Biology - Industrial Placement (12 Months)

Vertex UK Int'l HQ/R&D; Oxford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex is recruiting an Industrial Placement student in Biology for 12 months at our Oxfordshire research facility. You will be embedded in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team, gaining exposure to the drug discovery process from target validation through to small molecule discovery and optimisation.

Based in Milton Park, Oxford, you will develop laboratory skills, learn about disease biology and industry practices, and collaborate with some of the brightest scientists while gaining hands-on

Qualifications

• Currently studying a university qualification that includes an Industrial Placement
• Passion for scientific discovery and experimentation
• Desire to develop scientific and laboratory skills
• Highly motivated with excellent team working
• Effective communication skills

Responsibilities

• Embedded within multidisciplinary research teams in Oxfordshire.
• Contribute to drug discovery processes from target validation to small-molecule discovery.
• Learn industry practices hands-on in a dynamic lab environment.
• Collaborate with colleagues and other students across Vertex.

Skills

Biology

Lab skills

Teamwork

Communication

Motivation

Industrial placement in degree

Education

Relevant university qualification including an Industrial Placement

Job description

Job Description Biology - Industrial Placement 12 Months Milton Park, Oxford

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that aims to discover, develop and commercialize innovative new medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives.

Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, MA, Vertex today has research and development sites and commercial offices around the world in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

We are recruiting for an Industrial placement student in the Biology Department, at our research facility in Oxfordshire, as part of our wider intern intake for the year.

Main Duties & Objectives

The research site is a dynamic, fast-paced environment, where you will be embedded within research teams working on any one of several diseases. You will be working in a close-knit, multidisciplinary team of scientists, located in our research laboratories, where you can expect to gain a broad understanding of the drug discovery process from target validation through to small molecule discovery and optimisation.

As part of your time here you can expect to learn about disease biology, the pharmaceutical discovery and development process and gain valuable laboratory skills. During your Industrial Placement you will get the opportunity to learn about our industry from a hands‑on perspective. You will be working closely with and learning from some of the brightest people in the industry.

Students can expect be challenged by their work, connect with other students, and feel valued by the Vertex community.

Person Specification

• Currently studying a relevant university qualification
• Passion for scientific discovery and experimentation
• Desire to develop scientific and laboratory skills
• Highly motivated
• Excellent team working
• Effective communication skills
• Candidates must be studying a university qualification which incorporates an Industrial Placement as a formal, accredited part of their studies

Role Duration

September 2027 to August 2028

Our Ways of Working:

Flex @ Vertex details

Flex Designation: On‑Site Eligible Flex Eligibility Status On‑Site: work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time. 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.

Flex Designation: Hybrid‑Eligible Or On‑Site Eligible Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid‑Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:

1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week;
2. On‑Site: work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility.

#LI-Hybrid

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 [e-mail]

Help Us Achieve Our Mission Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion‑dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas.

Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH‑dependent Cushing’s syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type1.

Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X

We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.