Co-Op, Bioanalytics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Free premium access to meditation and.

Subsidized commuter benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a co-op in Cambridge, MA for a full‑time period January 18 to June 25, 2027. You will support assay development, data interpretation, and documentation across mRNA/siRNA quantification in a regulated biopharmaceutical setting.

You will perform extractions, operate QC platforms, help develop RT-qPCR methods, and draft SOPs while collaborating with cross‑functional teams. A GPA requirement and no immigration sponsorship are noted.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an Undergraduate or Graduate program in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioengineering, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Coursework or hands-on experience in a wet lab environment.
• Familiarity with pipetting, clean hood/biosafety cabinet, qPCR, and QC instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform nucleic acid extraction and quantification from various biological matrices.
• Operate and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation (Maxwell, TapeStation/Bioanalyzer, QS7, epMotion, liquid handler).
• Execute workflows for mRNA/siRNA extraction, purification, and quality assessment.
• Develop RT-qPCR methods to improve sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility.
• Draft and update SOPs to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Summarize results, generate figures/tables, and present progress to cross-functional teams.
• Adhere to biosafety, documentation, and data governance standards.

Skills

PCR principles

Nucleic acid quantification

Data visualization

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate/Graduate program in Molecular Biology/Genomics/Bioengineering/Analytical Chemistry/Biochemistry

Tools

Maxwell

TapeStation

Bioanalyzer

epMotion

Liquid handling

Job description

The Role

This is a full-time Co-op position based in Cambridge, MA from January 18th-June 25th, 2027. Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the program. Join Moderna’s Bioanalytical group as a co-op and gain hands-on experience at the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, and analytical chemistry. In this role, you will support assay development, execution, and data interpretation for mRNA/siRNA quantification. Your contributions will span wet lab activities, data analysis, documentation, and cross-functional communication helping advance Moderna’s mission to deliver innovative medicines. This role offers meaningful, practical experience in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment, with the opportunity to contribute to ongoing laboratory and operational initiatives.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Perform nucleic acid extraction and quantification from a variety of biological matrices.
• Operate and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation, including Maxwell, TapeStation/Bioanalyzer, QS7, epMotion, liquid handler and other QC platforms.
• Execute workflows for mRNA/siRNA extraction, purification, and quality assessment.
• Explore and implement new strategies for RT-qPCR method development to enhance sensitivity, accuracy, and reproducibility.
• Draft and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Summarize experimental results, generate figures/tables, and present progress to cross-functional teams.
• Adhere to biosafety practices, good documentation standards, and data governance policies consistent with bioanalytical and clinical environments.

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

Currently enrolled in an Undergraduate or Graduate program in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Bioengineering, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field. Coursework or hands‑on experience in a wet lab environment. Familiarity with core molecular techniques such as pipetting, clean hood/ biosafety cabinet 2, qPCR, and use of QC instrumentation.

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to meticulous record‑keeping.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate in a team environment.
• 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)

• A strong understanding of PCR principles and nucleic acid quantification techniques.
• Experience with nucleic acid extraction platforms (e.g., Maxwell) and QC tools (e.g., TapeStation, Bioanalyzer).
• Ability to communicate scientific findings clearly, including preparing data visualizations suitable for both expert and non‑expert audiences.
• Interest in bioanalytical method development and eagerness to learn new technologies.
• GPA of 3.2 (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 skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality and compliance.
• 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. 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, 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 obligate Moderna to pay fees if we hire from those resumes.

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.