Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Predictive Models

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

Benefits offered by this job

Real projects

Mentorship & networking

Flexible work options

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Vertex Predictive Models Co-op is a 6-month experiential training program for students pursuing an advanced degree in Biological Sciences or related fields.

You will join a collaborative research team, develop predictive in vitro assays for islet engraftment, and contribute to translational biomarker research. The program runs January–July 2027 with a rolling application and an emphasis on hands-on learning.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in biological sciences or a related field.
• Experience with cell-based assays and/or mammalian cell culture.
• Strong documentation and data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Support development of predictive in vitro assays for islet engraftment.
• Perform cell-based assays to evaluate viability, function, stress responses, biomarker profiles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team and communicate results to project team.
• Prepare final presentation or project summary outlining findings and next steps.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and documentation.

Skills

Basic cell-based assays

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Scientific documentation

Data interpretation

Team collaboration

Detail-oriented

Biomarker familiarity

Translational research interest

Education

Master's/PhD in Biological Sciences or related field

Tools

Cell culture

Mammalian cell-based assays

Biomarker analysis

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 Predictive Models 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 Analytical Development 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:

The Co-op will support the development of predictive in vitro assays designed to identify factors associated with successful islet engraftment, graft resilience, and in vivo performance. This role offers hands-on experience in cell-based assay development, functional characterization of islet systems, and translational biomarker research.

Working as part of a collaborative research team, the Co-op will evaluate islet systems under transplantation-relevant stress conditions—including oxidative stress, serum exposure, cytokines, and other challenges that model the implantation environment. The successful candidate will contribute to experimental execution, data analysis, scientific documentation, and communication of findings to the project team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the design, planning, and execution of in vitro studies using islet-based systems.
• Perform cell-based assays to evaluate Cell viability, Functional performance, Stress responses, Biomarker profiles.
• Evaluate transplantation-relevant stress conditions, such as oxidative stress, serum exposure, cytokine challenge, and related implantation-environment models.
• Assist in identifying assay readouts that may correlate with engraftment, graft resilience, and in vivo outcome.
• Analyze, interpret, and summarize experimental data using appropriate scientific and analytical methods.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized experimental records, including methods, raw data, observations, and conclusions.
• Communicate study progress, results, and recommendations clearly to project team members.
• Prepare a final presentation and/or written project summary outlining findings, conclusions, and proposed next steps.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional colleagues while independently managing assigned experimental activities.

Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree (Master's/PhD)
• Basic laboratory experience with cell-based assays and/or mammalian cell culture.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and scientific documentation skills.
• Ability to interpret experimental data and communicate results clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Detail-oriented approach to experimental execution, data recording, and quality of work.
• Familiarity with assays related to: Cell viability, Cellular function, Stressing culture, Biomarker.
• Interest in translational research, assay development, and cell therapy or regenerative medicine
• 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/hr
• Program Dates: January - July 2027
• Application Deadline: November 15th, 2026

At Vertex, we believe tha