Spring Co-Op 2027, Preformulation 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 Preformulation Co-Op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an undergraduate or advanced degree in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Automation 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 Formulation 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: 
Vertex is seeking a motivated Co-Op, Preformulation Automation to join our Preformulation group in Pharmaceutical Sciences & Manufacturing in Boston. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a student to contribute to automation initiatives that support early formulation development activities for preclinical drug candidates. The Co-Op will work closely with formulation scientists and cross-functional partners to help streamline laboratory workflows, improve data capture and analysis, and support the development of automated tools and systems within the Preformulation environment.

This position is ideal for a student with an interest in pharmaceutical development, laboratory automation, data systems, and process improvement. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced research environment while contributing to projects that enhance efficiency, reproducibility, and data quality.

Key Responsibilities:

Support automation workflows on preclinical drug candidates within the Preformulation group
Collect, organize, and analyze experimental and operational data to support decision-making
Document procedures, system parameters, results, and project updates in a clear and organized manner
Participate in troubleshooting automation systems, scripts, or data workflows as needed
Partner with scientists to understand current workflows and identify opportunities for automation and process optimization
Assist with the development, testing, and implementation of automated laboratory processes and tools
Contribute to the setup, qualification, and maintenance of automation-related equipment or software platforms
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including formulation scientists, analytical scientists, and digital/technical teams

Ensure work is performed in accordance with laboratory safety standards and company policies

Required Qualifications:

Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Automation Engineering, or a related field
Must be available for a Co-Op term in Boston, MA
Strong interest in laboratory automation, preclinical pharmaceutical development, scientific data systems, process improvement
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Ability to learn new software and technologies quickly
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment
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 May 2027
You must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January – July 2027

Technical Skills Required

Hands-on wet-lab experience with knowledge of general laboratory practices and scientific documentation
Experience with data analysis tools such as Excel, JMP, Python, or similar
Familiarity and exposure to scripting/programming languages such as Python, C, MATLAB, or similar
Ability to organize, analyze, and communicate scientific or operational data

Preferred Skills

Exposure to Pharmaceutical Sciences, Preformulation, or Drug development environments
Familiarity with laboratory automation concepts, automation hardware, robotics, or instrument integration
Experience with data visualization and reporting tools such as Power BI or HTML
Interest in researching and applying digital solutions leveraging AI to improve scientific workflows

Program Details:  

Full-time, paid co-op $25.00 – 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

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 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