Spring 2027 Co-Op, Structural Biology & Biophysics

Vertex Pharmaceuticals; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free 24/7 onsite gym access

Free meals—daily

Subsidized commuter benefits

Career development opportunities

Social events

Location-specific perks

Job summary

Vertex is offering a 6‑month Structural Biology & Biophysics co‑op for students pursuing an undergraduate or advanced degree in a related field. The on‑site, hands‑on program provides mentorship, training, and meaningful lab work advancing protein science and drug discovery, with a rolling application review and final deadline of November 15, 2026.

As a co‑op, you will gain experience in laboratory‑based discovery, data collection, and collaboration with seasoned scientists.

Qualifications

• 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 experience in structural biology, biophysics, or pharmaceutical research is preferred.
• 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 June2027.
• You must be available to work full‑time, 40 hours per week from January–June2027.

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.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Reliability and curiosity

Education

Pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degree in biochemistry/biology/chemistry/biotechnology/biophysics/molecular biology/pharmaceutical sciences

Tools

Excel

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 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 November15th,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 experience in structural biology, biophysics, or pharmaceutical research is preferred. Training and mentorship will be provided.


• 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. 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 June2027.


• You must be available to work full‑time, 40 hours per week from January–June2027.

Program Details:

Full-time, paid co‑op $20.00-35.00 USD/hour

Program Dates: January–June2027

Application Deadline: November15th,2026

Benefits:

• Free24/7 onsite gym access


• 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.

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]