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

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free 24/7 onsite gym access

Free breakfast daily

Subsidized commuter benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc in Boston is offering a 6-month Human Cell Models - iPSC Cell Biology Research Co-op. The role focuses on developing and characterizing iPSC-derived cell models for muscle disease, with mentorship and exposure to early drug discovery workflows.

Applicants must be enrolled in an advanced degree program (MS/PhD) and be eligible to work in the United States. The Co-op joins the Human Cell Models department, working on disease-relevant cellular models, data interpretation,

Qualifications

• Enrollment in an advanced degree program (MS/PhD) in a relevant field.
• Strong background in cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges and think critically.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to develop and validate iPSC-derived models.
• Establish and characterize physiologically relevant iPSC-derived cell models for drug discovery projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust, reproducible results.
• Analyze data and communicate findings to the broader team; maintain accurate records.
• Contribute to protocol transfer and troubleshooting across biology teams.

Skills

cell culture

aseptic technique

communication skills

problem solving

team collaboration

Education

MS or PhD in Molecular Biology

Enrolled in an advanced degree program

Tools

Microsoft Office

GraphPad Prism

Windows

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.

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.

Agency partner

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. Pay Range 30.00 – 50.00 USD/hour. The range provided is a reasonable estimate for the pay range for this job at the time of posting. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job‑related factors permitted by law. 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.

Pay and benefits disclosure

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].

Help Us Achieve Our Mission: Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion‑dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1‑mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH‑dependent Cushing’s syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 16 consecutive years on Science magazine’s Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

For company updates and to learn more about Vertex’s history of innovation, visit www.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.