Co-op, Functional Genomics

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.

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.

The Vertex Functional Genomics Co-op is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an advanced degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, computational biology, or a related scientific discipline. If you are passionate, collaborative, and growth‑minded, a co-op at Vertex will help you gain meaningful experience in our Research functional area and serve as a launchpad for your career. The Final date to receive applications for this co‑op is November 15th, 2026.

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 Final date to receive applications.

The Functional Genomics group advances multiple small‑molecule drug discovery programs at Vertex by applying cutting‑edge genomic technologies, including CRISPR‑Cas9 gene editing, high‑throughput pooled genetic screening, and computational analysis of complex datasets. In this co‑op role, the candidate will contribute to generating gene‑edited cellular models, developing disease‑relevant assays, and executing experiments that drive target validation and mechanism‑of‑action studies. Responsibilities will also include performing cellular screening experiments, evaluating compound activity using flow cytometry and high‑content imaging, and analyzing data to guide project decisions.

Working closely with scientists across teams, the Co-op will analyze and interpret experimental results and contribute to advancing therapeutic programs at Vertex.

• Contribute to study planning and oversee experimental activities in accordance with established protocols.
• Collaborate with Vertex scientists to conduct experiments of varying complexity using disease‑relevant human cell models, as well as analyze the resulting data, and summarize key findings.
• Maintain thorough, accurate records of methods, observations, and results in an electronic laboratory notebook.
• Present results and key conclusions clearly to the Functional Genomics team and cross‑functional project partners.

• Currently pursuing a master's degree or PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Computational Biology, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with human cell culture/tissue culture is required.
• Familiarity with fundamental molecular biology methods, including PCR and cloning is required.
• Strong interest in and foundational understanding of genetics, genomics, and…