Structural Biology & Biophysics - Industrial Placement (12 Months)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Oxford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex is offering an Industrial Placement in the Structural Biology & Biophysics (SBB) Department at our Oxfordshire research facility. You will gain hands‑on experience studying membrane proteins through biochemical, biophysical and functional approaches, working with scientists across SBB and Biology to support drug discovery.

This laboratory‑based placement emphasizes protein handling, membrane‑protein reconstitution into lipid systems, and functional electrophysiology studies, fostering

Qualifications

• Studying for a relevant undergraduate degree in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, pharmacology, neuroscience, or related life‑science discipline
• Required by your university to complete a formal accredited industrial placement year as part of your degree
• Interested in membrane proteins, protein biochemistry, biophysics, electrophysiology, or functional biology
• Motivated to develop practical laboratory skills and learn new experimental techniques
• Collaborative team player with effective written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Assist in studying membrane proteins using biochemical, biophysical and functional approaches
• Contribute to protein preparation and reconstitution into model membrane systems
• Perform functional characterisation using electrophysiology‑based methods
• Record, analyse and communicate experimental data in team meetings
• Support cross‑department collaboration to understand targets and aid early drug discovery

Education

Undergraduate degree in biology/biochemistry/biophysics/biotechnology/pharmacology/neuroscience or related life-science discipline

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 Structural Biology & Biophysics (SBB) Department, at our research facility in Oxfordshire, as part of our wider intern intake for the year.

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.

Main Duties & Objectives

We are seeking an enthusiastic Biology Industrial Placement Student to join a collaborative project at the interface of Structural Biology & Biophysics (SBB) and Biology.

This laboratory‑based placement will provide hands‑on experience in studying membrane proteins using complementary biochemical, biophysical and functional approaches. You will work alongside scientists across both departments, contributing to activities that support protein preparation and reconstitution into model membrane systems, followed by functional characterisation using electrophysiology‑based methods.

Through the placement, you will gain exposure to how multidisciplinary teams combine structural, biophysical and cellular/functional data to build understanding of biologically important targets and support drug discovery.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop practical skills in protein handling, biochemical and biophysical workflows
• Gain experience with membrane‑protein reconstitution into lipid‑based systems
• Support functional studies, including exposure to electrophysiology approaches
• Work with scientists in SBB and Biology to plan, execute and interpret experiments
• Record, analyse and communicate experimental data in team meetings
• Build an understanding of how different scientific disciplines contribute to early drug discovery

Person Specification

• Studying for a relevant undergraduate degree in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, pharmacology, neuroscience, or a related life‑science discipline
• Required by your university to complete a formal, accredited industrial placement year as part of your degree
• Interested in membrane proteins, protein biochemistry, biophysics, electrophysiology, or functional biology
• Motivated to develop practical laboratory skills and learn new experimental techniques
• Comfortable working carefully, documenting experiments clearly and handling data accurately
• A collaborative team player with effective written and verbal communication skills

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: On‑Site Designated

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

• Hybrid : work remotely up to two days per week; or select
• 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