Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Process Chemistry
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Summary
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. The co-op will join the team in January 2027 and 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.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
Requirements
- Currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree 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.
- Must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before May 2027.
- Must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January – July 2027.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Paid Time Off
- Student Loan Repayment
- Commuter Benefits
- Free Breakfast
- Onsite Gym Access
- Group Exercise Classes
- Career Development
- Social Events
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.