Co-Op, In Vitro Biology

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

Benefits offered by this job

Meditation/mindfulness classes

Subsidized commuter benefits

Generous PTO and holidays

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a highly motivated co‑op based in Cambridge, MA to support development and application of in vitro assays within research and technology development efforts. The role offers hands-on experience in cell culture, assay development, and data analysis within a collaborative environment.

The co‑op runs January 18, 2027 – June 25, 2027, with opportunities to own a defined scientific project and contribute to ongoing technology development initiatives.

Qualifications

• Pursuing BS/MS in cell biology, molecular biology, or related field.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience and cell biology foundations.
• Experience with cell-based assays and plate-based workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute plate-based cell assays and microscopy workflows.
• Optimize cell-based assays for robustness and scalability.
• Establish controls, quality criteria, and standardized workflows.
• Design follow-up studies to characterize candidates in cellular models.
• Apply molecular and cell biology approaches to delivery performance.

Skills

Cell biology

Mammalian cell culture

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

BS/MS in cell biology or related

Tools

Fluorescence microscopy

GraphPad Prism

Excel

Job description

The Role Moderna is seeking a highly motivated co‑op with a strong interest in cell biology, assay development, and drug delivery to join our team. 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. The co‑op will support the development and application of in vitro assays within Moderna’s research and technology development efforts. The role provides hands‑on experience in cell culture, cell‑based assay development and optimization, plate‑based screening, microscopy, data analysis, and the characterization of novel delivery technologies. This role offers meaningful, practical experience in a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment, with the opportunity to take ownership of a defined scientific project and contribute to ongoing research and technology development initiatives.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute plate‑based cell assays and microscopy workflows to evaluate novel delivery technologies.
• Optimize cell‑based assays for robustness, reproducibility, and scalability by systematically evaluating key cell culture and assay parameters.
• Establish experimental controls, quality criteria, and standardized workflows to ensure consistent assay execution and interpretation.
• Design and conduct follow‑up studies to characterize promising candidates in relevant cellular models.
• Apply molecular and cell biology approaches to investigate biological factors influencing delivery performance.
• Execute and troubleshoot experimental protocols, adapt new methods, and leverage scientific literature to guide experimental design.
• Analyze, interpret, document, and communicate experimental results to multidisciplinary project teams.
• Collaborate with scientists across multiple disciplines to advance research objectives.

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

• Currently pursuing a BS, MS, or equivalent degree in cell biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience with mammalian cell culture and a strong foundation in cell and molecular biology.
• Experience with cell‑based assays and plate‑based experimental workflows.
• Ability to organize and document experimental work clearly and maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for presenting and discussing scientific results.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, fast‑paced research 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.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy or imaging techniques.
• Familiarity with quantitative data analysis and visualization using tools such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, or similar software.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experiments, think critically about experimental results, and learn new laboratory techniques.

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.

Equal 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.

Accommodations

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.

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.