Spring 2027 Co-op, Integrated Pharmacology

Your Impact

The Vertex Integrated Pharmacology Co-op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in pharmacology, biological sciences, or a related scientific discipline. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced biologists in a highly collaborative environment, contributing to studies that establish therapeutic proof-of-concept across diverse disease areas.

What you will be doing

We are seeking a talented, self-motivated, and collaborative in vivo pharmacology Co-op to support late-stage drug discovery within our Integrated Pharmacology team. Under the guidance of their manager, the co-op will support the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of sophisticated in vivo and ex vivo experiments. Responsibilities will include conducting experiments, analyzing and documenting data, and communicating findings to cross-functional project teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning, design, and execution of in vivo and ex vivo pharmacology studies under guidance of manager or project team, demonstrating sound scientific judgment and reliable follow-through.
• Work towards independently conducting assigned experiments using established methodologies, standard operating procedures, and study protocols.
• Apply literature-based methods and, with guidance from supervisor, adapt or optimize protocols to meet experimental needs and improve assay performance.
• Conduct initial data analysis, interpretation, and summarization using appropriate scientific and analytical approaches; identify key findings, conclusions, and potential follow-up studies.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and well-organized experimental records, including methods, raw data, observations, analyses, and conclusions, in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Prepare clear scientific summaries, figures, and presentations to communicate study progress, data, findings, and recommendations to project team members.
• Present experimental results at internal group research meetings, as appropriate.
• Prepare a final presentation and/or written project summary outlining project objectives, methods, findings, conclusions, and proposed next steps.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional colleagues while independently managing assigned experimental activities, priorities, and timelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What you will need to succeed

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in pharmacology, biological sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience with in vivo mouse techniques, including subcutaneous (SC), intravenous (IV), oral (PO), and intraperitoneal (IP) dosing; perfusion; and blood and tissue collection.
• Experience with ex vivo laboratory techniques, including protein-based assays (e.g., Western blotting and ELISA), flow cytometry, and molecular biology methods such as qPCR.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn, understand, and apply new scientific concepts, methodologies, and laboratory techniques.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and results-focused, with the flexibility to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic research setting.
• Excellent written, verbal, and scientific communication skills, with the ability to clearly document experimental work and communicate results to team members.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future.
• 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 $25.00-50.00 USD/hour
• Program Dates: January – June 2027
• Application Deadline: November 15th, 2026