Co-Op, Research Analytics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Meditation classes

Commuter benefits

Generous PTO

Discretionary bonus eligibility

Job summary

Moderna Therapeutics is seeking a winter-spring Co-Op in Cambridge, MA to advance multiplex Luminex immunoassay development for preclinical antibody-binding testing. You will work under a mentor, perform antigen-bead conjugation, single-plex and multiplex assay development, and help miniaturize assays from 96-well to 384-well formats.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in a STEM bachelor’s or master’s program with foundational lab skills and a strong communication style.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's program in a STEM field.
• Foundational laboratory skills applicable to bioprocessing or analytical testing.
• US work authorization without sponsorship is required.

Responsibilities

• Support development and optimization of a multiplex Luminex immunoassay for preclinical antibody-binding assessment.
• Design and execute lab experiments and analyze results.
• Discuss results in team reviews and present final project findings.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Independent yet collaborative

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in STEM

Tools

Luminex system

ELISA techniques

Graphing software

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.

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.
• For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in the 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-step laboratory workflows.
• Comfortable working with quantitative datasets; experience with data-analysis or graphing software is beneficial but not required.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
• Highly motivated, adaptable, and comfortable learning through iterative experimental development and troubleshooting.
• Previous experience with ELISA, immunoassays, plate-based assays, or antibody-based techniques is beneficial but not required.
• 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

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.

• 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 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. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day,

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.