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

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gym access

Commuter benefits

Free meals

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated in Boston is seeking a 6‑month Human Cell Models Co‑op in the iPSC biology space. You will join a dynamic team that develops disease-relevant cellular models for early drug discovery, designing experiments, generating data, and contributing to robust cellular models while learning from experts.

The program offers paid co-op status, mentorship, and exposure to cross‑functional teams with competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an advanced degree program (MS/PhD).
• Relevant biology/science coursework and hands-on lab experience preferred.
• A proactive, collaborative mindset with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop iPSC-derived models.
• Identify and mitigate experimental risks to ensure robust models.
• Culture iPSC lines and characterize iPSC-derived cell models.
• Analyze data and communicate findings to the team.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Aseptic technique

Windows

Microsoft Office

Stem cell knowledge

Molecular biology

Western blotting

Gene expression analysis

Immunostaining

GraphPad Prism

Education

MS or PhD in Molecular Biology or related

Tools

GraphPad Prism

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'llwork on meaningful projects, collaborate with talented teams, and learn from industry leaders.We'repassionate about innovation, inclusion, and supporting your growth-inside and outside the lab.

Why Vertex?

• Real Projects:You'llwork 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.

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 beforeJune 2027
• You must be available to work full-time,40 hoursper week fromJanuary - 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 canperform atyour best.That'swhy 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-specificperksand 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.

Pay Range

$0 - $0

Disclosure Statement

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]