Spring 2027 Co-op, Human Cell Models - iPSC Cell Biology Research

MFS Investments; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym access

Free meals daily

Commuter benefits

Development opportunities

Networking events

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston is seeking a Spring 2027 Co-op in the Human Cell Models - iPSC Cell Biology Research group. You will contribute to developing disease-relevant iPSC-derived cell models for drug discovery under mentorship, with hands-on lab work and data analysis.

Enrolled in an advanced degree, you will work full-time January–June 2027 in a paid on-site role. The position requires cell culture experience, strong communication, and a collaborative mindset in a dynamic research

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an advanced degree program (MS or PhD) in molecular biology, biological sciences, biomedical engineering, stem cell biology, or related field.
• Experience with cell culture and aseptic laboratory techniques is required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey scientific findings clearly.
• Demonstrated critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities for troubleshooting experiments.
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and collaborate in a dynamic research environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and validate iPSC-derived models.
• Identify and mitigate risks to enable robust model development.
• Culture iPSC lines and establish/characterize cell models.
• Conduct immunofluorescence, gene expression assays, and related cell biology experiments.
• Analyze and communicate data, with data-driven recommendations to the team.

Skills

Cell culture

Aseptic technique

Molecular biology

Data analysis

Communication

Education

MS/PhD candidate in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

GraphPad Prism

Job description

# Spring 2027 Co-op, Human Cell Models - iPSC Cell Biology ResearchVertex PharmaceuticalsBoston, MAFull-TimeOct 09, 2026Pharmaceutical## Job Description**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 Human Cell Models - iPSC Cell Biology Research Co-op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in molecular biology, biological sciences, biomedical engineering, stem cell 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 Co-op will join the Human Cell Models department within Vertex’s Boston Research organization. The Human Cell Models group develops disease-relevant cellular models and assays that enable early-stage drug discovery programs.In this role, the Co-op will help to develop, establish, and characterize physiologically relevant iPSC-derived cell models for use in drug discovery programs for muscle disease. Working closely with the broader research team, the Co-op will design and execute experiments, generate and interpret data, and contribute to robust, reproducible cellular models that inform drug discovery decisions.**Key Responsibilities:*** Design and execute experiments to develop and validate iPSC-derived models that support project objectives.* Identify and mitigate experimental risks, including cell line variability, to enable robust and reproducible model development.* Culture iPSC lines; establish and characterize iPSC-derived cell models. Conduct immunofluorescence microscopy, gene expression assays, and related cell biology experiments.* Troubleshoot and optimize methods to support protocol transfer across biology teams.* Analyze and communicate experimental findings, including data-driven recommendations, to the broader team.* Maintain accurate experimental records and contribute to a collaborative, detail-oriented research environment.**What you will need to succeed:*** Currently enrolled in an advanced degree program, Master’s (MS) or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology, or a related scientific discipline.* Experience with cell culture and aseptic laboratory technique is required.* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate scientific findings clearly.* Demonstrated critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges.* Willingness to learn, take initiative, and contribute effectively in a dynamic research environment.* Team-oriented mindset and ability to collaborate effectively with scientists and cross-functional partners.* Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate, thorough, and organized experimental records.* 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 **Technical Skills Required*** Mammalian cell culture and aseptic technique* Windows and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) **Preferred Skills*** Stem cell and molecular biology knowledge* Western blotting, gene expression analysis, immunostaining, and other cell-based assays* GraphPad Prism **Vertex offers co-op students the opportunity to contribute to meaningful science in a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative environment. The program provides:*** Hands-on experience in industry-leading biotechnology research* Mentorship and day-to-day guidance from experienced scientists* Opportunities to develop laboratory, data analysis, and professional communication skills* Exposure to cross-functional research teams and early-stage drug discovery workflows* Networking opportunities across Vertex research and development functions* Competitive compensation, consistent with applicable company policies and program requirements**Program Details:*** Full-time, paid co-op $30.00-50.00 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.*