The University of Edinburgh
Venture Creation Lead
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Job Description
Venture Creation Lead
Join Edinburgh Innovations 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 and stimulating 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 genuine breadth, autonomy, and visibility, offering the chance to work alongside outstanding researchers and help create companies with strong potential for societal and commercial impact.
The Experience And Qualities We Are Looking For
- A builder at heart: perhaps a former founder, startup operator, venture builder, or venture creation professional who enjoys turning ideas into action.
- Commercially minded, with strong judgment on what makes an opportunity viable, investable, and worth pursuing.
- Comfortable working with academics and technical founders, with the ability to challenge constructively, build trust, and support others to succeed.
- Confident across customer discovery, market validation, business models, and the early steps of company formation.
- Energised by working across a wide range of sectors and technologies, rather than specialising narrowly in one domain.
- Practical, adaptable, and delivery-focused, with the resilience to work well in a lean, fast-moving environment where initiative and follow-through matter.
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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. At EI, we celebrate diversity in all its forms and actively seek 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.
As a valued member of our team, you can look forward to:
- A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
- An exciting, positive, and creative workplace that’s as rewarding as it is challenging.
- A generous 40 days of combined annual leave and public holiday entitlement.
- A comprehensive benefits package, including a defined contribution pension scheme (currently 3.5/4.5% employee and 9/14.5% employer contributions), family-friendly policies, flexible working options, and more.
- Ongoing support to develop your skills, grow your career, and recognise your achievements.
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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're 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.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
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. Unfortunately, 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 to note
The closing date for applications is 21 August 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK, the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.
Interviews will be held early-mid September.
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