Job Description

Formulation - Industrial Placement 12 Months

Milton Park, Oxford UK

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 position in our Pre-Formulation team at our research facility in Oxfordshire.

Main Duties & Objectives

We are looking for a highly motivated and dedicated scientist to join our Pre-Formulation team for their placement year. Successful candidates will gain experience in the evaluation of lead compound for clinical development via pre-formulation studies (i.e. solubility and stability in relevant media); discovery and characterization of the form landscape of lead compounds; evaluation of the physical stability of high energy forms of drug substance; characterisation testing using XRPD, particle size analysis, thermal analytical techniques (DSC and TGA) in order to elucidate the solid state structure of lead compounds.


During Industrial Placements 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.

Person Specification

Currently studying a relevant Chemistry/ Material/ Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent university qualification Capable of maintaining accurate written documentation of all lab work Strong knowledge of math and physical chemistry Excellent team working Effective communication skills

Role Duration

September 2026 to August 2027

Our Ways of Working:

Flex @ Vertex details


Flex Designation: Hybrid-Eligible Or On-Site Eligible


Flex Eligibility Status


In this Hybrid-Eligible role, you can choose to be designated as:


1. Hybrid: work remotely up to two days per week; or select


2. 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.

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