Structural Biology & Biophysics - Industrial Placement

Job Description

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that aims to discover, develop and commercialize innovative new medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives. Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, MA, Vertex today has research and development sites and commercial offices around the world in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.

We are recruiting for an Industrial placement student in the Structural Biology & Biophysics (SBB) Department, at our research facility in Oxfordshire, as part of our wider intern intake for the year.

During your Industrial Placement you will get the opportunity to learn about our industry from a hands-on perspective. You will be working closely with and learning from some of the brightest people in the industry. Students can expect to be challenged by their work, connect with other students, and feel valued by the Vertex community.

Main Duties & Objectives

We are seeking an enthusiastic Biology Industrial Placement Student to join a collaborative project at the interface of Structural Biology & Biophysics (SBB) and Biology.

This laboratory-based placement will provide hands-on experience in studying membrane proteins using complementary biochemical, biophysical and functional approaches. You will work alongside scientists across both departments, contributing to activities that support protein preparation and reconstitution into model membrane systems, followed by functional characterisation using electrophysiology-based methods.

Through the placement, you will gain exposure to how multidisciplinary teams combine structural, biophysical and cellular/functional data to build understanding of biologically important targets and support drug discovery.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop practical skills in protein handling, biochemical and biophysical workflows
• Gain experience with membrane-protein reconstitution into lipid-based systems
• Support functional studies, including exposure to electrophysiology approaches
• Work with scientists in SBB and Biology to plan, execute and interpret experiments
• Record, analyse and communicate experimental data in team meetings
• Build an understanding of how different scientific disciplines contribute to early drug discovery

Person Specification

• Studying for a relevant undergraduate degree in biology, biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, pharmacology, neuroscience, or a related life-science discipline
• Required by your university to complete a formal, accredited industrial placement year as part of your degree
• Interested in membrane proteins, protein biochemistry, biophysics, electrophysiology, or functional biology
• Motivated to develop practical laboratory skills and learn new experimental techniques
• Comfortable working carefully, documenting experiments clearly and handling data accurately
• A collaborative team player with effective written and verbal communication skills

Role Duration

September 2027 to August 2028

Our Ways of Working

Flex @ Vertex details

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 on Flex @ Vertex Program and may be changed at any time.

At Vertex, we embrace continuous learning and encourage employees to stay informed on advances in AI, technology, automation, and industry trends. We seek talent who bring an external perspective, demonstrate curiosity and sound judgment, and thoughtfully adopt new capabilities that improve decision-making, drive innovation, increase efficiency, and help deliver better outcomes for patients.

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.