Co-Op, Bacteriology

Moderna Therapeutics; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meditation classes

Commuter benefits

Paid time off

Location-specific perks

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics in Cambridge, MA is offering a Spring/Summer Co-op from Jan 18, 2027 to Jun 25, 2027. You will support the Bacterial Immunology team by executing antibody binding and related assays, gaining hands-on experience in an mRNA-LNP biotech setting.

The program emphasizes lab safety, experimental design, data analysis and scientific documentation while offering cross-team collaboration and mentorship. Applicants must be available for full duration of the co-op.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in life sciences.
• Fundamental knowledge of wet lab techniques including pipetting, serial dilution, aseptic technique, bacterial growth and mammalian cell culture.
• Ability to apply relevant literature protocols to experiments.
• Legal authorization to work in the US.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply new laboratory techniques while accurately following established protocols.
• Assist in execution and optimization of bacterial and immunological assays to support vaccine programs, including antibody binding, toxin neutralization, antibody-dependent complement deposition and opsonophagocytic assays.
• Independently execute experiments and maintain thorough, accurate experimental documentation.
• Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental data.
• Deliver reproducible, high-quality results within established timelines.

Skills

Wet lab techniques

Pipetting

Aseptic technique

Bacterial culture

Mammalian cell culture

Education

Undergraduate or graduate student in life sciences

Tools

ELISA

Western blot

Flow cytometry

Microscopy

Job description

The Role

Our Spring/Summer Co-op Program runs from January 18, 2027 through June 25, 2027. All applicants must be available for the full duration of the program. Moderna’s Bacterial Immunology team is seeking a highly motivated and adaptable Co-op to join our team in support of developing new mRNA-based vaccines. Our ideal candidate will enthusiastically contribute to our work through execution and optimization of binding and functional antibody assays. The Moderna Research Co-op Program is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently pursuing an undergraduate or advanced degree in the life sciences. During the co-op, you will learn about the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and gain valuable hands-on experience in one of the most bold and relentless companies currently leading the field in mRNA-LNP science. You will work under the supervision of an experienced Moderna team member and will have opportunities for cross-team collaboration, networking and mentorship. You will develop laboratory skills and gain experience in laboratory safety, experimental design, data analysis and scientific documentation.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Learn and apply new laboratory techniques while accurately following established protocols.
• Assist in the execution and optimization of bacterial and immunological assays to support vaccine programs, including antibody binding, toxin neutralization, antibody-dependent complement deposition and opsonophagocytic assays.
• Independently execute experiments and maintain thorough, accurate experimental documentation.
• Analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate experimental data.
• Deliver reproducible, high-quality results within established timelines.

Here’s What You’ll Need (Minimum Qualifications)

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program with a focus on Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Bacteriology, Biology, Molecular Biology or another related field.
• Fundamental knowledge of and/or hands-on experience with wet lab techniques, including pipetting, serial dilution, aseptic technique, bacterial growth and mammalian cell culture.
• Ability to identify and apply relevant scientific knowledge and experimental protocols from the literature.
• Legal authorization to work in the US.

Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• Candidates with strong knowledge or hands-on experience in at least one of the following techniques are encouraged to apply: protein detection (e.g., ELISA, Western blot) or cell characterization (e.g., flow cytometry, microscopy).
• Ability to troubleshoot experimental challenges and identify, evaluate and communicate alternative approaches.
• Enthusiasm for aligning with our core values through curiosity in exploring new approaches, boldness in proposing creative ideas, collaboration across multifunctional teams and relentlessness in driving successful outcomes.

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.

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.

E-Verify Employer

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 [e-mail].

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.

Our Mission and Vision

At Moderna we are pioneering the development of a new class of drugs made of messenger RNA (mRNA). This novel drug platform builds on the discovery that modified mRNA can direct the body’s cellular machinery to produce nearly any protein of interest, from native proteins to antibodies and other entirely novel protein constructs that can have therapeutic activity inside and outside of cells. We have a clear mission to propel the field of mRNA science forward and deliver new medicines to patients and a unique vision for how to achieve this mission. Our Mission: To deliver on the promise of transformative messenger RNA (mRNA) science to bring new medicines to patients. Our Vision: To unlock the potential of mRNA by establishing an ecosystem of teams and partners that will work together to develop the broadest possible array of drugs, across diverse therapeutic areas and routes of administration, for serious diseases that are not treatable today.

Third Party Staffing Agencies

Moderna does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from candidates. For the protection of all parties involved in the recruiting process, resumes will only be accepted from recruiters/agencies if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position. Unsolicited resumes sent to Moderna from recruiters/agencies do not constitute any type of relationship between the recruiter/agency and Moderna and do not ob...

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Moderna will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. Please inform the company's personnel representative by calling 617-460-9346 or emailing [e-mail] if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.