Spring 2027 Co-Op, Protein Sciences

Vertex; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym access

Commuter benefits

Free breakfast daily

Career development opportunities

Social events

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is offering a 6-month Protein Sciences Co-Op in San Diego for students pursuing advanced degrees in biology or biochemistry.

You will develop and execute protein-based assays, express and purify proteins, and contribute to assay development and data analysis while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams in a fast-paced biotech environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Familiarity with protein expression and purification or biochemical and biophysical methods.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in protein science or related area preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and troubleshoot protocols.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with a willingness to learn new techniques.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship for internships/co-ops.
• Must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2027.
• Must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January – June 2027.

Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and improve biochemical, cell-based, and/or biophysical assays; analyze and communicate results.
• Express and purify recombinant proteins to support assays and research studies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Willingness to learn

Hands-on lab experience

Education

Advanced degree in biology/biochemistry

Tools

Protein expression

Purification methods

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 Protein Sciences Co-Op program is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth-minded, a co-op at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our Protein Sciences functional areas 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:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and innovative co-op scientist to join our Protein Sciences team in San Diego. The team applies biochemical, cell-based, and biophysical approaches to characterize protein targets, assess target engagement, and investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying their interactions with potential therapeutics.

The co-op will have the opportunity to develop and execute assays and contribute to protein expression and purification efforts that support these studies. This role offers hands-on experience in experimental design, assay development, data analysis, and collaboration across scientific disciplines. The co-op will have an opportunity to propose and test new technologies to improve current workflows and facilitate the structure determination of challenging targets using single particle CryoEM analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of a senior scientist at Vertex, the co-op will:

• Develop, execute, and improve biochemical, cell-based, and/or biophysical assays to assess protein quality and target engagement; analyze and communicate the results.
• Express and purify recombinant proteins as needed to support assay development and research studies.

What you will need to succeed:

• Pursuing an advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
• Familiarity with protein expression and purification or biochemical and biophysical methods.
• Preferred: Hands-on laboratory experience in protein science, assay development, or a related area. Experience with membrane proteins is desirable but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow, document, and troubleshoot experimental protocols.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with a willingness to learn new techniques.
• 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 $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

Our Ways of Working

Flex Designation: On-Site eligible in San Diego, CA

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

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.

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.

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]