Job Description

The Vertex Co-op Program offers students the opportunity to learn about the pharmaceutical industry from a hands-on perspective. You will be working closely with and learning from some of the brightest people in the industry. When you join our co-op program you should not be surprised to see that our environment is one that is innovative and team oriented, where collaboration is not just a word, and "we are relentless" is in everything we do. Students can expect to be challenged by their project plan, connect with other co-ops, and feel valued by the Vertex community. Not only will co-ops learn about their day-to-day tasks through their specific work assignments, but they will interact and have exposure to our organizational leaders and their teams.

Job Summary:

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 new biding sites / modes of action for therapeutics. The co-op will have an opportunity to propose and test new technologies to improve current workflows in order to facilitate CryoEM protein structure determination.

Key Responsibilities:

Project title: Develop and test new grid technologies to reduce protein needs for CryoEM studies

Under the supervision of a senior scientist at Vertex,

• Express and purify proteins from recombinant and/or native sources
• Propose and test new and emerging CryoEM grid technologies to improve internal structure determination workflows (lower protein needs and improved resolution). These efforts will support existing projects and facilitate the enablement of structural studies of low expressing, disease-relevant proteins from native sources.
• Characterize the native environment of the protein using a relevant biochemical/biophysical assay (could include radiolabeled binding assays, kinetic assays, mass spectrometry, and/or fluorescent assays) to analyze protein quality suitable for CryoEM structural studies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, and currently enrolled in a graduate degree program. Major in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or chemical/biological/biochemical engineering. CryoEM experience is highly 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.
• Permanent legal authorization to work in the United States
• Candidate must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2025

Pay Range $20.00 – $35.00 USD/hour

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. The range provided is a reasonable estimate for the pay range for this job at the time of posting. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

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