Vertex Spring 2026 Co-op, DSDP Manufacturing

Role Summary

Vertex Spring 2026 Co-op, DSDP Manufacturing — a 6-month experiential training program for students pursuing undergraduate or advanced degrees in cell biology, chemistry, engineering, or related fields. The role focuses on improving clinical and commercial product manufacturing for cell therapy according to cGMP standards and serves as a launchpad for your career in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Creating and updating documentation for production processes, quality standards, or safety procedures.
• Gathering production data, analyzing trends, and presenting findings to the team.
• Investigating the resource implications of different manufacturing processes or potential changes.
• Drive more efficient technology transfer and final process development from the Development to the Manufacturing group.
• Actively participate in manufacturing process resource planning.
• Assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for manufacturing in collaboration with Research and Quality Systems groups.
• Provide efficient support in cell processing technologies for clinical production under GMP conditions.
• Efficient completion of technology transfer activities and final process development from the Development to the Manufacturing group.
• Present solutions to specific manufacturing challenges encountered during the internship.
• Develop a plan for a proposed process improvement, even if it's just a document for future implementation.
• Understand the science behind choosing the most appropriate manufacturing platform for a specific cell therapy product.
• Grasp GMP fundamentals and how it applies to cell therapy, including GMP-friendly materials and consumables.
• Gain experience with documentation transfer, including technical data, SOPs, and material specifications.
• Understand the critical attributes for clinical and manufacturing process planning and implementation.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Cell Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong foundation in cell biology, chemistry, and engineering; proficiency in lab techniques such as cell culture and aseptic techniques; understanding of cell and gene therapy concepts.
• Familiarity with stem cell biology, cleanroom techniques, and GMP is beneficial.
• Minimum of 1 year cell culture experience, ideally in both adherent and suspension cultures.
• Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, Project, Outlook) and experience with electronic quality systems.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure both independently and in a team.
• Extensive experience with technical writing.
• GMP experience; experience in cell processing technologies for clinical production; experience with bioreactors for cell culture.
• Ability to work on-site Sunday - Wednesday, 7AM - 5:30PM.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; Vertex does not sponsor internships for this role.
• Must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before June 2026.
• Available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from January ‚Äì June 2026.

Education

• Undergraduate or graduate program in Cell Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or related field.