Co-Op, Immuno-Oncology Research

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

Benefits offered by this job

In-person mentorship

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics in Cambridge, MA seeks a co-op to support immuno-oncology research using cell and molecular biology techniques. The program runs January 18, 2027 through June 25, 2027, and requires availability for the full duration. The co-op will work under an experienced mentor to contribute to pivotal mRNA-based immunotherapies.

You’ll gain hands-on experience with primary cell work, assay readouts, and in vitro/in vivo model development while presenting findings to program teams.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master’s degree program in a STEM field.
• Previous co-op experience is a plus.
• Technical experience in mammalian tissue culture, transfection, and protein detection methods.
• Prior experience in flow cytometry is a plus.
• Self-motivated and able to drive a project to completion in a fast-paced team setting.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Immuno-Oncology lab scientists to learn core cell/molecular biology techniques.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments supporting Immuno-Oncology programs.
• Participate in a wide range of research activities and learn assays like ELISA/MSD, flow cytometry, and tissue processing.
• Present work to program teams and participate in department-wide meetings.
• Maintain a safe lab environment and organized electronic lab notebook.

Skills

Mammalian tissue culture

Cell transfection

Protein detection methods (MSD/ELISA)

Assay development

Flow cytometry

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in STEM

Tools

MSD/ELISA

Flow cytometry (FACS)

Job description

The Role

This is a full-time co-op based in Cambridge, MA from January 18, 2027 – June 25, 2027. Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the program. Immuno-Oncology Research at Moderna is seeking a talented and motivated co-op to join our efforts supporting the development of new mRNA-based drugs for cancer therapy. The Co-op will use cell and molecular biology techniques to support the development of mRNA-based Immunotherapies and will have the opportunity to help contribute to pivotal research, such as potency of drugs in development, characterization of therapeutic targets, in vitro or in vivo model development, and readouts of activity and efficacy. The Co-op will work on an individual project that is important to Moderna Oncology’s mission with support from an experienced mentor who will provide guidance on projects and career development.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Partner with experienced Immuno-Oncology lab scientists to learn and apply core cell and molecular biology techniques.
• Learn how to design, execute, and analyze experiments supporting Immuno-Oncology programs.
• Have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of research activities and get hands-on experience with assays such as primary cell isolation, cell culture, ELISA/MSD assays, cell-based functional assays, flow cytometry, and tissue processing for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.
• Present work to program teams and participate in department-wide meetings and discussions.
• Make meaningful contributions to a pivotal Immuno-Oncology program.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and follow all site safety and compliance requirements.
• Maintain an organized work area and electronic lab notebook.

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, Molecular Biology, Immunology, BioEngineering, or related discipline).
• Previous co-op experience is a plus.
• Technical experience in the following areas is preferred: mammalian tissue culture, cell transfection, protein detection methods (MSD/ELISA), assay development and troubleshooting.
• Prior experience in flow cytometry is a plus.
• The candidate should be self-motivated and possess the desire to drive a project to completion.
• The co-op must be flexible and able to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

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.
• Interest in working within a rigorous, lab-based Immuno-Oncology department.
• 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

• 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.
• 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.

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.

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.