About the role#
Moderna’s Research Analytics department is seeking a motivated Co-Op to support biological assay development for Research and Early Development. You will lead a mentored research project focused on the development, optimization, and miniaturization of a multiplex Luminex immunoassay for preclinical antibody-binding assessment. This position offers hands-on experience with the full assay development lifecycle, from antigen-bead conjugation to assay characterization and scale-down. You will work closely with a scientific mentor to develop independence in experimental design, data interpretation, and scientific decision-making.
What you'll do#
- Support the development and optimization of a multiplex Luminex immunoassay for preclinical antibody-binding assessment.
- Gain 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 performance following scale-down.
- Design and execute laboratory experiments, analyze results, troubleshoot performance, and use findings to guide subsequent work.
- 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.
What you'll need#
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in a STEM field such as Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or Biotechnology.
- Foundational laboratory skills applicable to bioprocessing or analytical testing.
- A GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Prior wet-lab experience through coursework, academic research, internships, or previous industry experience.
- Previous experience with ELISA, immunoassays, plate-based assays, or antibody-based techniques is preferred.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with comfort working with quantitative datasets.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail.
- Must hold work authorization in the US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.
Location & details#
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Term: Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 (January 18th to June 25th, 2027).
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time.
About Moderna
Moderna operates in the biotechnology research sector. Founded in 2010, the company focuses on the development of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. It maintains headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The organization employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people and functions as a public company.
How to get in at Moderna
Securing an internship at Moderna requires speed because high-volume roles often fill quickly. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first. Early applicants get seen before the pile grows, which gives you a distinct advantage over those who wait for a job board refresh. You should also look for ways to connect with the team directly. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out to ask about the position or a referral. Reaching out to a human being instead of relying on an automated system materially improves your response rates.
