Spring Co-Op 2027, Process Development Upstream

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; On-site; USD 42,981,000 - 50,145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite gym access

Subsidized commuter benefits

Provided meals — free breakfast daily!

Career development opportunities

Company and intern events

Job summary

Vertex is offering a 6-month Mechanical Automation Co‑Op for students pursuing an undergraduate or Master’s degree in Engineering, Biotech, Biology, or related fields. The program provides meaningful project experience within the VCGT T1D PD areas, with mentorship and networking opportunities.

The paid co‑op runs January to June 2027 in Boston, MA, with eligibility requiring at least one prior internship/co‑op and U.S. work authorization.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (Master's preferred) in Biotech, Biology, Engineering, or related field.
• Must have at least 1 internship/co-op before.
• Some exposure to cell culture techniques.
• Experience compiling and graphing data.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; Vertex does not sponsor internships.

Responsibilities

• Cell culture in 2D environments (T-flasks).
• Record, compile, analyze, and present data to the broader team.
• Projects focus on assessing alternative raw materials for robustness.
• Projects involving stability and variability between lots may be included.
• Learn about the 3D bioreactor portion of the process.

Skills

Cell culture

Data analysis

Internship/Co-op experience

Education

Undergraduate or graduate program (Master's preferred)

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.

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.

Your Impact

The Vertex Mechanical Automation Co‑Op program is a 6‑month experiential training program for students currently working towards an undergraduate or advanced degree (Master's preferred) in Engineering, Biotech, Biology, 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 VCGT T1D PD functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.

What you will be doing:

• Cell culture in 2D environments such as T‑flasks.
• Recording, compiling, analyzing, and presenting data to the broader team.
• Projects focus on the assessment of alternative raw materials for the program in efforts to find a robust solution to current challenges.
• Projects involving assessing stability and variability between lots of raw material may be included.
• The Co‑op also has the opportunity to learn about the 3D bioreactor related portion of the process.

What you will need to succeed:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (Master's preferred) in Biotech, Biology, Engineering, or another related field.
• Must have done at least 1 internship/co‑op before.
• At least some exposure to cell culture techniques.
• Experience compiling and graphing data.
• 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.

Program Details:

• Full‑time, paid co‑op $30.00 – 35.00 USD/hour.
• Program Dates: January – June 2027.
• Application Deadline: November 15th, 2026.

Pay Range: $0 - $0 Disclosure Statement:

Pay Range: $0 - $0. 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.

Our Ways of Working

• Flex Designation: On‑Site Eligible in Boston, MA.
• Flex Eligibility Status: On‑Site: work five days per week on‑site with ad hoc flexibility.

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.

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.

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.

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.