Spring 2027 Co-Op, Structural Biology & Biophysics

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

Boston (MA)

On-site

USD 28,000 - 48,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite gym access & group classes

Subsidized commuter benefits

Provided meals – free breakfast daily

Job summary

Vertex is seeking a curious and motivated laboratory co‑op to support the Structural Biology and Biophysics team in Boston, MA. This on‑site, full‑time, paid 6‑month program runs January through June 2027, with a 40‑hour work week and mentored research opportunities in protein science and drug discovery.

Applicants must be enrolled in an advanced degree program and authorized to work in the United States. Vertex offers mentoring, networking, and career development along with competitive pay.

Qualifications

Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field.
Available to work on-site for the full duration of the co‑op assignment.
Interest in laboratory research, protein science, structural biology, biophysics, or drug discovery.
Completion of introductory college coursework with a lab component in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or related field.
Comfortable following detailed procedures and asking questions when clarification is needed.
Ability to keep clear, accurate records of work performed.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Support daily laboratory activities and research projects within the Structural Biology and Biophysics team.
Learn and perform routine laboratory techniques under experienced scientists.
Prepare buffers, reagents, samples, and assay plates by established procedures.
Support biochemical and biophysical assay activities, including nephelometry‑based experiments.
Collect, organize, and document experimental data using notebooks, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and reports.
Follow Vertex laboratory safety, quality, documentation, and compliance requirements.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Laboratory skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in a related scientific field

Tools

Excel

Electronic lab notebooks

Nephelometry

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 will 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 Structural Biology & Biophysics Co‑Op program is a 6‑month experiential training program for students currently working towards an undergraduate or advanced degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, 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 Structural Biology and Biophysics 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 is seeking a curious and motivated laboratory co‑op student to support our Structural Biology and Biophysics team. This hands‑on opportunity is designed for students who are interested in learning about laboratory‑based drug discovery research, protein science, and biophysical characterization.

Working alongside experienced scientists, the co‑op student will receive guidance and training while contributing to experiments that help characterize proteins, assess molecular interactions, and support the advancement of potential therapies. The role is based on‑site, with laboratory work being a core component of the position.

Key Responsibilities:

Support daily laboratory activities and research projects within the Structural Biology and Biophysics team.
Learn and perform routine laboratory techniques under the guidance of experienced scientists.
Prepare buffers, reagents, samples, and assay plates by following established procedures.
Support biochemical and biophysical assay activities, including nephelometry‑based experiments used to evaluate properties such as sample solubility, aggregation, or precipitation.
Collect, organize, and document experimental data using laboratory notebooks, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and reports.
Follow Vertex laboratory safety, quality, documentation, and compliance requirements.

What you will need to succeed:

Pursuing a bachelor\'s or master\'s degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or another related scientific field.
Available to work on‑site for the full duration of the co‑op assignment.
Interest in laboratory research, protein science, structural biology, biophysics, or drug discovery.
Completion of introductory college coursework with a laboratory component in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field.
Comfortable following detailed procedures and asking questions when clarification is needed.
Ability to keep clear, accurate records of work performed.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively as part of a team.

Prior exposure to structural biology and/or biophysics through coursework, academic research, laboratory projects, internships, or scientific literature review is beneficial.
Interest in structural biology, biophysics, protein science, biochemistry, or drug discovery.
Exposure to laboratory techniques such as protein purification, protein assays, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, or biophysical characterization.
Familiarity with nephelometry, turbidity measurements, microplate‑based assays, plate readers, or laboratory automation is beneficial but not required.
Experience using Excel or similar tools to organize, analyze, and graph scientific data.
Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks, scientific documentation, or presenting project results.
Demonstrated curiosity, reliability, and enthusiasm for developing laboratory and scientific problem‑solving skills.
Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future. 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 20.00–35.00 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

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.

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.