2026 Co-Op

The Role

Moderna is seeking a highly motivated co-op student to join our Delivery Science team in Cambridge, MA. To advance mRNA vaccines and medicines, The Delivery Science Team applies novel and existing technologies and to enable and highly characterize delivery of mRNA in a fast-paced interdisciplinary environment. The focus of this role is integrating delivery and formulation design of complex payloads with advanced biophysical measurements. The selected individual will have the opportunity to explore the cutting edge of mRNA delivery vehicles and build characterization tools that may define mechanism and activity relationships enabling mRNA therapeutics.

The co-op will run from Jan - July, 2026.  All applicants must be available for the entire duration of the program, 40 hrs/week, and on-site.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Collect, parse, and analyze large, multidimensional datasets consisting of time-correlated fluorescence intensity data

• Develop automated imaging using microfluidics and microscopy

• Formulate lipid nanoparticles with varied RNA payloads using existing in-house methods

• Explore the impact of various compositional and formulation parameters on packaging of complex nucleic acid payloads in lipid nanoparticles

• Carry out existing protocols and prototype novel experimental strategies focused on the characterization of LNP components

• Drive assay optimization while leveraging digital tools to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency

• Relate experimental results to a broader range of biophysical and analytical techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, fluorescence lifetime microscopy, DLS, flow cytometry

• Develop python scripts to parse, visualize, and analyze image data

• Query the literature for process/analytical tools and adapt new protocols into practice

• Maintain an accurate and detailed record of experiments in an electronic notebook

• Communicate (both orally and written) research findings and actively participate at group and project team meetings

• Additional duties may be assigned from time to time

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

• Currently enrolled in a full-time Master’s or PhD program

• Experience with multivariate image analysis in a python environment preferred

• 6+ months of experience in assay development involving RNA, lipids, and LNP formulations preferred

• Familiarity with epifluorescence microscopic imaging

• Familiarity with microfluidics and automated sample handling preferred

• Experienced in analytical analysis, optimizing methodologies, and streamlining processes using digital tools.

• Proficient in method execution, data interpretation, and troubleshooting to ensure accuracy and efficiency in analytical workflows

• Background in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, materials engineering, or related fields.

• Experience working in a lab; knowledge of general chemical safety protocols.

• Effective written and oral communication skills 

• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

• 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. 

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—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 and holidays
  •    Volunteer time to participate within your community
  •    Discretionary year-end shutdown
• Location-specific perks and extras!

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. 

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. 

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, please apply!

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 [email protected]. 

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.

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