Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Process and Media Development
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Summary
The Vertex Process and Media Development Co-Op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, or other related fields.
Job description
The VCGT department, process development team focuses on developing processes and media for a stem cells therapy targeting patients with T1D. The co-op position will be in the Media Development team reporting to a scientist and working with a group of scientists and research associates executing experiments on different scales and focusing on media development. The project will include different elements centering around media development, omics analyses and bioreactor design and operation.
Key Responsibilities
- The co-op position will mainly be lab-based with expected time spent in lab to be at least 25-30 hours weekly (out of 40) under the supervision of a scientist.
- The co-op will be trained as necessary, will perform individual tasks and is expected to make original contributions to the project, in addition to working with members from the media team on day-to-day lab activities.
- The co-op project will focus on cell culture optimization, media development, bioreactor operations, and data analyses.
- The co-op is expected to interact with the broader Process Development team.
- A presentation of the co-op’s project and contributions will take place at the end of the co-op period.
Qualifications
- PhD student in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering and bioprocess engineering OR master’s student in a similar field
- Aseptic technique and cell culture experience required
- Familiarity with bioreactors operations required
- Familiarity with GMP compliance, raw material sourcing and general market analysis
- 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
Program Details
- Full-time, paid co-op $35.00 – 50.00 USD/hour
- Program Dates: January – July 2027
- Application Deadline: November 15th, 2026
Requirements
- PhD student in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering and bioprocess engineering OR master’s student in a similar field
- Aseptic technique and cell culture experience required
- Familiarity with bioreactors operations required
- Familiarity with GMP compliance, raw material sourcing and general market analysis
- 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 May 2027
- You must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January – July 2027
Benefits
- Free 24/7 onsite gym access
- Free group exercise classes
- Subsidized commuter benefits
- Free breakfast daily
- Career development opportunities
- Social events
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Paid time off
- Educational assistance
- Student loan repayment
- 401(k)
- Matching charitable donations
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.