Exploratory Biology Co-op — Drug Discovery Research

Vertex Inc.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gym access

Free meals daily

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is offering a six‑month Exploratory Biology Co‑Op in Boston to join our Research team. You will gain hands-on experience in drug discovery, working on a project that translates classroom biology into practical therapeutic strategies.

The role is full‑time, on‑site, January–July 2027, with a pay rate of $20.00–$35.00 USD per hour. Applicants must be enrolled in an advanced degree program and legally authorized to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology or related field.
• Experience with pipetting, sterile technique and general lab safety.
• Knowledge of cloning, PCR, Western blot and mammalian cell culture in a research setting.
• Experience with ML- or physics-based protein folding models preferred.
• Prior co-op or lab research experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform mammalian cell culture to generate and characterize cell lines.
• Apply molecular biology techniques (vector design, subcloning, Western blot) to explore mechanisms.
• Develop cell-based assays including HiBiT and NanoBRET.
• Use computational protein folding models to generate testable hypotheses.
• Analyze data and assist in designing controlled experiments.
• Document results in electronic notebook maintaining data integrity.
• Communicate results to project team and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively in a fast-paced research environment.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

PCR

Cloning

Western blot

Vector design

Subcloning

HiBiT

NanoBRET

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biochemistry or Molecular Biology or Biology

Tools

Mammalian cell culture instruments

Molecular biology lab equipment

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is offering a six‑month Exploratory Biology Co‑Op in Boston to join our Research team. You will gain hands-on experience in drug discovery, working on a project that translates classroom biology into practical therapeutic strategies.

The role is full‑time, on‑site, January–July 2027, with a pay rate of $20.00–$35.00 USD per hour. Applicants must be enrolled in an advanced degree program and legally authorized to work in the United States.