Co-Op, Research Analytics

Moderna; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Moderna is seeking a winter-spring Co-Op in Cambridge, MA, January 18th–June 25th, 2027. You will join the Research Analytics team to develop and optimize a multiplex Luminex immunoassay for preclinical antibody-binding assessment, with hands-on experience across the assay lifecycle.

You will miniaturize assays, design experiments, analyze data, troubleshoot performance, and communicate findings in team discussions and a final presentation.

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a STEM bachelor's or master's program.
• Foundational laboratory skills applicable to bioprocessing or analytical testing.
• U.S. work authorized; immigration sponsorship not available for this role.

Responsibilities

• Support development and optimization of a multiplex Luminex immunoassay for preclinical antibody-binding assessment.
• Gain hands-on experience with antigen-bead conjugation, single plex and multiplex assay development, and assay characterization.
• Assist in miniaturizing a 96-well assay to 384-well format and evaluate performance.
• Design and execute experiments, analyze results, troubleshoot, and guide subsequent experiments.
• Compare Luminex assay performance with a 384-well ELISA to assess analytical performance and biological agreement.
• Maintain clear experimental documentation and communicate results in team reviews and final presentation.

Skills

Foundational lab skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in STEM

Currently enrolled in degree program

Job description

The Role

This is a full-time winter-spring Co-Op based in Cambridge, MA from January 18th- June 25th, 2027. Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the program.

Moderna’s Research Analytics department is seeking a talented and motivated Co-Op to join our team supporting biological assay development for Research and Early Development. The Co-Op will lead a mentored research project focused on the development, optimization, and miniaturization of a multiplex Luminex assay for preclinical antibody-binding assessment.

The project will provide hands-on experience across the assay development lifecycle, progressing from antigen-bead conjugation and single plex assay development through multiplex optimization, assay characterization, and miniaturization from 96-well to 384-well format. The Co-Op will ultimately compare the newly developed 384-well Luminex assay with an established 384-well indirect ELISA to evaluate analytical performance, biological agreement, and sample conservation.

This role provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in immunoassay development, multiplex technology, experimental design, data analysis, assay miniaturization, and scientific decision-making. The goal is for the Co-Op to progressively develop the skills needed to interpret experimental results, troubleshoot assay performance, propose next steps, and make data-supported recommendations.

Applicants should be curious, collaborative, detail-oriented, and motivated to learn in a dynamic research environment.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Support the development and optimization of a multiplex Luminex immunoassay for preclinical antibody-binding assessment.
• Gain hands-on experience with antigen-bead conjugation, single plex and multiplex assay development, and assay characterization.
• Help miniaturize a 96-well Luminex assay into a 384-well format and evaluate assay performance following scale-down.
• Design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze results, troubleshoot assay performance, and use findings to guide subsequent experiments.
• Compare the newly developed Luminex assay with an established 384-well indirect ELISA to evaluate analytical performance and biological agreement.
• Assess the potential sample-sparing and operational benefits of multiplexing for sample-limited preclinical studies.
• Maintain clear experimental documentation and communicate results through team discussions, data reviews, and a final project presentation.
• Work closely with a scientific mentor while developing increasing independence in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific decision-making.

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, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or related discipline).
• Foundational laboratory skills applicable to bioprocessing or analytical testing.
• 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)

• 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.

• Prior wet-lab experience through coursework, academic research, internships, or previous industry experience preferred.

• Interest in learning new assay technologies and developing hands‑on experience with multiplex immunoassays.

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with an interest in understanding why an experiment produced a particular result, not simply executing a predefined protocol.

• Detail‑oriented and comfortable maintaining accurate experimental records and working with multi‑