Process Chemistry Co-op: Scale-Up & Innovation (Boston)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 71,635,000 - 100,289,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free 24/7 onsite gym access

Subsidized commuter benefits

Provided meals—free breakfast daily

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston invites applications for a Process Chemistry Co-op starting January 2027. You will work on organic synthesis to develop scalable manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients, under supervision of chemists and engineers.

The role covers advanced lab techniques (flow chemistry, photochemistry, DoE, Bayesian optimization), data analysis, and presenting results. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program and be eligible to work in the

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Third-year undergraduate student or above at the start of the co-op term.
• Completion of undergraduate organic chemistry coursework and laboratory courses.
• Strong interest in synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, process chemistry, or pharmaceutical development.
• Ability to work safely, independently, and collaboratively in a laboratory environment.
• Strong organization, documentation, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; Vertex does not sponsor internships/co-ops.
• Enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before May 2027; available to work full-time 40h/week Jan–Jul 2027.

Responsibilities

• Train in advanced laboratory techniques (flow chemistry, photochemistry, DoE, Bayesian optimization).
• Work with chemists and engineers to design novel experiments.
• Apply good laboratory techniques to syntheses of complex compounds per the research plan.
• Maintain a detailed electronic lab notebook.
• Evaluate reaction optimization techniques for photoredox catalysis.
• Develop substrate scope and assess functional group tolerance.
• Use literature to guide experimental design and interpret results.
• Present progress and data to the project team.
• Operate analytical instruments (NMR, HPLC, GC, LC-MS, IR).
• Deliver a final presentation and a research summary.

Skills

Chemistry

Laboratory skills

Documentation

Communication

Problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Tools

NMR

HPLC

GC

LC-MS

IR

Job description

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston invites applications for a Process Chemistry Co-op starting January 2027. You will work on organic synthesis to develop scalable manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients, under supervision of chemists and engineers.

The role covers advanced lab techniques (flow chemistry, photochemistry, DoE, Bayesian optimization), data analysis, and presenting results. Applicants must be enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program and be eligible to work in the