Co-Op, Research Analytics

Moderna • Cambridge, MA

1d • $20 - $60 • Onsite

About The Position

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. This role provides an opportunity to develop practical experience in immunoassay development, multiplex technology, experimental design, data analysis, assay miniaturization, and scientific decision-making. The goal is for the Co-Op to progressively develop the skills needed to interpret experimental results, troubleshoot assay performance, propose next steps, and make data-supported recommendations. Applicants should be curious, collaborative, detail-oriented, and motivated to learn in a dynamic research environment.

Requirements

• 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.
• Candidates must already hold work authorization in US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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
• Education Level: Associate degree