INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Vertex Fall Co-op 2026, Strategic Operations, Innovation & Change Management

CompanyVertex Pharmaceuticals
LocationSan Diego
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 5, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The Co-op will support innovation and change management for Global Research and the San Diego site by clarifying major changes, demystifying new tools like AI, and improving information sharing to ease adoption. Responsibilities include communicating change, creating clear messages, supporting AI usage, and organizing internal site information.
Internship Type
full time
Salary Range
$20 - $32
Company Size
6229
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and has made significant advancements in cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, and acute pain — and continues to progress clinical and research programs in these diseases. We also have a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where we have deep insight into causal human biology, including acute and neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, IgA nephropathy, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes and myotonic dystrophy type 1. Our global headquarters is in Boston, and we have research and development (R&D) sites and commercial offices worldwide. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry’s top places to work by Science Magazine, The Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal and the San Diego Business Journal. We have also earned a spot on TIME Most Influential Companies, TIME Best Inventions, and Fast Company Most Innovative Companies lists. Our research and medicines have received esteemed recognitions, including the Robert J. Beall Therapeutics Development Award, the Prix Galien, the Scrip Award and the Breakthrough Prize awards. Read our community guidelines: https://www.vrtx.com/vertexs-community-guidelines/
About the Role

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!

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.

Your Impact
The Vertex Strategic Operations, Innovation & Change Management Co-op program is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in business, communications, information science, data/analytics, life sciences, 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 Strategic Operations functional areas and serve as a launchpad for your career.

The application deadline for this co-op is April 3rd. Please note that Vertex reviews applications on a rolling basis and reserves the right to close this job posting prior to the listed deadline. Applicants can expect to receive an update about their application before or shortly after the application deadline.

What you will be doing:

The Co-op will support innovation and change management for Global Research and the San Diego site, helping turn new tools and ways of working into everyday habits by clarifying major changes, demystifying changes (including new AI tools), and improving how information and updates are shared so innovation is easier to adopt. 

Communicate and support change management for key projects 
Help turn complex changes into clear, simple messages (what’s changing, why it matters, what people need to do) and support the transition from “project mode” to steady state by updating internal content and creating evergreen materials for onboarding, training, and manager cascades.

Help colleagues use AI and surface useful insights 
Bring your ideas and input on how we can help colleagues use AI in a supportive, safe way. Potential assignments might include drafting Tips & Tricks, infographics, or other materials aligned with existing guidance, creating a simple overview of key AI tools, and using approved AI tools to turn relevant scientific or industry literature into short, easy to digest updates.

Improve how information is shared at the site 
Help refresh and organize content on internal website and in biweekly site updates so employees can quickly find reliable, up to date information about what’s happening and how work is evolving.

What you will need to succeed:

  • Currently enrolled in a master’s degree program (preferred) or a bachelor’s degree program (e.g., business, communications, information science, data/analytics, life sciences, or a related field). 

  • In good academic standing and eligible for a full-time co-op during the placement period.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable turning complex topics into clear, simple messages for nonexperts. 

  • Interest in how AI and new tools can support knowledge work; prior AI experience is helpful but not required. 

  • Ability to organize information from multiple sources (documents, conversations, online resources) into concise summaries or frameworks. 

  • Solid attention to detail and basic project management skills (planning tasks, meeting deadlines, following through). 

  • Curious, creative, proactive, and comfortable asking questions to understand context and stakeholder needs. 

  • Enjoys collaborating with people in different roles and levels across a team or organization.

  • 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 – 32.00 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:

    $0 - $0

    Disclosure Statement:

    The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

    At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations.  From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

    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

    Key Skills
    Change ManagementInnovationCommunicationContent CreationInformation OrganizationProject ManagementAttention To DetailProactivityCollaborationData AnalyticsArtificial IntelligenceKnowledge Work SupportStakeholder Needs AssessmentContent RefreshingOnboarding Material Creation
    Categories
    Science & ResearchData & AnalyticsConsultingAdministrative
    Benefits
    Onsite gym accessGroup exercise classesCommuter benefitsProvided mealsCareer development opportunitiesSocial eventsPaid time offEducational assistance programsStudent loan repaymentCommuting subsidyMatching charitable donations401(k)
    Vertex Fall Co-op 2026, Strategic Operations, Innovation & Change Management - InternshipsHQ