About the role#
The Process Chemistry Co-Op is a 6-month training program for students pursuing degrees in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Biochemistry. You will join our team in Boston to support the development and execution of scalable manufacturing processes for active pharmaceutical ingredients. This role involves hands-on research alongside chemists and engineers to apply advanced technologies, including photoredox catalysis, high-throughput experimentation, and flow chemistry.
What you'll do#
- Train in advanced laboratory and experimental design techniques.
- Collaborate with chemists and engineers to design novel chemical experiments.
- Synthesize complex organic compounds using established laboratory techniques.
- Maintain detailed records in an electronic laboratory notebook.
- Evaluate reaction optimization techniques for photoredox catalysis.
- Develop substrate scopes, determine functional group tolerance, identify reactivity limitations, and evaluate reaction kinetics.
- Use scientific literature to guide experimental design and interpret results.
- Operate and interpret data from analytical instruments such as NMR, HPLC, GC, LC-MS, and IR.
- Present project progress, experimental data, and recommendations to the project team.
- Deliver a final presentation to the Process Chemistry department and prepare a research summary document.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
- Third-year undergraduate status or above at the start of the term.
- Completion of undergraduate organic chemistry coursework and associated laboratory courses.
- Previous internship, undergraduate research, or laboratory experience.
- Familiarity with analytical techniques like NMR, HPLC, GC, LC-MS, or IR.
- Experience searching scientific literature, patents, and chemical databases.
- Ability to work safely, independently, and collaboratively in a laboratory setting.
- Strong organizational, documentation, and communication skills.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States.
- Enrollment in an advanced degree program if graduating before May 2027.
Location & details#
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
- Term: January - July 2027.
- Work Modality: On-site, 40 hours per week.
- Compensation: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour.
- Employment: Full-time, paid position.
About Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company founded in 1989. It focuses on scientific research to develop medicines for serious diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, and various forms of pain. The company maintains its global headquarters in Boston and operates research and commercial sites across the globe. It employs between 5,001 and 10,000 people.
How to get in at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Landing an internship at Vertex Pharmaceuticals requires precision because the volume of applicants is high. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first before the pile grows. Being an early applicant ensures your materials are seen while recruiters are still actively reviewing the initial batch of candidates. You can also use Intern Insider to surface the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. This direct approach often improves response rates compared to submitting an application into a general queue. It is a simple way to stand out when you are competing for a spot at a large organization.
