Vertex Spring Co-Op 2027, Process Chemistry
About The Position
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. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth-minded, a co-op at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our Process Chemistry functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career. Vertex Process Chemistry is seeking a highly motivated and scientifically curious co-op student to join our team in January of 2027. Within Process Chemistry, scientists apply their expertise in organic synthetic chemistry to develop and execute scalable manufacturing processes of active pharmaceutical ingredients as these novel therapeutics undergo clinical trials. This role offers the opportunity to directly contribute to impactful process development research at Vertex while working with Process Chemistry and Engineering scientists in our collaborative, fast-paced environment. With thorough training and hands-on experience, the co-op will 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.
Requirements
- 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.
- 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
Nice To Haves
- 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.
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.
Benefits
- 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
- medical, dental and vision benefits
- generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter)
- educational assistance programs including student loan repayment
- a generous commuting subsidy
- matching charitable donations
- 401(k)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
Associate degree
