Vertex Spring 2026 Co-op, Combination Device Enabling Technology

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.
  

Ready to apply? Submit your application and let's turn possibilities into reality!

Your Impact
The Vertex Combination Device Enabling Technologies Co-Op program is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards a Doctorate program in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, 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 analytical development functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.

Please note that Vertex reviews applications on a rolling basis and reserves the right to close this job posting prior to the listed deadline.

Important Notice Regarding Internship and Co-op Inquiries
At Vertex Pharmaceuticals, we are committed to providing a fair and structured recruitment process for all students interested in internship and co-op opportunities. To ensure consistency and equity, all student applications must go through our Early Talent Acquisition Team.

Due to the high volume of interest, we are unable to respond to individual solicitation. Direct solicitation to Vertex employees- including senior leaders via email will result in removal from the recruiting process.

We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in Vertex. To be considered for internship or co-op roles, please apply directly through our official application channels. (https://www.vrtx.com/careers/career-growth-and-opportunities/co-ops/)

Thank you for respecting our process and helping us maintain a fair experience for all candidates.

What you will be doing:

This 2026 Co-Op position, titled Co-Op, Combination Device Enabling Technologies, offers a unique opportunity for a highly motivated PhD student to actively contribute to the advancement of our Biopharma CGT Combination Device Analytical Development capabilities. As a Co-Op, the individual will play a pivotal role in helping to build and enhance new capabilities for our Center of Excellence for combination device analytical development, with a specific focus on pioneering and implementing cutting-edge enabling technologies. This includes gaining hands-on experience and driving the application of advanced non-destructive analytical techniques such as applied spectroscopy (e.g., Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis), and other non-destructive in-process testing technologies like Chemical Hyperspectral Imaging, Vacuum Decay, Helium Leak Detection, and MicroCurrent High-Voltage Leak Detection (HVLDmc), crucial for ensuring the quality and integrity of combination products, particularly autoinjectors and cell therapy delivery systems. The Co-Op will contribute to building proof-of-concept for analytical platforms, driving innovation in testing methodologies, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and efficiency in withing Combination Device CMC organization.

Key Deliverables at Project Completion:

* Development and implementation of novel analytical methods utilizing applied spectroscopy or other non-destructive in-process testing technologies for combination devices.

* Contribution to the establishment of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for the new capabilities within the Center of Excellence.

* Presentation of project findings and data analysis, potentially leading to internal reports and presentations.

Key Learnings Expected:

* In-depth understanding of combination device development, analytical characterization challenges, and regulatory considerations in the Biopharma CGT space.

* Practical experience and proficiency in a range of advanced non-destructive analytical techniques, including various spectroscopic methods and leak detection technologies, specifically applied to autoinjectors and cell therapy products.

* Experience in a dynamic R&D environment, including collaborative teamwork, project management, and scientific communication skills within a leading biopharmaceutical company.

What you will need to succeed:

• Enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or another related field
• Demonstrated advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of engineering principles pertinent to device design and functionality (e.g., advanced mechanics, electronics, microfluidics, biomaterials, sensor technology).
• Proven experience in independent research, experimental design, data analysis, and technical report writing.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and advanced problem-solving skills.
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of analytical chemistry, material science, or spectroscopy principles. Experience with laboratory techniques and instrumentation, including spectroscopic methods (e.g., FTIR, Raman, UV-Vis) and/or other non-destructive testing techniques (e.g., Chemical Hyperspectral Imaging, Vacuum Decay, HVLD, functional testing of medical devices).
• Familiarity with challenges in characterization of autoinjectors or cell therapy products is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future. Please note that Vertex does not provide sponsorship for internships or entry level roles within this part of the organization.
• You must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2026
• You must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January - June 2026
  

Program Details:

• Full-time, paid co-op $33.00 - 50.00 USD/hour
• Program Dates: January - June 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

Flex Eligibility Status:

On-Site: work five days per week on-site with ad hoc flexibility.

Note: The Flex status for this position is subject to Vertex's Policy on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

Equal Opportunities
Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Accessibility & Accommodations
We're focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. Vertex is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com

Export Control Notice
This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant's ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role, Vertex is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.

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.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Company Information

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. Vertex will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should make a request to the recruiter or hiring manager, or contact Talent Acquisition at ApplicationAssistance@vrtx.com