Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Process Development Scientific Associate

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (US); United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite gym access

Commuter benefits

Free breakfast

Career development opportunities

Intern social events

Location perks

National Intern Day

Job summary

Vertex's six‑month Process Development Scientific Associate Co‑Op offers hands‑on experience in PD‑CGT, focusing on automating daily bioreactor media exchange and reducing manual workloads. You will learn hESC culture, script development, and document workflows within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team at Vertex in Boston.

The program runs January–June 2027, pays $25.00–$35.00 per hour, and requires full‑time availability. Rolling admissions and no sponsorship are noted in this posting.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with cell culture and aseptic technique.
• Programming or automation experience is strongly preferred.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States now and in the future.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop an automated process for daily bioreactor media exchange.
• Support execution of the CPI process using the automated script and document observations.
• Document project methods and results in the electronic notebook with workflow details and testing observations.
• Author or support authoring of an SOP describing the automated media exchange process.

Skills

Automation scripting

Programming

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering or related field

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.

About the role

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 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 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.
• 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 June2027.
• You must be available to work full‑time, 40 hours per week from January–June2027.

Program Details

• Full‑time, paid co‑op $25.00–35.00 USD/hour
• Program Dates: January–July2027
• Application Deadline: November15th2026

Benefits & Perks

• 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

At Vertex, we believe that when you feel your best, you canperform atyour best.

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.

Job posting and agency

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 third‑party agency; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third‑party agency upon offer.

Pay and Benefits Description

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].

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, type1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type1. 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.

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.