Summer Intern 2027, Process Chemistry
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Summary
The Vertex Process Chemistry Intern is an 11-week experiential training program for students. The intern will gain meaningful experience in Process Chemistry functional areas.
Job description
Your Impact
The Vertex Process Chemistry Intern is an 11-week experiential training program for students. The intern will gain meaningful experience in Process Chemistry functional areas.
What you will be doing
The Process Chemistry group is responsible for developing the technology for the scale up of potential clinical assets and continues with development of the synthesis of clinical candidates up until commercialization of the manufacturing process. For this position, the intern will screen and optimize copper catalyzed C-N coupling reactions of model systems that would be potentially applicable to similar substrates within the development portfolio. During the internship there will be opportunities to learn about how the process chemistry group operates as well as how this group interfaces with process engineering, material science and analytical development.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with the supervisor for planning and execution of experimentation in the lab
- Learn strategies for optimization of chemistry as well as metal-catalyzed coupling reactions
- Set up and analyze reactions carried out in parallel on a small scale to study trends of reaction parameters and optimize reaction conditions
- Record all experimental protocols, observations and data within an electronic laboratory notebook
- Use HPLC and NMR predominantly for analysis of reactions
- Use software for searching scientific literature for related work
Qualifications
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree in chemistry
- Completed course work and lab work in both general chemistry and organic chemistry
- Basic understanding of lab practices and analytical equipment
- Prior research experience in an academic or industrial lab is ideal but not essential
- Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future
- Must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before May 2027
- Available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from May – August 2027
Requirements
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree in chemistry
- Completed coursework and lab work in general chemistry and organic chemistry
- Basic understanding of lab practices and analytical equipment
- Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future
- Must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before May 2027
- Available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from May – August 2027
Benefits
- Gym access
- Group exercise classes
- Commuter benefits
- Free breakfast
- Career development opportunities
- Social events
- Paid time off
- Educational assistance
- Student loan repayment
- 401(k) Matching
- Medical, Dental & Vision
Company overview
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1989. The company specializes in discovering, developing, and commercializing transformative medicines for serious diseases, with a primary focus on cystic fibrosis (CF). Vertex has pioneered breakthrough therapies including TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO, SYMDEKO/SYMKEVI, ORKAMBI, and KALYDECO, which collectively treat approximately 90% of CF patients. Beyond CF, the company has expanded its portfolio to include treatments for sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain, and has robust clinical pipelines in APOL1-mediated kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1, and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Vertex employs approximately 6,100 people globally and maintains research facilities in San Diego, California, and Milton Park, Oxfordshire, England. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ (VRTX) and is recognized as one of the industry's top workplaces, consistently earning accolades for its innovative culture and patient-focused approach to drug development.