Spring 2027 Co-op, Integrated Pharmacology

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free 24/7 onsite gym access and group‑

Subsidized commuter benefits (transit/

Provided meals—free breakfast daily!

Career development opportunities

Company-wide events

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is offering a 6-month Integrated Pharmacology Co-op in Boston. The role focuses on in vivo pharmacology studies, ex vivo analyses, and collaboration within a cross-functional team.

You will design, execute, and interpret experiments under supervision, with opportunities to present findings and contribute to project progress. The program is full-time, paid, January–June 2027, with pay range $25.00–$50.00 per hour.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in pharmacology, biological sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience with in vivo mouse techniques including dosing and tissue collection.
• Experience with ex vivo laboratory techniques such as protein-based assays, flow cytometry, and molecular biology methods.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Excellent written and verbal scientific communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Participate in planning, design, and execution of in vivo and ex vivo pharmacology studies under guidance.
• Independently conduct assigned experiments using established SOPs and protocols.
• Prepare clear scientific summaries, figures, and presentations for project teams.
• Present findings at internal group meetings and contribute to final project reports.

Skills

In vivo pharmacology

In vivo mouse techniques

Ex vivo methods

qPCR

Flow cytometry

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Undergraduate or graduate degree in pharmacology or related

Tools

Flow cytometry

Western blotting

ELISA

qPCR

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 Integrated Pharmacology Co‑op is a 6‑month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in pharmacology, biological sciences, 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.

What you will be doing

We are seeking a talented, self‑motivated, and collaborative in vivo pharmacology Co‑op to support late‑stage drug discovery within our Integrated Pharmacology team. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced biologists in a highly collaborative environment, contributing to studies that establish therapeutic proof‑of‑concept across diverse disease areas. Under the guidance of their manager, the co‑op will support the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of sophisticated in vivo and ex vivo experiments. Responsibilities will include conducting experiments, analyzing and documenting data, and communicating findings to cross‑functional project teams. The ideal candidate has a foundational understanding of pharmacology and hands‑on familiarity with in vivo mouse techniques and ex vivo method, including protein‑based assays (e.g., Western blotting), flow cytometry, cell isolation, cell fractionation and molecular techniques including qPCR, is preferred. The successful candidate will be a dependable, detail‑oriented team player with strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, cross‑functional environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning, design, and execution of in vivo and ex vivo pharmacology studies under guidance of manager or project team, demonstrating sound scientific judgment and reliable follow‑through.
• Work towards independently conducting assigned experiments using established methodologies, standard operating procedures, and study protocols.
• Apply literature‑based methods and, with guidance from supervisor, adapt or optimize protocols to meet experimental needs and improve assay performance.
• Conduct initial data analysis, interpretation, and summarization using appropriate scientific and analytical approaches; identify key findings, conclusions, and potential follow‑up studies.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and well‑organized experimental records, including methods, raw data, observations, analyses, and conclusions, in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Prepare clear scientific summaries, figures, and presentations to communicate study progress, data, findings, and recommendations to project team members.
• Present experimental results at internal group research meetings, as appropriate.
• Prepare a final presentation and/or written project summary outlining project objectives, methods, findings, conclusions, and proposed next steps.
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional colleagues while independently managing assigned experimental activities, priorities, and timelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you will need to succeed

Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in pharmacology, biological sciences, or a related scientific discipline. Experience with in vivo mouse techniques, including subcutaneous (SC), intravenous (IV), oral (PO), and intraperitoneal (IP) dosing; perfusion; and blood and tissue collection. Experience with ex vivo laboratory techniques, including protein‑based assays (e.g., Western blotting and ELISA), flow cytometry, and molecular biology methods such as qPCR. Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn, understand, and apply new scientific concepts, methodologies, and laboratory techniques. Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment. Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and results‑focused, with the flexibility to adapt and thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic research setting. Excellent written, verbal, and scientific communication skills, with the ability to clearly document experimental work and communicate results to team members. 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 $25.00-50.00 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.

Benefits

• 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

• 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.

Combined Pay & Temp Status Disclosure (FOR REMOTE AND/OR CALIFORNIA BASED ROLES)

Pay Range 25.00 – 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, 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].

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 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.

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.