Spring Co-Op 2027, Process Chemistry 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 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.

Ready to apply? Submit your application and let’s turn possibilities into reality! 

 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 before May 2027
You must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January – 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 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