Spring Co-Op 2027, Combination Device Technologies & Innovation

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; On-site; USD 85,962,000 - 143,270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gym access

Commuter benefits

Free breakfast daily

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is offering a 6‑month co‑op focused on combination device analytical development within the Biopharma CGT space. This role targets MS or PhD students, providing hands‑on experience in advanced non‑destructive techniques and AI‑assisted workflows.

The co‑op runs January through July 2027, with on‑site work across Boston and Providence, RI, and a paid hourly compensation. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with a Nov 15 deadline.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an MS or PhD program in Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Applied Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of analytical chemistry, material science, or spectroscopy principles.
• Experience with laboratory techniques and instrumentation, including FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis and non-destructive testing techniques (HVLD, Vacuum Decay).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings and contributing to documentation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to advancement of Vertex's Biopharma CGT combination device analytical development capabilities.
• Build and enhance capabilities for the Device COE's Center of Excellence for combination device analytical development.
• Participate in AI-assisted analytical workflows, process automation, and digital tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and document findings clearly.

Skills

MS/PhD candidate

Analytical chemistry

Spectroscopy

Non-destructive testing

Analytical problem solving

Communication

Education

MS/PhD program in Chemical Engineering/Physical Chemistry/Applied Sciences/Biomedical Engineering

Tools

Python

R

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’llwork on meaningful projects, collaborate with talented teams, and learn from industry leaders.We’repassionate about innovation, inclusion, and supporting your growth—inside and outside the lab.

Why Vertex?

Real Projects:You’llwork 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 Combination Device Technologies & Innovation is a 6‑month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Physical chemistry, Applied sciences or other related fields. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth‑minded, a co‑op at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our Biopharma CGT functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.

The application deadline for this co‑op is November 15th. 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

Device Technologies & Innovation is Vertex's domain‑grounded group for making the 2027 Human + AI workforce real in combination product development. This co‑op is among the first headcount for this group — a founding role that will help establish the group's analytical and enabling technology capabilities from the ground up. This co‑op position offers a unique opportunity for a highly motivated MS or PhD student to actively contribute to the advancement of Vertex's Biopharma CGT Combination Device Analytical Development capabilities. The individual will play a pivotal role in helping build and enhance new capabilities for the Device COE's Center of Excellence for combination device analytical development, with a specific focus on pioneering and implementing cutting‑edge enabling technologies. This includes gaining hands‑on experience with advanced non‑destructive analytical techniques such as applied spectroscopy (Raman spectroscopy, UV‑Vis), Chemical Hyperspectral Imaging, Vacuum Decay, Helium Leak Detection, and MicroCurrent High‑Voltage Leak Detection (HVLDmc) — crucial for ensuring the quality and integrity of combination products, particularly autoinjectors and cell therapy delivery systems. The co‑op will also contribute to AI‑assisted analytical workflows, process automation, and digital tools that operate at the intersection of experimental data and GMP process models — translating Vertex's internal scientific knowledge into deployable enabling technology for combination product programs.

Key Learnings Expected

In‑depth understanding of combination device development, analytical characterization challenges, and regulatory considerations in the Biopharma CGT space.

• Practical proficiency in advanced non‑destructive analytical techniques including spectroscopic methods (Raman, UV‑Vis, FTIR) and leak detection technologies applied to autoinjectors and cell therapy products.
• Hands‑on experience at the intersection of GMP analytical science, process data engineering, and AI/digital tool deployment — a combination not available in any single academic or traditional industry setting.
• Experience in a dynamic R&D environment: collaborative teamwork, project management, and scientific communication within a leading biopharmaceutical company.

Required Skills

• Currently enrolled in an MS or PhD program in Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Applied Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of analytical chemistry, material science, or spectroscopy principles.
• Experience with laboratory techniques and instrumentation, including spectroscopic methods (FTIR, Raman, UV‑Vis) and/or non‑destructive testing techniques (Vacuum Decay, HVLD, functional testing of medical devices).
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑oriented research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings and contributing to documentation.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with challenges in characterization of autoinjectors or cell therapy products.
• Programming experience in Python, R, or equivalent for data processing and model building.
• Interest in AI‑assisted analytical workflows, digital twins, or process automation in a GMP setting.
• Exposure to GMP or regulatory environments in biopharmaceutical or medical device settings.
• Familiarity with machine learning or AI frameworks applied to scientific or spectral data.

Qualifications

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 – July 2027.

Program Details

Full‑time, paid co‑op $30.00 – 50.00 USD/hour

Program Dates: January – July 2027

Application Deadline: November 15th, 2026

Benefits

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‑specific perks and extras!
• Recognition of National Intern Day

Ways of Working

Flex Designation:On‑Site - Boston ; On‑Site Providence, RI

Flex Eligibility Status:On‑Site: work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility between Providence, RI & Boston, MA. Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex’s Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Third‑Party Agency

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.

Pay Range

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].

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 16 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.

Culture

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.