The Role
This is a full-time winter-spring Co-Op based in Cambridge, MA from January 18th- June 25th, 2027. Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the program.
Moderna's Research Analytics department is seeking a talented and motivated Co-Op to join our team supporting biological assay development for Research and Early Development. The Co-Op will lead a mentored research project focused on the development, optimization, and miniaturization of a multiplex Luminex assay for preclinical antibody-binding assessment.
The project will provide hands-on experience across the assay development lifecycle, progressing from antigen-bead conjugation and single plex assay development through multiplex optimization, assay characterization, and miniaturization from 96-well to 384-well format. The Co-Op will ultimately compare the newly developed 384-well Luminex assay with an established 384-well indirect ELISA to evaluate analytical performance, biological agreement, and sample conservation.
This role provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in immunoassay development, multiplex technology, experimental design, data analysis, assay miniaturization, and scientific decision-making. The goal is for the Co-Op to progressively develop the skills needed to interpret experimental results, troubleshoot assay performance, propose next steps, and make data-supported recommendations.
Applicants should be curious, collaborative, detail-oriented, and motivated to learn in a dynamic research environment.
Here's What You'll Do
- Support the development and optimization of a multiplex Luminex immunoassay for preclinical antibody-binding assessment.
- Gain hands-on experience with antigen-bead conjugation, single plex and multiplex assay development, and assay characterization.
- Help miniaturize a 96-well Luminex assay into a 384-well format and evaluate assay performance following scale-down.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze results, troubleshoot assay performance, and use findings to guide subsequent experiments.
- Compare the newly developed Luminex assay with an established 384-well indirect ELISA to evaluate analytical performance and biological agreement.
- Assess the potential sample-sparing and operational benefits of multiplexing for sample-limited preclinical studies.
- Maintain clear experimental documentation and communicate results through team discussions, data reviews, and a final project presentation.
- Work closely with a scientific mentor while developing increasing independence in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific decision-making.
Here's What You'll Need (Minimum Qualifications)
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in a STEM field (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or related discipline).
- Foundational laboratory skills applicable to bioprocessing or analytical testing.
- At Moderna, we are focused on delivering on our mission by enabling talent to thrive. For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.
Here's What You'll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
- GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent academic achievement.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skill.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.
- Prior wet-lab experience through coursework, academic research, internships, or previous industry experience preferred.
- Interest in learning new assay technologies and developing hands-on experience with multiplex immunoassays.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an interest in understanding why an experiment produced a particular result, not simply executing a predefined protocol.
- Detail-oriented and comfortable maintaining accurate experimental records and working with multi-step laboratory workflows.
- Comfortable working with quantitative datasets; experience with data-analysis or graphing software is beneficial but not required.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
- Highly motivated, adaptable, and comfortable learning through iterative experimental development and troubleshooting.
- Previous experience with ELISA, immunoassays, plate-based assays, or antibody-based techniques is beneficial but not required.
- A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.
Our Working Model
As we build our company, we have always believed an in-person culture is critical to our success. Moderna champions the significant benefits of in-office collaboration by embracing a 70/30 work model. This 70% in-office structure helps to foster a culture rich in innovation, teamwork, and direct mentorship. Join us in shaping a world where every interaction is an opportunity to learn, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.
Moderna is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free work environment.
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That's why our co-op benefits are designed to support you during your time with us —at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
- Free premium access to meditation and mindfulness classes
- Subsidized commuter benefits
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, holidays, volunteer days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
- Location-specific perks and extras
The salary range for this role is $20.00 - $60.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs.
The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.
About Moderna
Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world.
By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities.
We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S.
If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.
Equal Opportunities
Moderna 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 or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply!
Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Accommodations
We're focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.
Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. 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 contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
Export Control Notice
This position may involve access to technology or data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). As such, employment is contingent upon the applicant's ability to access export-controlled information in accordance with U.S. law. Only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are currently eligible to access such information without an export license. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered, contingent on the company's ability to obtain any required export control license.
