Spring 2027 Co-Op, Structural Biology & Biophysics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free 24/7 onsite gym access

Free group exercise classes

Subsidized commuter benefits

Provided meals—free breakfast daily!

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US) seeks a curious, motivated co-op in its Structural Biology and Biophysics group. The role focuses on laboratory-based drug discovery, protein science, and biophysical characterization, with mentorship from senior scientists and hands-on experiments.

On-site, full-time commitment for January–June 2027, with a structured training path. Ideal candidates are pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, or related fields, and must be available

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.
• Must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2027.

Responsibilities

• Support daily laboratory activities and research projects within the Structural Biology and Biophysics team.
• Learn and perform routine laboratory techniques under supervision.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, samples, and assay plates following procedures.
• Assist biochemical and biophysical assays and data collection.
• Document experimental data clearly and accurately in notebooks and electronic systems.

Skills

Lab techniques

Protein science

Biophysics

Data recording

Education

Biochemistry / related field

Biology / Chemistry / Biophysics degree

Job description

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 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 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.

This job posting is for a temporary role with a third‑party agency partner that provides services to Vertex. The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of that third‑party agency; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third‑party agency upon offer. 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.

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].

Help Us Achieve Our Mission 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 17 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.