Spring Co-Op 2027, Combination Device Technologies & Innovation at Vertex Pharmaceuticals

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 Combination Device Technologies & Innovation is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Physical chemistry, Applied 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 Biopharma 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: 
Device Technologies & Innovation is Vertex's domain-grounded group for making the 2027 Human + AI workforce real in combination product development. This co-op is among the first headcount for this group — a founding role that will help establish the group's analytical and enabling technology capabilities from the ground up.

This co-op position offers a unique opportunity for a highly motivated MS or PhD student to actively contribute to the advancement of Vertex's Biopharma CGT Combination Device Analytical Development capabilities. The individual will play a pivotal role in helping build and enhance new capabilities for the Device COE's Center of Excellence for combination device analytical development, with a specific focus on pioneering and implementing cutting-edge enabling technologies.

This includes gaining hands-on experience with advanced non-destructive analytical techniques such as applied spectroscopy (Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis), Chemical Hyperspectral Imaging, Vacuum Decay, Helium Leak Detection, and MicroCurrent High-Voltage Leak Detection (HVLDmc) — crucial for ensuring the quality and integrity of combination products, particularly autoinjectors and cell therapy delivery systems.

The co-op will also contribute to AI-assisted analytical workflows, process automation, and digital tools that operate at the intersection of experimental data and GMP process models — translating Vertex's internal scientific knowledge into deployable enabling technology for combination product programs.

Key Learnings Expected

In-depth understanding of combination device development, analytical characterization challenges, and regulatory considerations in the Biopharma CGT space
Practical proficiency in advanced non-destructive analytical techniques including spectroscopic methods (Raman, UV-Vis, FTIR) and leak detection technologies applied to autoinjectors and cell therapy products
Hands-on experience at the intersection of GMP analytical science, process data engineering, and AI/digital tool deployment — a combination not available in any single academic or traditional industry setting
Experience in a dynamic R&D environment: collaborative teamwork, project management, and scientific communication within a leading biopharmaceutical company

Required Skills

Currently enrolled in an MS or PhD program in Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Applied Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field

Strong theoretical and practical understanding of analytical chemistry, material science, or spectroscopy principles

Experience with laboratory techniques and instrumentation, including spectroscopic methods (FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis) and/or non-destructive testing techniques (Vacuum Decay, HVLD, functional testing of medical devices)

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment

Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings and contributing to documentation

Preferred Skills

Familiarity with challenges in characterization of autoinjectors or cell therapy products
Programming experience in Python, R, or equivalent for data processing and model building
Interest in AI-assisted analytical workflows, digital twins, or process automation in a GMP setting
Exposure to GMP or regulatory environments in biopharmaceutical or medical device settings
Familiarity with machine learning or AI frameworks applied to scientific or spectral data

Qualifications:

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 – July 2027

Program Details:  

Full-time, paid co-op $30.00 – 50.00 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 - Boston ; On-Site Providence, RI

Flex Eligibility Status:  On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility between Providence, RI & Boston, MA

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 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. 

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

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 ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com