Description

Job Description

Job Posting: Vertex Fellows Program

Location: San Diego, CA

Flex Designation: On-Site Designated

Start Date: August/September 2026

Application Deadline: January 9, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET

Please submit a CV/resume and cover letter with your application.

Letters of Recommendation will be requested if invited to interview.

About the Program

The Vertex Fellowship is a unique, one-year training program for outstanding scientists and physicians passionate about solving unmet medical needs and advancing transformative science. Fellows join Vertex for a customized post-doctoral experience, gaining hands-on experience with real-world R&D challenges and benefiting from mentorship by Vertex leaders.

This program is designed to provide participants with a broad understanding of the science and business of drug discovery.

Program Highlights

• Project-based Fellowship:
  
  
  • Embed for one year within a Vertex project team
  • Work on a project of relevance, based on your skills and our pipeline needs
• Training & Mentorship
  
  
  • Intensive didactic training on the science and business of drug development
  • Scientific mentorship from research leaders
  • Career mentorship from Vertex leaders
• Exploring Career Fit
  
  
  • Upon completion, participants will be able to effectively decide if a career in industry is the right fit, and if so, how they might develop their career

Why be a Vertex Fellow?

• Contribute to transformative medicines: Help patients by advancing scientific ideas in a team-based environment
• Accelerate your career: Learn about drug discovery and build your professional network
• Mentorship: Receive guidance from scientific, medical, and business leaders at Verte
• Vertex Fellows Network: Develop connections internally and externally

Program Timeline

• Applications Accepted: November 24, 2025 - January 9, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET
• Interview Invitations: February 2026 (Letters of Recommendation requested at this time)
• Interviews: Early March 2026
• Formal Offers: Mid-late March 2026
• Program Start: September 2026
• Program End: August 2027

Eligibility Requirements

• PhD, MD, or joint degree attained within 0-5 years
• Demonstrated scientific impact (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, presentations, awards)
• Evidence of creative thinking, scientific problem solving, and innovation
• Interest in learning how scientific research leads to the development of therapies

Application Instructions

Please submit your CV/resume and cover letter by January 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.

In your cover letter, consider addressing:

• Your most significant scientific or research achievement and how you accomplished it
• An example of how you applied creative thinking to solve a problem
• What you hope to gain from the Vertex Fellows Program

Letters of Recommendation will be requested if invited to interview.

Pay Range:
$110,000 - $165,000

Disclosure Statement:

The range provided is based on what we believe is a reasonable estimate for the base salary pay range for this job at the time of posting. This role is eligible for an annual bonus and annual equity awards. Some roles may also be eligible for overtime pay, in accordance with federal and state requirements. Actual base salary pay will be based on a number of factors, including skills, competencies, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

At Vertex, our Total Rewards offerings also include inclusive market-leading benefits to meet our employees wherever they are in their career, financial, family and wellbeing journey while providing flexibility and resources to support their growth and aspirations. From medical, dental and vision benefits to generous paid time off (including a week-long company shutdown in the Summer and the Winter), educational assistance programs including student loan repayment, a generous commuting subsidy, matching charitable donations, 401(k) and so much more.

Flex Designation:
On-Site Designated

Flex Eligibility Status:

In this On-Site designated role, you will 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.

#LI-Onsite

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