Spring 2027 Co-op, Functional Genomics

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym access

Commuter benefits

Free meals on-site

Career development

Social events

On-site perks

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals seeks a Spring 2027 Co-op in Functional Genomics in Boston. This 6-month, full-time paid program runs Jan–Jun 2027 with a $30.00–$40.00 USD/hour pay scale.

You will generate gene-edited cellular models, develop disease-relevant assays, and perform cellular screening experiments under mentorship. You will collaborate across teams, maintain records in an electronic notebook, and present results to the Functional Genomics group.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a master's or PhD in biology, biochemistry, genetics, computational biology, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with human cell culture/tissue culture.
• Familiarity with PCR and cloning.
• Strong interest in genetics, genomics and gene-editing technologies.
• Experience with flow cytometry preferred.
• Experience using CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing preferred.
• Experience generating, maintaining, and characterizing mammalian cell lines.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; Vertex does not provide sponsorship for internships/co-ops.
• Must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2027.
• Must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January – June 2027.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to study planning and oversee experimental activities per established protocols.
• Collaborate with Vertex scientists to conduct experiments using disease-relevant human cell models and analyze data.
• Maintain thorough, accurate records of methods and observations in an electronic lab notebook.
• Present results and key conclusions clearly to the Functional Genomics team and cross-functional partners.

Skills

Human cell culture

PCR & cloning

Flow cytometry

CRISPR-Cas9

Mammalian cell lines

Education

Master's or PhD in Biology/Genetics/Computational Biology

Tools

CRISPR-Cas9

Flow cytometry

Job description

## Spring 2027 Co-op, Functional GenomicsApply: Boston, MA: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: November 15, 2026 (30+ days left to apply): REQ-31105**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 Functional Genomics Co-op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, computational biology, or a related scientific discipline. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth-minded, a co-op at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our Research functional area and serve as a launchpad for your career.*The application deadline for this co-op is November 15th, 2026. 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:** The Functional Genomics group advances multiple small-molecule drug discovery programs at Vertex by applying cutting-edge genomic technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, high-throughput pooled genetic screening, and computational analysis of complex datasets. In this co-op role, the candidate will contribute to generating gene-edited cellular models, developing disease-relevant assays, and executing experiments that drive target validation and mechanism-of-action studies. Responsibilities will also include performing cellular screening experiments, evaluating compound activity using flow cytometry and high-content imaging, and analyzing data to guide project decisions. Working closely with scientists across teams, the Co-op will analyze and interpret experimental results and contribute to advancing therapeutic programs at Vertex.**Key Responsibilities:*** Contribute to study planning and oversee experimental activities in accordance with established protocols.* Collaborate with Vertex scientists to conduct experiments of varying complexity using disease-relevant human cell models, as well as analyze the resulting data, and summarize key findings.* Maintain thorough, accurate records of methods, observations, and results in an electronic laboratory notebook.* Present results and key conclusions clearly to the Functional Genomics team and cross-functional project partners.**What you will need to succeed:*** Currently pursuing a master's degree or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Computational Biology, or a related scientific discipline.* Hands-on experience with human cell culture/tissue culture is required.* Familiarity with fundamental molecular biology methods, including PCR and cloning is required.* Strong interest in and foundational understanding of genetics, genomics, and gene-editing technologies.* Experience with flow cytometry is highly preferred.* Experience using CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing is preferred.* Experience generating, maintaining, and characterizing mammalian cell lines, including clonal cell-line isolations and cell line validations is preferred.* 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 June 2027* You must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January – June 2027**Program Details:*** Full-time, paid co-op $30.00-40.00 USD/hour* Program Dates: January – June 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**Flex Eligibility Status:**This role is designated as the following:* 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.*