Spring 2027 Co-op, Exploratory Biology

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,654,000 - 50,145,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is offering a Spring 2027 co-op in Exploratory Biology in Boston, MA. You will work on a research project to advance drug discovery, applying molecular and cell biology concepts to understand disease mechanisms and potential interventions.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and data analysis while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, on-site environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s in biochemistry, molecular biology, biology or related field.
• Experience with pipette handling, sterile technique, and general lab safety.
• Knowledge of cloning, PCR, western blot, and mammalian cell culture.
• Experience with ML- or physics-based protein folding models preferred; co-op experience a plus.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; proactive problem-solver.

Responsibilities

• Use mammalian cell culture to generate and characterize cell lines.
• Design and perform molecular biology experiments including cloning, PCR and western blot.
• Develop and execute cell-based assays such as HiBit and NanoBRET.
• Analyze data and document results; contribute to well-controlled experiments.
• Communicate results to project teams; collaborate in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Lab techniques

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology

PCR

Cloning

Western blot

HiBit

NanoBRET

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

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

Tools

HiBit

NanoBRET

Job description

## Spring 2027 Co-op, Exploratory BiologyApply: Boston, MA: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 15, 2026 (30+ days left to apply): REQ-31114**Job Description****Kickstart Your Career at Vertex!** Are you ready to make a real impact? At Vertex, our mission is to tackle serious diseases and to change lives, for the better, for the future. Our aim is to give you the skills, insights, and career guidance to be an important part of that future; to turn your potential into progression. As a Vertex intern or co-op, you’ll work on meaningful projects, collaborate with talented teams, and learn from industry leaders. We’re passionate about innovation, inclusion, and supporting your growth—inside and outside the lab.**Why Vertex?*** **Real Projects:**You’ll work on assignments that make a real impact, not just busy work.* **Mentorship & Networking:**Connect with leaders and peers who want to see you succeed through professional networks, connections, and collaborations that will shape your longer-term career.* **Flexible & Supportive:**We offer flexible work options with Flex @ Vertex and prioritize your wellbeing.* **Inclusive Culture:**Collaboration and inclusion are embedded in everything we do.* **Career Launchpad:**Build skills, explore career paths, and get guidance for your future career.**Your Impact**The Vertex Exploratory Biology Co-Op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an undergraduate degree or an advanced degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, or other related fields. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth-minded, a co-op at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our Exploratory Research functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.*The application deadline for this co-op is November 15th. Please note that Vertex reviews applications on a rolling basis and reserves the right to close this job posting prior to the listed deadline. Applicants can expect to receive an update about their application before or shortly after the application deadline.***Ready to apply? Submit your application and let’s turn possibilities into reality!****What you will be doing:** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is offering an exciting opportunity for an exceptional co-op to join our Exploratory Research team in Boston Fan Pier (on-site). We are seeking a scientifically curious and highly motivated individual to help advance drug discovery research in genetically validated diseases. The successful candidate will learn how basic molecular and cell biology topics from the classroom can translate into novel therapeutic modalities by participating in a research project on the underlying mechanisms of disease and points of therapeutic intervention. Hands-on laboratory research will foster experience in developing and implementing innovative assays to interrogate therapeutic targets. Vertex is a leader in the indications of cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, neuropathic pain, genetic kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, and others not yet publicly disclosed. Key Responsibilities:* Utilize mammalian cell culture techniques to generate and characterize cell lines of interest* Utilize molecular biology techniques such as vector design, subcloning, and western blot to investigate biological mechanisms* Develop and perform cell-based assays such as HiBit and NanoBRET* Deploy computational protein folding models to generate testable hypotheses* Analyze and interpret experimental data and contribute to the design of well-controlled experiments* Effectively document results in an electronic notebook in accordance with data integrity standards* Regularly communicate results to project team and other audiences* Collaborate and deliver on objectives successfully in a fast-paced work environment **Qualifications:*** Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in: biochemistry, molecular biology, biology, or a related discipline; successful completion of advanced biochemistry or molecular biology coursework is strongly preferred* Experience with basic laboratory practices including, but not limited to, pipette and liquid handling, sterile technique, and general laboratory safety* Knowledge of basic molecular and cell biology techniques including, but not limited to, cloning, PCR, western blotting, and mammalian cell culture. Some previous experience with molecular and/or mammalian cell culture techniques in a research lab setting is required* Experience with ML- or physics-based protein folding models is preferred* Previous laboratory-based co-op research experience preferred but not required* Scientific curiosity, a proactive mindset, strong communication skills, and desire to learn and problem-solve in a team environment focused on drug discovery* Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future. Please note that Vertex does not provide sponsorship for internships/co-ops or entry level roles within this part of the organization.* You must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before May 2027* You must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January – July 2027 **Program Details:** * Full-time, paid co-op $20.00 – 35.00 USD/hour* Program Dates: January – July 2027* Application Deadline: November 15th, 2026**At Vertex, we believe that when you feel your best, you can perform at your best. That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you.**• Free 24/7 onsite gym access and free access to group exercise classes• Subsidized commuter benefits- transit and parking• Provided meals—free breakfast daily!• Career development opportunities and events, including C Suite engagement• Social events—both intern-only and company-wide• Location-specific perks and extras!• Recognition of National Intern Day **Our Ways of Working** Flex Designation: On-site in BostonFlex 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.*This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner that provides services to Vertex. The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of that third-party agency; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency upon offer.*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. 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.