Job Description

The Vertex Internship 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 internship 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 interns,and feel valued by the Vertex community. Not only will interns 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:

Seeking a motivated and enthusiastic graduate student currently enrolled in a graduate program in biomedical sciences, pharmacology, or related fields to join the San Diego pharmacology department as a summer intern. A successful candidate will support ongoing research projects and gain hands-on experience on the application of in vitro pharmacology toward pre-clinical therapeutic discovery. This internship offers a valuable opportunity to work alongside experienced scientists and contribute to meaningful research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct laboratory experiments under the guidance of senior researchers, including in vitro electrophysiology assays, cell based assays, western blots, and data analysis.
• Handle and create mammalian or primary cell lines in a sterile cell culture environment, including passaging and plating cells for pharmacology experiments.
• Preparation of buffers and/or reagents.
• Collect, record, analyze, and present experimental data using statistical software and lab management systems.
• Contribute to the documentation of research findings and ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Work closely with research scientists to support project goals and objectives.

Qualifications:

• Graduate student pursuing a PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology, or related field
• Previous experience working in a laboratory environment or coursework in pharmacology, biology, or related sciences
• Detail-oriented, proactive and effective communication skills, and eager to learn
• The candidate must be able to complete tasks independently while working in a highly collaborative environment
• Experience in sterile cell culture techniques
• Experience running in vitro cell-based assays and western blots
• Foundational knowledge of electrophysiology
• Permanent legal authorization to work in the United States
• Candidate must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2025
• Candidate must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from June - September 2025

Pay Range $33.00 - $50.00 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