Vertex Summer 2026 Intern, Formulation Development, Small Molecule

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 Formulation Development Small Molecule internship program is a multi-week experiential training program for students currently working towards a Doctorate degree in an Engineering or Science field (Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry), or a related field of study. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth-minded, an internship at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our formulation functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.

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/internships/)

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

What you will be doing:
We are seeking a motivated summer intern to join our Formulation Development Department at Vertex in Boston, MA. The Formulation Development group focuses on developing small-molecule formulation and processes to bring transformative medicines to patients. The intern will work closely with formulation scientists to develop an in-process control container closure integrity method to determine the oxygen level in lyophilized drug products. The intern will develop a workflow to determine the oxygen ingress rate into vials, using laser headspace analysis. The intern will plan and execute experiments, analyze data, and present results to the team. This internship will also provide an opportunity to learn about parenteral drug development process.

• Review literature of Lyophilization theory / process, and equipment familiarization
• Review literature and understand the importance of container closure integrity for parenteral drug products
• Understand theory of FMS-Oxygen Headspace Analyzer and equipment familiarization
• Sample preparation by lyophilization of drug product filled at different N2 pressure, including positive controls
• Establish a model and workflow to determine the time required for oxygen ingress into the vials and establish a predictable detection limit
• Develop an in-process control container closure integrity method based on oxygen headspace for parenteral lyophilized drug product vials
• Participate in group discussion and present project updates, including a final project summary to the broader department at the end of the internship

What you will need to succeed:

• Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program in engineering/science field (Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical engineering, Chemistry or similar).
• Minimum GPA of 3.2
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to think critically.
• Strong math skills particularly as applied to material/energy balances, and intermediate applied statistical analysis
• Ability to work effectively and comfortably in a multi-disciplinary team under defined timelines
• Hands-on experience in parenteral formulation development techniques
• Hands on experience in lyophilization is a plus
• 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 August 2026
• You must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from May - August 2026
  

Program Details:

• Full-time, paid internship $20.00 - 32.00 USD/hour
• Program Dates: May - August 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

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. For any questions or concerns, please contact early_talent@vrtx.com.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

Flex Designation:

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:
1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select
2. 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.

#LI-Hybrid

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