Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Process and Media Development

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free 24/7 onsite gym access

Subsidized commuter benefits

Provided meals—free breakfast daily

Career development opportunities

Social events

Location-specific perks

National Intern Day recognition

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US) offers a 6‑month Media Development Co‑Op. The position targets students in biomedical/chemical/bioprocess engineering and involves lab-based media development, omics analyses, and bioreactor operations under a scientist’s supervision.

On‑site in Boston, full‑time January–July 2027, with a pay rate of $35–$50 per hour. Applicants must be enrolled in an advanced degree program and able to work 40 hours/week; Vertex does not sponsor internships.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s candidate in a relevant engineering field with an advanced degree track.
• Aseptic technique and cell culture experience required.
• Familiarity with GMP practices and bioreactor operation desired.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States; Vertex sponsors no internship visas.

Responsibilities

• Support media development and lab-based activities for stem cell therapy projects.
• Conduct experiments, data analyses, and contribute to omics-related work.
• Collaborate with scientists and research associates to advance the project goals.
• Present project contributions at the end of the co-op period.

Skills

Bioprocess engineering

Aseptic technique

Cell culture

GMP awareness

Data analysis

Education

PhD student in biomedical/chemical/bioprocess engineering

Master's student in a related field

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 Process and Media Development Co‑Op is a 6‑month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, 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 Media Development functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career. The application deadline for this co‑op is November15th. 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 VCGT department, process development team focuses on developing processes and media for a stem cells therapy targeting patients with T1D. The co‑op position will be in the Media Development team reporting to a scientist and working with a group of scientists and research associates executing experiments on different scales and focusing on media development. The project will include different elements centering around media development, omics analyses and bioreactor design and operation.

Key Responsibilities

The co‑op position will mainly be lab‑based with expected time spent in lab to be at least 25‑30 hours weekly (out of 40) under the supervision of a scientist. The co‑op will be trained as necessary, will perform individual tasks and is expected to make original contributions to the project, in addition to working with members from the media team on day‑to‑day lab activities. The co‑op project will focus on cell culture optimization, media development, bioreactor operations, and data analyses. The co‑op is expected to interact with the broader Process Development team. A presentation of the co‑op’s project and contributions will take place at the end of the co‑op period.

Qualifications

PhD student in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering and bioprocess engineering OR master’s student in a similar field. Aseptic technique and cell culture experience required. Familiarity with bioreactors operations required. Familiarity with GMP compliance, raw material sourcing and general market analysis. 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 May2027. You must be available to work full‑time, 40 hours per week from January–July2027.

Program Details

Full‑time, paid co‑op $35.00 – 50.00 USD/hour. Program Dates: January–July2027. Application Deadline: November15th, 2026.

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.

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. 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.

Our 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.