Vertex Fall Co-op , Predictive and Investigative Safety Assessment

About the Role

The Predictive and Investigative Safety Assessment Co‑op program is a 6‑month experiential training program for students currently working towards a PhD in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or other related fields. A co‑op at Vertex will provide meaningful experience in Preclinical Safety Assessment and serve as a launchpad for future careers.

The program is full‑time, paid and located in San Diego, CA, running from July to December 2026. The hourly pay range is USD 33.00–50.00 per hour. Final date to receive applications is April 3 2026.

Applicants will work with the Predictive and Investigative Safety Assessment (PISA) group to develop and implement in silico and in vitro models for organ‑specific toxicity assessment, focusing on liver systems.

• Build and optimize computational models to refine transcriptomic markers of liver injury and develop in silico and in vitro screening tools for liver toxicity assessment.
• Relate in vivo gene expression signatures predictive of injuries to transcriptomic data derived from in vitro liver systems.
• Develop complex cell cultures and validate gene expression changes using qPCR or Luminex panels and functional changes using high‑content imaging to build in‑vitro‑in‑vivo correlation of identified markers.

• Apply best practices and document computational and experimental work.
• Regularly present progress in formal and informal settings to colleagues.
• Interface with PISA and other functional departments, including Data & Computational Sciences, Pharmacology, Formulation, and DMPK.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

• Currently pursuing a PhD in biology, biomedical sciences, computational biology, molecular biology, cell biology or related fields.
• Extensive experience in statistics and computational modeling (machine learning or systems biology) for biomarker discovery.
• Strong proficiency with complex cell models, including 3D culture, organoids, 2.5 D culture, or microphysiological systems using primary and/or stem cell techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Capacity to work full‑time onsite in San Diego, CA.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States, now and in the future. Vertex does not sponsor internships or entry‑level roles.
• Must be enrolled in an advanced‑degree program if graduating before December 2026.
• Must be available to work full‑time, 40 hours per week from July – December 2026.

• Experience with liver cells in 2D and/or complex liver culture.
• Experience with qPCR, immunofluorescence, confocal imaging.
• Experience with supervised learning using high‑dimensional omics data.
• Knowledge of toxicology, preclinical safety, data analytics, or bioinformatics.

• Full‑time, paid co‑op $33.00–50.00 USD/hour.
• Program dates:
  July – December 2026.
• Final date to receive applications:
  April 3 2026.

• 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—intern‑only and company‑wide.
• Location‑specific perks and extras.
• Recognition of National Intern Day.

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 and may be changed at any time.

Vertex is committed to equal employment opportunity and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Vertex is an E‑Verify employer in the United States. Vertex…