Data, Technology and Engineering Industrial Placement Student (12 months)

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.

The opportunity

Join the International Data, Technology and Engineering team for a placement focused on how technology, data and AI can improve the way people work and help bring medicines to patients. You will contribute across three connected areas: supporting responsible AI adoption and experimentation, working as part of product teams, and translating business needs into clear technology requirements.

This is a developmental role with meaningful responsibility. You will begin with structured support and coaching, take ownership of defined activities and deliverables, and, as your capability and confidence grow, have the opportunity to work with greater independence.

What you will do

Drive AI adoption

Support awareness, training, experimentation and practical use of approved AI tools. Help lead an Early Talent Hackathon that turns ideas into tangible prototypes or recommendations.

Support product teams

Work as a member of one or more product teams. Help maintain and refine backlogs, prepare prioritisation discussions, track actions and outcomes, and support delivery around product launches.

Translate business needs

Engage with business partners to understand problems and opportunities. Help turn needs into user stories, features, requirements and clear inputs for commercial technology product owners.

Key responsibilities

· Help scale adoption of approved AI capabilities by creating practical guidance, supporting learning sessions, gathering feedback and identifying repeatable use cases.

· Help plan and deliver an Early Talent Hackathon, including participant engagement, challenge definition, event coordination, team support and communication of outcomes.

· Contribute to product team ceremonies and ways of working, including backlog refinement, planning, prioritisation, reviews and action tracking.

· Support product managers and product owners with product documentation, roadmap inputs, stakeholder updates, risks, dependencies and outcome tracking.

· Support technology activity associated with business growth and product launches, helping coordinate requirements, readiness activities and cross-functional follow-up.

· Conduct business analysis through stakeholder conversations, process mapping, research and structured problem definition.

· Translate business needs into clear user stories, acceptance criteria, features or other requirements, working with business and technology colleagues to validate understanding.

· Prepare concise analysis, presentations and recommendations for varied audiences, including senior stakeholders.

· Build effective relationships across International DTE, business teams, global technology groups and other early-talent communities.

· Work in line with company policies and applicable requirements for privacy, security, quality and responsible use of technology.

What you will gain

· Practical experience of AI adoption and value realisation in a highly regulated, science-led organisation.

· First-hand exposure to product management, agile ways of working and modern technology delivery.

· Experience supporting International business priorities and product launches across multiple markets and functions.

· Coaching from experienced DTE colleagues, with increasing ownership as you demonstrate readiness.

· Opportunities to strengthen communication, analysis, facilitation, stakeholder management and leadership skills.

Who we are looking for

You will be undertaking a university degree and able to complete a 12-month industrial placement as part of your studies. We welcome applicants from a broad range of disciplines. You do not need to be a software developer, but you should have a strong interest in technology, data, AI and how they can be applied to real business problems.

Essential capabilities

· Curiosity about AI, digital technology, data and product management, with an appetite to learn quickly.

· Ability to listen, ask thoughtful questions and turn complex or ambiguous information into a clear structure.

· Strong written and verbal communication, with confidence working with colleagues from different disciplines and backgrounds.

· Good organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage actions, priorities and deadlines.

· A collaborative, inclusive and proactive approach, combined with the judgement to ask for support when needed.

· Comfort using common productivity and collaboration tools, and willingness to learn new platforms and ways of working.

· Commitment to responsible, ethical and secure use of technology and information.

Required experience

· Experience from university, employment, volunteering or extracurricular activity involving technology, analysis, innovation, project delivery or teamwork.

· Exposure to AI tools, product or agile methods, hackathons, process mapping, data analysis, user research or requirements gathering.

· Interest in biotechnology, healthcare or the use of technology to support better outcomes for patients and customers.

How success will be demonstrated

· You build trust with the team and business partners by being reliable, curious and clear in your communication.

· You complete defined work to a high standard, using feedback and coaching to improve.

· You make a visible contribution to AI adoption, product team effectiveness and the quality of business requirements.

· Over the course of the placement, you take increasing ownership of deliverables and, where ready, lead suitable activities independently.

About the placement

The placement is designed to provide a broad and challenging introduction to Data, Technology and Engineering in an International commercial environment. The exact portfolio of work may evolve during the year to reflect business priorities, product launches and opportunities to scale AI and product ways of working. The successful candidate will receive clear objectives, regular coaching and opportunities to learn from colleagues across the organisation.

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.

Flex Designation:

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.

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

About Vertex

Help Us Achieve Our Mission

Vertex is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases and conditions. The company has approved therapies for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, acute pain and acromegaly, and it continues to advance clinical and research programs in these areas. Vertex also has a robust clinical pipeline of investigational therapies across a range of modalities in other serious diseases where it has deep insight into causal human biology, including IgA nephropathy, neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, primary membranous nephropathy, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, generalized myasthenia gravis, and myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Vertex was founded in 1989 and has its global headquarters in Boston, with international headquarters in London. Additionally, the company has research and development sites and commercial offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Latin America and the Middle East. Vertex is consistently recognized as one of the industry's top places to work, including 17 consecutive years on Science magazine's Top Employers list and one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For. For company updates and to learn more about Vertex's history of innovation, visitwww.vrtx.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X

We believe our culture is one of Vertex’s greatest strengths and a key enabler of our ability to deliver transformative medicines for patients who need them. Rooted in innovation, purpose and collaboration, our culture empowers people to take smart risks, challenge conventional thinking and do their best work. The diversity of our people is central to that culture. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, we foster an environment where new ideas thrive, better decisions are made and breakthrough innovation is possible. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, included and connected to our shared mission, because we know that our unique culture and the collective strength of our people are what set Vertex apart.