Saudi Summer Trainee – Patient Engagement & Advocacy

Job Description

Department: International Patient Engagement (IPE) – GCC
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (On-site/Hybrid)
Duration: 6–8 Weeks Summer Training Program
Reports to: International Patient Engagement Director – GCC

About Vertex

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases. At Vertex, we are committed to advancing patient-centered healthcare through education, innovation, and meaningful engagement with patient communities.

Program Overview

Vertex GCC is offering a unique summer training opportunity for motivated students interested in patient engagement, health education, and healthcare communications.

The IPE team is responsible for bringing the patients’ perspective into Vertex’s work by establishing meaningful collaborations with patient communities at in-country and above-country level. IPE works across the whole lifecycle of therapies and medicines developed by Vertex. By joining IPE, you will learn how Vertex engages externally and how such engagement shapes decisions across the whole lifecycle of Vertex’s medicines and therapies, from early research to post-marketing.

The trainee will support the International Patient Engagement team in developing, localizing, and improving Arabic patient education materials, while gaining exposure to patient advocacy, digital content, health literacy, and cross-functional collaboration in a regulated biotechnology environment.

Key Learning Objectives

During the training program, the trainee will:

• Gain practical experience in patient engagement, health literacy, and patient-centered communication.
• Support the development and localization of Arabic patient education materials.
• Contribute to digital and creative educational assets in collaboration with internal teams and agencies.
• Build project coordination, research, and stakeholder collaboration skills.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Education Material Development

• Support the development, localization, and review of Arabic patient education materials.
• Review content for clarity, readability, cultural relevance, and consistency.
• Conduct research on disease awareness, patient education needs, and public health topics.
• Help maintain organized content libraries and documentation.

Digital & Creative Content Support

• Assist with patient-facing digital content, awareness materials, presentations, and visual assets.
• Coordinate with agencies and internal teams to ensure materials align with Vertex standards.
• Contribute ideas for clear, creative, and engaging patient education formats.

Patient Insights & Advocacy

• Participate in relevant meetings with patient organizations, agencies, and internal stakeholders.

• Support the collection and review of patient insights, feedback, and education opportunities.
• Identify best practices in patient communication and health literacy.

Operational Support

• Assist with project tracking, timelines, presentations, and educational material updates.
• Support organized documentation and version control of educational materials.
• Participate in internal and cross-functional discussions as appropriate.

Qualifications Required

• Current undergraduate student or recent graduate in Pharmacy, PharmD, Public Health, Health Education, or a related field.
• Eligible to complete a summer training program in Saudi Arabia and available to work in Riyadh.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English.
• Interest in patient education, patient advocacy, public health, and the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with strong organization skills and attention to detail.

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for enthusiastic students who:

• Are interested in patient-centered healthcare, public health, and patient advocacy.
• Can simplify complex medical information into clear, patient-friendly education.
• Want practical experience in biotechnology, healthcare communications, and digital content.

What You Will Gain

• Hands-on experience in patient engagement within a global biotechnology company.
• Exposure to patient education, health literacy, and healthcare communications.
• Mentorship from patient engagement professionals and cross-functional collaboration in a regulated environment.
• Opportunity to contribute to projects that support patients and caregivers across the GCC.

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