Vertex Summer Intern , Department of Pharmacology

Position: Vertex Summer Intern 2026, Department of Pharmacology
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 Department of Pharmacology internship program is a multi-week experiential training program for students currently working towards a Doctorate degree of post-doctoral candidate in Biology or Pharmacology, 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. ()

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

What you will be doing:

The Department of Pharmacology aims to understand the effect of molecules on biological systems. Specifically, our goal is to elucidate the effect of therapeutic candidates in models relevant to human disease. The successful candidate will work as part of the Pharmacology team, and collaboratively with other functions and project teams, to evaluate the delivery and efficacy of test articles in complex non-human and human tissue models.

* The project will involve the development and execution of ex vivo primary tissue assays and will include:

* Preparation of reagents

* Collection/dissection of primary non-human/human tissue

* Handling and administration of test articles

* Maintenance and care of experimental equipment

* Collection, analysis, presentation, and documentation of data

* Experimental schedule management

What you will need to succeed:

* Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program or a post-doctoral candidate in Biology or Pharmacology, or a related field of study.

* Ex vivo organ perfusion models (preferred but not required)

* In vivo or ex vivo models (suturing, dissection, culture)

* Understanding of kidney and/or lung physiology

* Competence in data collection, analysis, and presentation

* On-site in San Diego, CA capacity

* 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 $33.00 - 50.00 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…