Co-Op, Protein Design

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 paid time off

Location-specific perks

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics in Norwood, MA offers a full-time co-op from January 18, 2027 to June 25, 2027. The role provides hands-on exposure to X-ray crystallography, protein structure modeling, and robotics while supporting Infectious Disease programs in a regulated biopharma environment.

You’ll learn from experienced scientists, prepare samples, design experiments, and maintain rigorous documentation. The program emphasizes in-person collaboration and safety as part of Moderna’s 70/30 in-office

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in a STEM field.
• Foundational laboratory skills applicable to research.
• GPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent academic achievement.

Responsibilities

• Learn and apply core X-Ray crystallography laboratory techniques with senior scientists.
• Prepare proteins, solutions, and screens required for routine X-ray crystallography experiments.
• Design experiments and operate laboratory robotics to perform screening and optimization experiments.
• Learn to model and refine 3D protein structures with crystallographic software.
• Maintain good research documentation practices and present data to the team.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and follow all site safety and compliance requirements.
• Complete all required training assignments in a timely manner.
• Contribute to special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Team collaboration

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in STEM

Tools

X-ray crystallography

Crystallographic software

Laboratory robotics

Protein structure modeling

Job description

The Role

This is a full-time co-op based in Norwood, MA from January 18th - June 25th, 2027. Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the program. The Structural Biology Research Co-Op will support laboratory operations within Moderna’s Tundra laboratory at the Norwood manufacturing site. The position provides hands‑on exposure to X-ray crystallography techniques, protein structure modeling, research documentation practices, and laboratory robotics operations supporting programs within Infectious Disease. 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

• Partner with experienced structural biology scientists to learn and apply core X-Ray crystallography laboratory techniques.
• Prepare proteins, solutions, and screens required for routine X-ray crystallography experiments.
• Design experiments and operate laboratory robotics to perform screening and optimization experiments.
• Learn to model and refine 3D protein structures with various crystallographic software. Opportunity to gain knowledge and work alongside Cryo-EM scientists.
• Support laboratory organization and general housekeeping activities.
• Maintain good research documentation practices and present data to the team.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and follow all site safety and compliance requirements.
• Complete all required training assignments in a timely manner.
• Contribute to special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.

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, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline).
• Foundational laboratory skills applicable to research.

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 research laboratory environment.
• Background in or a strong desire to learn structural biology (X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM).
• 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.

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.

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.