BioHackathon Lead Organisers

About Edinburgh BioHackathon

Edinburgh BioHackathon is Scotland's student-led biohackathon, run by BioHackathon Edinburgh as part of a wider Bio-Innovation Series. Each year we bring together biologists, programmers, startups and industry partners for a weekend of interdisciplinary problem-solving on real scientific challenges.

Our 2026 event drew 350 applications, selected 100+ participants from 14 universities across the UK, and ran seven challenge tracks with 15 sponsors and partners and 16 judges and mentors. Our 2026 organising committee received an Impact Award from the School of Biological Sciences, and now we are looking for like-minded individuals to take it even further.

The opportunity

We're recruiting a motivated lead & a co-lead to lead the organising committee for the next edition and help shape the future of the Bio-Innovation community in Edinburgh. These are the two most senior roles on the committee: you'll set the direction, build the team, and own the event from vision through to delivery.

We're recruiting both roles together, and we're looking for a partnership: two people whose skills and styles complement each other. If you have already identified someone you work well with, please ask them to submit a separate application and note the name of your co-applicant in the application form.

Both the lead and co-lead will share equal responsibilities for this project.

What you'll do

As Lead Organisers, you will:

• Set the vision and strategy for the event and the wider Bio-Innovation Series, which includes pre-hackathon workshops (technical & non-technical, delivered by external stakeholders) and potential post-hackathon follow-ups.
• Work hand-in-hand with the other lead to ensemble an organising committee. Lead and motivate its team members to deliver an award-winning, nationally recognised event.
• Take ownership of major workstreams (e.g. partnerships, programme, operations or community), design and navigate the overall roadmap, timeline and delivery of the hackathon.
• Be the main points of contact for academic partners, sponsors and the University.
• Represent Edinburgh BioHackathon publicly and grow its reputation.

Who we're looking for

• A current University of Edinburgh student or member of staff
• Motivated by community building, interdisciplinary science, and bringing people together
• Organised and reliable, with the initiative to make things happen
• A clear communicator who can work across disciplines and with partners & external stakeholders, including but not limited to: academic & logistical staff within the University, industrial partners, cross-disciplinary researchers & students.
• Some experience leading a team, running a project or organising events is welcome, but enthusiasm and drive matter most.

You don't need a background in programming, and you certainly don't need to have run a hackathon before. We care about how you think, collaborate and follow through.

What you'll gain

• End-to-end ownership of a flagship, nationally-recognised event
• A strong network across academia, industry and the Scottish innovation ecosystem
• Real, demonstrable experience in leadership, partnerships and event delivery
• The chance to shape a growing institution from the front

How to apply

Apply here https://forms.gle/NU6kpXDMmxYEkoEY6

You'll answer a few short motivational questions and upload your CV. Applications closes 23rd August, 11.59pm (Sunday).

Questions? Email Sign in to view email.