Vertex Fall 2025 Co-op

Job Description

The Manufacturing Sciences and Technology Small Molecule Drug Product (MS&T SM DP) department is tasked with launch and  lifecycle management of Vertex commercial medicines, including technology transfers and manufacturing strategy oversight. Manufacturing technology strategy development initiatives as part of cross-departmental collaborations (ie Formulation Development and the Vertex Manufacturing Center) are becoming a focus for MS&T as business needs evolve as part of Vertex's growing manufacturing network.

Vertex’s long standing leadership in in Continuous Manufacturing (CM) of Oral Solid Dose is under evolution. A key component is the development of next-generation continuous manufacturing technologies which will become future state of the art platforms for small molecule drug development and manufacturing for MS&T and its partners. The goal of the Co-Op position will be to contribute to the conceptual design of commercially implementable flexible CM technologies which will satisfy the needs of MS&T SM DP and its partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Next generation CM technologies are an ongoing focus point for Vertex. As part of this initiative, equipment design of a continuous material feeding and blending module is a critical component. The key responsibilities of the Co-op will surround this activity and are summarized below:

• Next generation CM activities are in progress, which surround the development of low risk, rapid TechTransfer equipment set up to enable clinical and commercial manufacturing.
• While existing module designs from legacy vendors may have some aspects of flexibility for use for by innovative companies, they may be not fully ready for commercial manufacturing operations. Therefore, a need is emerging for further detailed design of a material handling, feeding, and blending module centered on commercially-oriented equipment.
• Day-to-day tasks will consist of the development of a design concept (ie 3D Model) of a powder/blend feeding module including material handling and refill systems as well as process mapping and business-oriented documentation which could serve as a base for future detailed vendor engineering studies and potential purchase/implementation of such a system. The design concept and high-level operating philosophy/business case for a commercially-viable rig is the main deliverable of the project.

Output:

• Full 3D CAD Model for the flexible feeder module design (ie variable feeders, variable material handling capabilities, etc.)
• Capability map for the new equipment (ie feeding/blending, direct compression, etc) as it relates to Vertex small molecule pipeline
• Assembly/disassembly manual (including ancillary equipment needs)
• Facilities requirements
• Cost estimates and potential business case evaluation. Contribution to overall Vertex strategy of CM vision.
• Cleaning/turnaround estimation times
• Workflow planning (ie material flow, operational needs, etc)

Qualifications:

• The candidate should be a Mechanical Engineering Junior, Senior, or Graduate Student. Experience with machine/electro-mechanical design (conceptual) is key in success of the project. Previous experience with custom machinery builds (especially pharmaceutical equipment) is highly desired. Exposure to business-aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing operations of Continuous Manufacturing equipment would be highly desired.
• Experience requirements: electro-mechanical design background/previous internships
• Critical Skills: high level mastery of 3D CAD program Solidworks, ability to write operational manuals/BOM-type documentation
• 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. 
• Candidate must be enrolled in an advanced degree program if graduating before July 2025
• Candidate must be available to work full-time, 40 hours per week from July - December 2025.

Program Dates: July- December 2025, Full Time

Pay Range 24.00 – 35.00 USD/hour

This job posting is for a temporary role with a third-party agency partner that provides services to Vertex.  The individual selected for this role will be offered the role as an employee of that third-party agency; compensation, medical benefits, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment shall be presented by the third-party agency upon offer. The range provided is a reasonable estimate for the pay range for this job at the time of posting. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. The actual pay rate will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Pay Range:

Disclosure Statement:

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