Spring 2027 Co-op, Integrated Pharmacology

JRNLClub; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite gym access

Subsidized commuter benefits

Provided meals—free breakfast daily

Job summary

Vertex is offering a 6‑month Integrated Pharmacology Co‑op for students pursuing advanced degrees in pharmacology or related sciences. You will work on meaningful in vivo and ex vivo studies, collaborating with experienced biologists to advance therapeutic concepts and contribute to drug discovery.

The role emphasizes mentorship, hands‑on experiment design, data analysis, and cross‑functional communication within a fast‑paced research setting.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree in pharmacology or related sciences.
• Experience with in vivo mouse techniques (SC, IV, PO, IP) and ex vivo lab methods.
• Ability to learn quickly, work independently and in a cross-functional team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and available Jan–Jun 2027.

Responsibilities

• Participate in planning, design, and execution of in vivo and ex vivo pharmacology studies under guidance.
• Aim to independently conduct experiments using established methods and study protocols.
• Analyze data and prepare summaries and figures for project teams.
• Present results at internal meetings and contribute to final project summary.
• Collaborate with cross-functional colleagues while managing timelines.

Skills

In vivo mouse techniques

Ex vivo methods

qPCR

Western blotting

Flow cytometry

Scientific communication

Education

Currently enrolled in undergraduate/graduate pharmacology or related sciences

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. 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:

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 beforeJune2027You must be available to work full‑time,40 hoursper week fromJanuary – June2027

Program Details:

Full‑time, paid co‑op$25.00‑50.00USD/hourProgram Dates: January – June2027Application Deadline: November15th, 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.

Combined Pay & Temp Status Disclosure (FOR REMOTE AND/OR CALIFORNIA BASED ROLES):Pay Range25.00–50.00USD/hour

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.

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]