Spring 2027 Co-Op, Structural Biology & Biophysics

Vertex Pharmaceuticals•Boston, MA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Vertex is seeking a curious and motivated laboratory co-op student to support its Structural Biology and Biophysics team. This six-month experiential training program is for students pursuing an undergraduate or advanced degree in a relevant scientific field. The student will gain hands-on experience in laboratory-based drug discovery research, protein science, and biophysical characterization while working alongside experienced scientists who provide training and guidance. The work supports experiments that characterize proteins, assess molecular interactions, and advance potential therapies. The role is based on-site, with laboratory work as a core component. The co-op runs January through June 2027 and requires full-time availability, 40 hours per week. It is a paid, temporary co-op role offered through a third-party agency partner. The listed hourly program range is $20.00–$35.00. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future; Vertex does not provide sponsorship for internships, co-ops, or entry-level roles in this part of the organization. Applicants graduating before June 2027 must be enrolled in an advanced degree program.

Requirements

Be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, molecular biology, pharmaceutical sciences, or another related scientific field.
Be available to work on-site for the full duration of the co-op assignment.
Have an interest in laboratory research, protein science, structural biology, biophysics, or drug discovery.
Have completed introductory college coursework with a laboratory component in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field.
Be comfortable following detailed procedures and asking questions when clarification is needed.
Be able to keep clear, accurate records of work performed.
Have effective written and verbal communication skills.
Be able to work independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively as part of a team.
Be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future; sponsorship is not provided for internships, co-ops, or entry-level roles in this part of the organization.
If graduating before June 2027, be enrolled in an advanced degree program.
Be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week, from January through June 2027.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in structural biology, biophysics, or pharmaceutical research.
Exposure to structural biology or biophysics through coursework, academic research, laboratory projects, internships, or scientific literature review.
Exposure to laboratory techniques such as protein purification, protein assays, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, or biophysical characterization.
Familiarity with nephelometry, turbidity measurements, microplate-based assays, plate readers, or laboratory automation.
Experience using Excel or similar tools to organize, analyze, and graph scientific data.
Familiarity with electronic laboratory notebooks, scientific documentation, or presenting project results.
Curiosity, reliability, and enthusiasm for developing laboratory and scientific problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

Support daily laboratory activities and research projects within the Structural Biology and Biophysics team.
Learn and perform routine laboratory techniques under the guidance of experienced scientists.
Prepare buffers, reagents, samples, and assay plates by following established procedures.
Support biochemical and biophysical assay activities, including nephelometry-based experiments to evaluate properties such as sample solubility, aggregation, or precipitation.
Collect, organize, and document experimental data using laboratory notebooks, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and reports.
Follow Vertex laboratory safety, quality, documentation, and compliance requirements.