Vertex Summer 2026 Intern, US Public Affairs

Vertex Pharmaceuticals•Boston, MA

2d•$20 - $32•Hybrid

About The Position

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. Ready to apply? Submit your application and let’s turn possibilities into reality! Your Impact The Vertex U.S. Public Affairs internship program is a multi-week experiential training program for students currently working towards an undergraduate degree or graduate degree. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth-minded, an internship at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our Public Affairs functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.

Requirements

Must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before August 2026
Must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from May – August 2026
Strong interest in U.S. healthcare policy, government affairs, and patient advocacy; prior coursework or experience in health policy a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex policy information into clear, concise materials for diverse audiences.
Self-motivated, intellectually curious and eager to learn about the intersection of public policy, patient advocacy, and the biopharmaceutical industry.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future.
Vertex does not provide sponsorship for internships or entry level roles within this part of the organization.

Nice To Haves

prior coursework or experience in health policy a plus

Responsibilities

Track and summarize state and federal legislative developments relevant to prescription drug policy and patient access.
Prepare written summaries, trackers, and briefing materials to support internal teams.
Conduct background research on policy issues and advocacy positions.
Assist in developing presentations, one-pagers, talking points, and internal communications to support government affairs and advocacy initiatives.
Support day-to-day public affairs activities across state and federal policy priorities, patient advocacy, and alliance development.