Job Description

Kickstart Your Career at Vertex! 
Are you ready to make a real impact? At Vertex, our mission is to tackle serious diseases and to change lives, for the better, for the future. Our aim is to give you the skills, insights, and career guidance to be an important part of that future; to turn your potential into progression. As a Vertex intern or co-op, you’ll work on meaningful projects, collaborate with talented teams, and learn from industry leaders. We’re passionate about innovation, inclusion, and supporting your growth—inside and outside the lab. 

Why Vertex? 

• Real Projects: You’ll work on assignments that make a real impact, not just busy work. 

• Mentorship & Networking: Connect with leaders and peers who want to see you succeed through professional networks, connections, and collaborations that will shape your longer-term career. 

• Flexible & Supportive: We offer flexible work options with Flex @ Vertex and prioritize your wellbeing. 

• Inclusive Culture: Collaboration and inclusion are embedded in everything we do. 

• Career Launchpad: Build skills, explore career paths, and get guidance for your future career. 

Your Impact

The Vertex Structural Biology & Biophysics Co-Op program is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an undergraduate or advanced degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth-minded, a co-op at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our Structural Biology and Biophysics functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career. 

The application deadline for this co-op is November 15th, 2026. Please note that Vertex reviews applications on a rolling basis and reserves the right to close this job posting prior to the listed deadline. Applicants can expect to receive an update about their application before or shortly after the application deadline. 

Ready to apply? Submit your application and let’s turn possibilities into reality! 

 What you will be doing: 
Vertex is seeking a curious and motivated laboratory co-op student to support our Structural Biology and Biophysics team. This hands-on opportunity is designed for students who are interested in learning about laboratory-based drug discovery research, protein science, and biophysical characterization.

Working alongside experienced scientists, the co-op student will receive guidance and training while contributing to experiments that help characterize proteins, assess molecular interactions, and support the advancement of potential therapies. The role is based on-site, with laboratory work being a core component of the position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support daily laboratory activities and research projects within the Structural Biology and Biophysics team.
• Learn and perform routine laboratory techniques under the guidance of experienced scientists.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, samples, and assay plates by following established procedures.
• Support biochemical and biophysical assay activities, including nephelometry-based experiments used to evaluate properties such as sample solubility, aggregation, or precipitation.
• Collect, organize, and document experimental data using laboratory notebooks, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and reports.
• Follow Vertex laboratory safety, quality, documentation, and compliance requirements.

What you will need to succeed: 

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or another related scientific field.
• Available to work on-site for the full duration of the co-op assignment.
• Interest in laboratory research, protein science, structural biology, biophysics, or drug discovery.
• Completion of introductory college coursework with a laboratory component in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Comfortable following detailed procedures and asking questions when clarification is needed.
• Ability to keep clear, accurate records of work performed.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively as part of a team.

Prior experience in structural biology, biophysics, or pharmaceutical research is preferred. Training and mentorship will be provided.

• Prior exposure to structural biology and/or biophysics through coursework, academic research, laboratory projects, internships, or scientific literature review is beneficial.
• Interest in structural biology, biophysics, protein science, biochemistry, or drug discovery.
• Exposure to laboratory techniques such as protein purification, protein assays, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, or biophysical characterization.
• Familiarity with nephelometry, turbidity measurements, microplate-based assays, plate readers, or laboratory automation is beneficial but not required.
• Experience using Excel or similar tools to organize, analyze, and graph scientific data.
• Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks, scientific documentation, or presenting project results.
• Demonstrated curiosity, reliability, and enthusiasm for developing laboratory and scientific problem-solving skills.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future. Please note that Vertex does not provide sponsorship for internships/co-ops or entry level roles within this part of the organization. 
• You must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2027 
• You must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January – June 2027 

Program Details:  

• Full-time, paid co-op $20.00-35.00 USD/hour 

• Program Dates: January – June 2027 

• Application Deadline: November 15th, 2026

At Vertex, we believe that when you feel your best, you can perform at your best. That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you. 

• Free 24/7 onsite gym access and free access to group exercise classes 
• Subsidized commuter benefits- transit and parking 
• Provided meals—free breakfast daily! 
• Career development opportunities and events, including C Suite engagement 
• Social events—both intern-only and company-wide 
• Location-specific perks and extras! 
• Recognition of National Intern Day 
   

Our Ways of Working 
Flex Designation: On-Site Eligible 

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.  

This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner that provides services to Vertex.  The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of that third-party agency; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency upon offer. The range provided is a reasonable estimate for the pay range for this job at the time of posting. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com