Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Long Read Sequencing

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym access

Subsidized commuter benefits

Provided meals

Career development opportunities

Company social events

Location-specific perks

Job summary

Vertex is offering a 6-month Long Read Sequencing Co‑Op in Boston for students pursuing an advanced degree in biological sciences or related fields. The program provides meaningful work on sequencing projects, mentorship, and exposure to CGT AD areas.

Applicants must be enrolled in a relevant master's or PhD program, be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship, and be available January through June 2027. The role is full‑time and paid at $35–$50 per hour.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Systems/Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, or related fields.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States, Vertex does not sponsor internships/co-ops.
• Enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2027; January–June 2027 availability.

Responsibilities

• RNA sequencing for modification and isoform analysis in stem cells and pancreatic islets.
• Conduct plasmid integration analysis for monoclonal antibody–producing cell lines.
• Direct RNA or cDNA sequencing to verify heavy/light chains and support variant calling.
• Evaluate mRNA integrity and polyA tail characterization with direct RNA sequencing.

Skills

Nucleic acid extraction

cDNA preparation

Sequencing library prep

Experiment design

Oxford Nanopore

R & Python

Linux

Minimap2

Samtools

DESeq2

GSEA

Education

Master's

PhD

Tools

Oxford Nanopore Systems

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 Long Read Sequencing Co‑Op is a 6‑month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in Biological 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 BSMO CGT AD 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:

• RNA Sequencing for modification (m6a, m5c, pseudouridine, etc.) and isoform analysis to characterize stem cells and stem cell derived pancreatic islets.
• Conduct plasmid integration analysis for development and assessment of monoclonal antibody‑producing cell lines, using targeted or whole genome sequencing.
• Direct RNA or cDNA sequencing to verify monoclonal antibody heavy‑and light‑chain sequences and support variant calling.
• Evaluate mRNA integrity and polyA tail characterization using direct RNA sequencing.

Required Skills:

• Nucleic acid extraction, cDNA preparation and sequencing library preparation
• Ability to design and analyze experiments for developing analytical assay
• Experience with Oxford Nanopore systems
• Proficiency with R or Python, Linux system and high process computing system
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools such as minimap2 and samtools
• Data analysis tools such as DESEQ2 and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis

Key Deliverables at Project Completion :

• Establish workflows/assay to support applications of long read sequencing
• Execution of the experiments and analyzing the dataset with statistical approach

Key Learnings Expected:

• Knowledge pertaining to developing an assay and bringing it through feasibility assessment such as accuracy and precision.
• Deeper understanding into principles of stem cell and pancreatic islets biology
• Presentation of large dataset and experimental findings.

Qualifications:

• Master's / PhD
• Majors: Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biological Engineering, etc.
• 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 $35.00 - 50.00 USD/hour
• Program Dates: January - July 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.

Benefits

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