Entry Level Protein Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 Protein Sciences Co-Op program is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards undergraduate or advanced degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, 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 Protein Sciences functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.

The application deadline for this role is April 3rd, 2026. 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:

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and innovative co-op scientist to join our Protein Sciences San Diego team. As part of this program, the candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with a team of scientists responsible for applying integrative approaches to identify and characterize protein-protein interactions, new biding sites, and modes of action for therapeutics. The co-op will have an opportunity to propose and test new technologies to improve current workflows and facilitate the structure determination of challenging targets using single particle CryoEM analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop new tools that allow characterization of hits for a new therapeutic approach at Vertex

Under the supervision of a senior scientist at Vertex,

• Express and purify proteins from recombinant sources and characterize them to ensure protein quality is suitable for assay development and/or CryoEM structural studies.
• Propose and test new and emerging technologies to unravel the molecular mechanism of target engagement and functional inhibition using biochemical, cell-based, and biophysical approaches (could include radiolabeled binding assays, kinetic assays, cell-based enzymatic assays, mass spectrometry, and/or fluorescent assays)

What you will need to succeed:

• Bachelor's degree, and currently enrolled in a graduate degree program. Major in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or chemical/biological/biochemical engineering. CryoEM experience is desirable but not required.

• Basic knowledge of integral membrane protein purification techniques and biochemical/biophysical analysis methods.

• Attention to detail, ability to accurately establish and follow protocols.

• Strong communication and organization skills.

• An open mindset and willingness to learn new techniques as needed to support the Protein Sciences group is desirable.

• Capacity to work full-time onsite in San Diego, CA

• 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 December 2026

• You must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from July - December 2026
  

Program Details:

• Full-time, paid co-op $20.00 - 35.00 USD/hour

• Program Dates: July - December 2026

• Application Deadline: April 3rd, 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