2026 Co-Op

The Role

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) are critical biological samples within many Moderna Clinical Trials.  Moderna has established a harmonized isolation and cryopreservation strategy under continuous improvement for application to clinic trials.   In this role, you will join that effort and support CBL non-clinical PBMC efforts that test the feasibility of alternative processing methods and the impact they have on immune profiling or functional cell responses.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• The deliverables include gaining proficiency in Moderna’s standard PBMC isolation procedure, and test alternative approaches measuring the impact on cell yield, viability, and recovery.

• To measure the impact to downstream applications, you will perform ex vivo stimulation and high-parameter (≥19colors) Intracellular Cytokine Staining (ICS) assays. This assay is an advanced technique that requires handling live cell samples using aseptic technique, precise pipetting, and attention to detail.

• You may use the ICS assay or other established assays to screen internal PBMC donors for responses to various antigens. This data will be used by all team members as a reference to choose the best PBMC samples for development experiments.

• You will gain a basic understanding of Spectral Cytometry and be trained to use a 5-laser Cytek Aurora and Spectroflo software.

• You will be trained to analyze flow cytometry data using FCS Express analysis software.

• You will be exposed to the process of designing, planning, and executing experiments with appropriate controls, and tabulating, analyzing, and presenting the results using softwares such as SmartSheet, Excel, GraphPad Prism, and PowerPoint.

• Development opportunities include technical (lab) skill improvements, data analysis, data presentation and communication skills, literature review and exploration of potential career paths.

• Additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.

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

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or similar.

• Basic knowledge of standard lab procedures (such as pipetting) and laboratory safety is required.

• Completed foundational biology courses such as cell biology, biochemistry, or laboratory techniques in biology. Completion of Immunology course is highly desired.

• 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)

• Technical experience in any of the following areas desired: cell/tissue culture, flow cytometry, in vitro transfections, protein/antibody detection methods (e.g., MSD, ELISA, Luminex), assay development and troubleshooting. Prior co-op or internship experience is preferred but not required

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

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.

-