Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Process Development Scientific Associate

Vertex Pharmaceuticals LLC; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 71,635,000 - 100,289,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gym access

Transit and parking subsidies

Free breakfast daily

Job summary

Vertex is offering a 6-month Process Development Co-Op in Boston for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering or related fields. You will automate the daily bioreactor media exchange within the Upstream PD-CGT group, gaining hands-on experience in hESC culture and process automation.

The role involves designing an automated workflow, documenting methods, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience with cell culture and aseptic technique; bioreactor operation preferred.
• Programming or automation experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate findings, progress, and problems.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain detailed records and notes.
• Eagerness to learn new technologies and skills.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; Vertex does not sponsor internships/co-ops.
• Must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2027.
• Must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January - June 2027.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop an automated process for daily bioreactor media exchange.
• Support execution of the complete CPI process using the automated script, documenting observations and outcomes.
• Document project methods and results in the electronic notebook system, including workflow details, script functionality, testing observations, and conclusions.
• Author or support writing of an SOP describing the automated media exchange process, including steps and script use.
• Collaborate with internal process and automation stakeholders to gather information and review requirements.
• Prepare and deliver a final project summary describing the automation approach, testing results, workflow, SOP output, and estimated efficiency benefit.

Skills

Automation

Programming

Communication

Teamwork

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering/Chemical Engineering or related

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 Process Development Scientific Associate Co-Op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards a bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical 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 PD-CGT 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.

Ready to apply?

Submit your application and let's turn possibilities into reality!

What you will be doing:

The Upstream PD-CGT group is looking for a co-op to automate the daily media exchange process for the 2L STR bioreactor media exchange process. The co-op will develop an automated script intended to enable media exchange without operator intervention to reduce manual day-to-day operations and increase overall lab efficiency. The project will provide hands‑on learning in hESC culture and process automation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop an automated process for daily bioreactor media exchange
• Support execution of the complete CPI process using the automated script, documenting observations, outcomes, and any opportunities for further refinement.
• Document project methods and results in the electronic notebook system, including workflow details, script functionality, testing observations, and conclusions.
• Author or support authoring of an SOP describing the automated media exchange process, including required process steps and script use.
• Collaborate with internal process and automation stakeholders to gather information, review requirements, communicate project progress, and incorporate feedback into the solution.
• Prepare and deliver a final project summary describing the automation approach, testing results, documented workflow, SOP output, and estimated efficiency benefit

Qualifications:

• Currently perusing a bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• Experience with cell culture and aseptic technique. Bioreactor operation experience preferred
• Programming or automation experience is strongly preferred
• Ability to effectively communicate findings, progress, and problems
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and to maintain detailed and accurate records and notes
• Eagerness to learn new technologies and 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 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 $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 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: On‑Site - Bo