Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Process Chemistry

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site gym access

Transit benefits

Free meals

Career development opportunities

Social events

Location-specific Boston perks

Job summary

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated in Boston is seeking a Process Chemistry Co‑op for January–July 2027. You will apply organic synthesis expertise to develop scalable manufacturing processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients while gaining hands‑on experience with photoredox catalysis, flow chemistry, and DoE under mentor guidance.

This 6‑month, paid, full‑time co‑op offers structured training, collaboration with chemistry and engineering teams, and opportunities to present data and

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Third-year undergraduate or above at co-op start.
• Completion of undergraduate organic chemistry coursework and labs.
• Interest in synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, process chemistry, or pharmaceutical development.
• Ability to work safely and collaboratively in a lab.
• Strong written and verbal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; Vertex does not sponsor internships/co-ops for this role.
• Enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before May 2027.
• Available to work full-time (40 hours/week) January–July 2027.

Responsibilities

• Support development and execution of scalable manufacturing processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients.
• Train in advanced lab techniques: flow chemistry, photochemistry, and DoE.
• Collaborate with chemists and engineers to design experiments.
• Maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks and record data.
• Evaluate reaction optimization and kinetics.
• Present progress and results to project team and stakeholders.
• Operate analytical instruments (NMR, HPLC, GC, LC‑MS, IR) after training.

Skills

Organizational skills

Documentation

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry

Tools

NMR

HPLC

GC

LC-MS

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 Chemistry Co-Op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards a bachelor's or master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry 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 Process Chemistry 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:

Vertex Process Chemistry is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically curious co‑op student to join our team in January of 2027. Within Process Chemistry, scientists apply their expertise in organic synthetic chemistry to develop and execute scalable manufacturing processes of active pharmaceutical ingredients as these novel therapeutics undergo clinical trials.

This role offers the opportunity to directly contribute to impactful process development research at Vertex while working with Process Chemistry and Engineering scientists in our collaborative, fast‑paced environment. With thorough training and hands‑on experience, the co‑op will support the application of advanced technologies for the optimization and scale‑up of photoredox catalysis, including high‑throughput experimentation, flow chemistry, and machine learning tools.

Key Responsibilities

As a Process Chemistry Co‑op, you will have the opportunity to:

Train in advanced laboratory & experimental design techniques (flow chemistry, photochemistry, Design‑of‑Experiments [DoE], Bayesian optimization, etc.).

• Work closely with a team of chemists and engineers to design novel chemical experiments through group discussion and collaboration.
• Apply good laboratory techniques to the syntheses of complex organic compounds according to the developed research plan.
• Maintain a thorough record of your work through a detailed and clearly written electronic laboratory notebook.
• Evaluate reaction optimization techniques for photoredox catalysis.
• Develop a substrate scope, determine functional group tolerance, identify reactivity limitations, and evaluate reaction kinetics under the conditions identified in reaction optimization.
• Use scientific literature to guide experimental design and interpret results.
• Present project progress and experimental data, and recommendations to the project team.
• Once trained, operate and interpret data from relevant analytical instruments (e.g. NMR, HPLC, GC, LC‑MS, IR, etc.).
• Deliver a presentation to the Process Chemistry department and prepare a research summary document upon the completion of the co‑op.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Third‑year undergraduate student or above at the start of the co‑op term.
• Completion of undergraduate organic chemistry coursework and associated laboratory courses.
• Strong interest in synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, process chemistry, or pharmaceutical development.
• Ability to work safely, independently, and collaboratively in a laboratory environment.
• Strong organization, documentation, problem‑solving, and both written and verbal communication skills.
• 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 beforeMay 2027
• You must be available to work full‑time,40 hoursper week fromJanuary - July 2027

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship, undergraduate research, or laboratory experience.
• Prior experience in synthetic organic chemistry research is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with one or more analytical techniques (e.g. NMR, HPLC, GC, LC‑MS, IR, etc.).
• Experience searching scientific literature, patents, and chemical databases.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and organize experimental results and communicate scientific findings clearly.

Program Details

• Full‑time, paid co‑op $25.00 - $35.00 USD/hour

• Program Dates: January - July 2027

• Application Deadline: November 15th, 2026

At Vertex, we believe that when you feel your best, you canperform atyour best.That'swhy 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-specificperksand 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.

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