Spring Co-Op 2027, Long Read Sequencing 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 Long Read Sequencing Co-Op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in Biological 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 BSMO CGT AD 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 long sequencing project will cover various applications listed below:

RNA Sequencing for modification (m6a, m5c, pseudouridine, etc.) and isoform analysis to characterize stem cells and stem cell derived pancreatic islets.
Conduct plasmid integration analysis for development and assessment of monoclonal antibody-producing cell lines, using targeted or whole genome sequencing.
Direct RNA or cDNA sequencing to verify monoclonal antibody heavy- and light-chain sequences and support variant calling.
Evaluate mRNA integrity and polyA tail characterization using direct RNA sequencing.

Required Skills:

Nucleic acid extraction, cDNA preparation and sequencing library preparation
Ability to design and analyze experiments for developing analytical assay
Experience with Oxford Nanopore systems
Proficiency with R or Python, Linux system and high process computing system
Familiarity with bioinformatics tools such as minimap2 and samtools
Data analysis tools such as DESEQ2 and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis

Key Deliverables at Project Completion:

Establish workflows/assay to support applications of long read sequencing
Execution of the experiments and analyzing the dataset with statistical approach

Key Learnings Expected:

Knowledge pertaining to developing an assay and bringing it through feasibility assessment such as accuracy and precision.
Deeper understanding into principles of stem cell and pancreatic islets biology
Presentation of large dataset and experimental findings.

Qualifications:

Master's / PhD
Majors: Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biological Engineering, etc.
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 $35.00 – 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