Biology - Industrial Placement (12 Months)

Vertex Inc.; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex is offering a 12-month Industrial placement in the Biology Department at our Oxfordshire research facility. September 2027 to August 2028, with Flex @ Vertex enabling Hybrid or On-Site work.

You will be embedded in multidisciplinary research teams, gaining broad exposure to the drug discovery process from target validation through to small molecule discovery and optimisation.

Qualifications

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

Skills

Relevant university qualification

Scientific discovery

Laboratory skills

Highly motivated

Teamwork

Communication skills

Industrial placement requirement

Job description

Job Description

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.

Biology - Industrial Placement 12 Months
Milton Park, Oxford

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 to 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; or select
2. 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.

#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]