Spring 2027 Co-Op, Protein Sciences

Location: San Diego, CA

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 Protein Sciences Co-Op program is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth-minded, a co-op at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our Protein Sciences functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.

The application deadline for this co-op is November 15th, 2026. 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

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and innovative co-op scientist to join our Protein Sciences team in San Diego. The team applies biochemical, cell-based, and biophysical approaches to characterize protein targets, assess target engagement, and investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying their interactions with potential therapeutics.

The co-op will have the opportunity to develop and execute assays and contribute to protein expression and purification efforts that support these studies. This role offers hands-on experience in experimental design, assay development, data analysis, and collaboration across scientific disciplines. The co-op will have an opportunity to propose and test new technologies to improve current workflows and facilitate the structure determination of challenging targets using single particle CryoEM analysis.

Key Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a senior scientist at Vertex, the co-op will:

Develop, execute, and improve biochemical, cell-based, and/or biophysical assays to assess protein quality and target engagement; analyze and communicate the results.

Express and purify recombinant proteins as needed to support assay development and research studies.

What you will need to succeed

Pursuing an advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, or a related field.

Familiarity with protein expression and purification or biochemical and biophysical methods.

Preferred: Hands-on laboratory experience in protein science, assay development, or a related area. Experience with membrane proteins is desirable but not required.

Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow, document, and troubleshoot experimental protocols.

Strong communication and organizational skills, with a willingness to learn new techniques.

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 $30.00-50.00 USD/hour

Program Dates: January – June 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 eligible in San Diego, CA

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. The range provided is a reasonable estimate for the pay range for this job at the time of posting. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

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 sou