Intern, International Patient Engagement, 12-month contract

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Riyadh; Hybrid; SAR 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Saudi Arabia) is seeking an Intern to join the International Patient Engagement (IPE) team on a 12-month contract in Riyadh. The role offers hybrid work (3 days on-site in Riyadh, 2 days from home) and focuses on developing and localizing Arabic patient education materials while collaborating with international teams.

The ideal candidate has a relevant degree in Health Education or related field, with strong communication skills in Arabic and English and a keen interest

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Health Education or a related healthcare discipline is required.
• Demonstrated interest in healthcare, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry, especially patient education/engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, localization, and review of Arabic patient education materials.
• Collaborate with Vertex International headquarters in London to maintain content libraries and documentation.
• Coordinate with external agencies and internal stakeholders to ensure materials align with Vertex standards and compliance requirements.
• Assist with project management activities, including tracking timelines and updating educational materials.

Skills

Arabic English communication

Communication skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Health Education or related healthcare discipline

Tools

PowerPoint

Word

Excel

Job description

Intern - International Patient Engagement, 12-month contract

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Saudi Arabia)

12-month contract position

Hybrid - 3 days on site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2 days working from home)

Looking for opportunities with purpose, impact and possibilities? Our client, Vertex, is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation. As they grow their pipeline at pace, they are strengthening their reputation for creating transformative medicines for people with serious diseases.

Vertex is seeking an enthusiastic, curious, and highly motivated Intern to join its International Patient Engagement (IPE) team on a 12-month contract.

This position is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and is ideally suited to candidates who have completed a relevant degree in Health Education, pharmaceutical sciences or a related field and have a strong interest in patient engagement within the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.

The IPE team plays a critical role in incorporating the patient perspective into Vertex's work by fostering meaningful collaborations with patient communities at both local and international levels.

The team supports patient engagement activities across the entire lifecycle of Vertex therapies and medicines, from early-stage research and development through to post-marketing initiatives.

By joining the IPE team, you will gain valuable insight into how external patient engagement informs and shapes strategic decisions, helping to ensure that patient needs remain at the heart of Vertex's innovation and healthcare solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development, localization, and review of Arabic patient education materials.
• Collaborate with Vertex International headquarters in London to maintain organised content libraries and relevant documentation.
• Coordinate with external agencies and internal stakeholders, including corporate communications and relevant cross-functional teams, to ensure materials align with Vertex standards and compliance requirements.

Patient Insights & Advocacy:

• Participate in meetings with patient organisations, advocacy groups, agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Support the collection, analysis, and synthesis of patient insights, feedback, and educational opportunities.
• Research and identify best practices in patient communication, patient engagement, and health literacy to inform future initiatives.

Pipeline and New Launch Support:

• Conduct research on disease awareness, patient education needs, and public health topics related to Nephropathy and Diabetes within Saudi Arabia.
• Map relevant patient associations and advocacy groups and prepare meeting briefs and discussion materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify unmet educational and awareness needs and support the development of appropriate resources.

Operational Support:

• Assist with project management activities, including tracking timelines, maintaining project plans, preparing presentations, and updating educational materials.
• Ensure accurate documentation, version control, and organisation of patient education materials.
• Participate in internal meetings and support cross-functional collaboration as required.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Health Education or a related healthcare discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in the healthcare, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical industry, particularly in patient education, patient advocacy, public health, or patient engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Strong organizational, project management, presentation, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in patient engagement within a leading biotechnology company. You will work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop a deeper understanding of how patient insights influence the development and delivery of innovative medicines and therapies.