Co-Op, Protein Design

The Role

This is a full-time co-op based in Norwood, MA from January 18th - June 25th, 2027. Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the program.

The Structural Biology Research Co-Op will support laboratory operations within Moderna’s Tundra laboratory at the Norwood manufacturing site. The position provides hands-on exposure to X-ray crystallography techniques, protein structure modeling, research documentation practices, and laboratory robotics operations supporting programs within Infectious Disease.

This role offers meaningful, practical experience in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment, with the opportunity to contribute to ongoing laboratory and operational initiatives.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Partner with experienced structural biology scientists to learn and apply core X-Ray crystallography laboratory techniques.

• Prepare proteins, solutions, and screens required for routine X-ray crystallography experiments.

• Design experiments and operate laboratory robotics to perform screening and optimization experiments.

• Learn to model and refine 3D protein structures with various crystallographic software.

• Opportunity to gain knowledge and work alongside Cryo-EM scientists.

• Support laboratory organization and general housekeeping activities.

• Maintain good research documentation practices and present data to the team.

• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and follow all site safety and compliance requirements.

• Complete all required training assignments in a timely manner.

• Contribute to special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.

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

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in a STEM field (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline).

• Foundational laboratory skills applicable to research.

• 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)

• 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.

• Interest in working within a research laboratory environment.

• Background in or a strong desire to learn structural biology (X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM).

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

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.

Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work. That’s why our co-op benefits are designed to support you during your time with us —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, holidays, volunteer days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown

• Location-specific perks and extras

The salary range for this role is $20.00 - $60.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.

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.

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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.

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. Only U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are currently eligible to access such information without an export license. Candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered, contingent on the company’s ability to obtain any required export control license.