Vertex Spring 2027 Co-op, Scientific Writing and Disease Area Communications

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

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gym access

Commuter benefits

Free meals—breakfast daily

Career development opportunities

Social events

Location-specific perks

National Intern Day recognition

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US) is offering a 6‑month Scientific Writing and Disease Area Communications Co‑op for students pursuing life sciences, journalism, or communications. You will support cross‑functional projects across our disease areas, contribute to internal and external content, and gain valuable experience in corporate communications.

Selected candidates will work closely with project leads, deliver results under deadlines, and participate in a hybrid/onsite program with paid

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or advanced degree program in life sciences, journalism, communications, marketing or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
• Prior internship experience in communications or medical/pharma industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support and potentially lead communications projects across disease areas in Vertex pipeline.
• Create internal and external content about medicines, disease areas and program announcements.
• Develop website copy and social media content related to milestones and conferences.
• Write and package patient and employee stories and multimedia content for intranet.
• Assist with education and awareness efforts for disease areas; gather campaign metrics.

Education

Bachelor's or pursuing degree in life sciences, journalism, communications, marketing or related field

Excellent verbal and written communication

Self-starter, highly motivated

Ability to deliver results under tight deadlines

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 Scientific Writing and Disease Area Communications Co‑Op program is a 6‑month experiential training program for students currently working towards an undergraduate or advanced degree in life sciences, journalism, communications, marketing 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 Corporate Communications Management 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:

The Corporate Communications - Scientific Writing and Disease Area Communications Co‑op will gain valuable experience through supporting, and in some cases leading, several important communications projects across the disease areas in our research pipeline at Vertex. In pipeline communications, we work across the company to create both internal and external content about our medicines, disease and program areas, program announcements and research at Vertex. We plan to hire up to two (2) candidates for this role. Both selected candidates will work closely with project leads and other cross‑functional team members on defined programs and projects and will also provide general day‑to‑day support across our pipeline as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Support the team and business partners by helping create and execute on communications plans for pipeline announcements and content campaigns (such as launching a video series).

Support our digital communications team on key projects, including developing website copy and drafting social media content related to program milestones, disease recognition and pipeline‑related conferences.

Write and produce pipeline‑related content for our employee intranet by researching, writing and packaging articles, patient and employee stories and multimedia content.

Support disease affinity recognition throughout the year by writing internal and external content to educate our audiences and raise awareness for Vertex disease areas.

Compile metrics from communications campaigns and provide insight to help guide creation of media and digital strategy and planning for future initiatives.

Provide support for ongoing communications initiatives and ad hoc projects, as needed.

What you will need to succeed:

Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in life sciences (biology, biomedicine, pharmacology, etc.), journalism, communications, marketing or a related field.

Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with excellent attention to detail.

Ability to succeed in a fast‑paced environment with multiple, competing priorities.

Understanding of the scientific method and scientific concepts.

Prior internship experience in communications and/or in the medical/pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry preferred.

Ability to deliver results with limited direction and guidance and on tight deadlines – a self‑starter.

Highly motivated and energetic.

Strong work ethic and tenacity.

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: Hybrid‑Eligible Or On‑Site Eligible Flex Eligibility Status: In this Hybrid‑Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:

• Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week.

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.

Combined Pay & Temp Status Disclosure (FOR REMOTE AND/OR CALIFORNIA BASED ROLES):

Pay Range 20.00 – 35.00 USD/hour

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.

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.

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 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.