Co-Op, Clinical Biomarker Biostatistics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Meditation access

Commuter benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics in Cambridge, MA, invites applications for a full-time Biostatistics internship Co-op from January 18 to June 25, 2027. You will work with statisticians on biomarkers, causal inference, correlates of protection, and surrogate endpoints to support mRNA vaccine development.

You will design simulations, apply fit-for-purpose methods, and translate results into actionable scientific insights within cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Biostatistics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, or a related field.
• Graduate-level training in regression, survival analysis, and causal inference.
• Academic or research experience with causal inference and machine learning methodologies.
• Proficiency in R (or SAS, Python) for statistical analyses, methodology research, and simulation studies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply fit-for-purpose statistical and causal inference approaches to evaluate biomarkers as potential CoP and surrogate endpoints for clinical benefit.
• Explore causal frameworks for surrogate endpoint evaluation, including mediation analysis, controlled efficacy, principal stratification, and other emerging methodologies.
• Design and conduct simulation studies to evaluate statistical properties, operating characteristics, and robustness of proposed methods under clinically relevant scenarios.
• Apply statistical methods to clinical trial and biomarker data to characterize relationships among treatment, immune or biological responses, and clinical outcomes.

Skills

Biostatistics

Causal inference

Survival analysis

Education

PhD in Biostatistics or related

Tools

R

SAS

Python

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. Moderna’s Biometrics organization is seeking a highly-motivated Biostatistics internship to help address complex quantitative challenges and generate high-impact evidence that informs the development of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. As a Biostatistics internship, you will work alongside experienced statisticians and cross-functional scientists as an integral member of high-performing project teams. You will have the opportunity to develop, evaluate, and apply fit-for-purpose statistical methodologies to real-world clinical development questions, with a particular focus on biomarkers, causal inference, correlates of protection (CoP), and surrogate endpoints. This internship offers a unique opportunity to bridge statistical theory with cutting-edge clinical science. Through hands-on research, simulation, and analysis of clinical trial and biomarker data, you will gain experience translating innovative statistical approaches into meaningful scientific insights and development decisions for next-generation mRNA medicines.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Develop and apply fit-for-purpose statistical and causal inference approaches to evaluate biomarkers as potential CoP and surrogate endpoints for clinical benefit.
• Explore causal frameworks for surrogate endpoint evaluation, including mediation analysis, controlled efficacy, principal stratification, and other emerging methodologies, as appropriate to the scientific question.
• Design and conduct simulation studies to evaluate statistical properties, operating characteristics, and robustness of proposed methods under clinically relevant scenarios.
• Apply statistical methods to clinical trial and biomarker data to characterize relationships among treatment, immune or biological responses, and clinical outcomes.

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

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Biostatistics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Graduate-level training or research experience in statistical methodology, including regression, survival analysis, and causal inference.
• Academic or research experience with causal inference and machine learning/or deep learning methodologies.
• Proficiency in R (or SAS, Python) for statistical analyses, methodology research, and simulation studies.

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

• GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent academic achievement.
• Research experience in causal inference, biomarkers, correlates of protection (CoP), surrogate endpoints, clinical trials, or related biomedical applications.
• Strong interest in developing and applying innovative statistical methodologies to accelerate the development of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.
• Experience with simulation studies, machine learning/deep learning, or advanced statistical modeling.
• Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, manuscripts, or other demonstrated experience in academic research and scientific communication.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal scientific communication skills.

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. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.

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. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.