Co-op, Clinical Biomarker Lab, Flow Cytometry

Moderna • Norwood, MA

3d • $20 - $60 • Onsite

About The Position

The Flow Cytometry Group within the Clinical Biomarker Laboratory is continuously developing, expanding, and refining assays to deepen understanding of immune responses and support downstream development activities. In this co-op role, you will contribute to the development and optimization of new and existing workflows by performing laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and helping generate reference datasets that inform assay development and decision-making. This position will run from July 13th-December 11th, 2026.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Immunology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of standard laboratory procedures, such as pipetting, and laboratory safety.
• Completion of foundational biology coursework such as cell biology, biochemistry, or laboratory techniques in biology; coursework in immunology is strongly preferred.
• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full-time.
• This position is not eligible for remote work.
• Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: cell or tissue culture, flow cytometry, in vitro transfection, protein or antibody detection methods (for example, MSD, ELISA, or Luminex), or assay development and troubleshooting.
• Prior co-op or internship experience is helpful but not required.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

Responsibilities

• Perform ex vivo stimulation and high-parameter (≥19-color) Intracellular Cytokine Staining (ICS) assays. This advanced technique requires handling live cell samples using aseptic technique, precise pipetting, and strong attention to detail.
• Use ICS assays or other established methods to screen internal PBMC donors for responses to various antigens. This data will be used by the team as a reference to select optimal PBMC samples for development experiments.
• Use established assays to evaluate reagent and sample stability, define assay limitations, develop guidance for assay use, and assess how sample handling and processing affect downstream readouts.
• Gain proficiency in Moderna’s standard PBMC isolation procedure and evaluate alternative approaches by measuring their impact on cell yield, viability, and recovery.
• Develop a basic understanding of spectral cytometry and receive training on the 5-laser Cytek Aurora and SpectroFlo software.
• Analyze flow cytometry data using FCS Express software.
• Support the design, planning, and execution of experiments with appropriate controls, and tabulate, analyze, and present results using tools such as Smartsheet, Excel, GraphPad Prism, and PowerPoint.
• Build technical laboratory skills, data analysis and presentation skills, scientific communication skills, and experience in literature review, while exploring potential career paths.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern