meet founders and like-minded folks. Plus, you never know who might put in a good word for you at a startup like The University of Edinburgh!
✨Show Off Your Creativity
Startups love unique ideas! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your past projects, especially those relevant to startups. This personal touch can really make you stand out when you're applying for that full-time gig at The University of Edinburgh.
✨Leverage Startup Communities Online
Get active on platforms such as Indie Hackers, Startup Grind, or even LinkedIn groups focused on startups. Participating in discussions can increase your visibility and open up potential job leads, especially at buzzing companies like The University of Edinburgh.
✨Direct Applications are Your Best Bet
Don't shy away from applying directly through our website. Startups often check their own portals first before other job sites. Tailor your application to show how you can add value to The University of Edinburgh — a personal touch goes a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Venture Creation Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:When applying for a role in startups and entrepreneurship, it's crucial to highlight any experience you have with starting your own projects or businesses. We love seeing examples of your initiative, so sprinkle in stories of how you’ve taken risks or solved problems creatively—this is what makes you stand out!
Tailor Your CV for Impact:In the startup world, your CV should reflect not just your experience, but the impact you've made. Use quantifiable achievements to show your contributions, like percentage increases in growth or revenue. Remember, we’re looking for go-getters who know how to get results!
Craft a Provocative Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a chance to showcase your passion and motivation for working at The University of Edinburgh. Don't just list your skills—share your vision and what excites you about the entrepreneurial journey. Connect your personal aspirations with what we need, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep Your Portfolio Handy:If you have a portfolio showcasing any past projects or entrepreneurial efforts, definitely mention it in your application. Though not always necessary for full-time roles, it can provide us with deeper insights into your work style and creativity. If you have a blog, products, or any innovation, we'd love to see it!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
In startups, they love seeing passion and initiative. Be ready to share any personal projects or ideas you've worked on. This shows you’re not just about the 9-to-5, but you’re invested in creating value, which is key in this fast-paced environment.
✨Brush Up on Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to be thrown some curveballs during the interview—startups often face unexpected challenges. Having a couple of examples up your sleeve where you’ve creatively solved problems will really impress them. It's all about how you think on your feet!
✨Know Your Stuff About the Industry
Since you're applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to see you've done your homework. Make sure you understand where the startup stands in its industry, including competitors and market trends. It’s a great way to show you're genuinely interested and can contribute from day one.
✨Show Flexibility and Adaptability
Startups can pivot quickly, so highlight your adaptability. Share examples of when you've successfully navigated change or taken on roles outside your comfort zone. This shows you’re ready for whatever comes your way, which is crucial in a startup atmosphere!
