Co-Op, Research Analytics

This is a full-time winter-spring Co-Op based in Cambridge, MA from January 18th
- June 25th, 2027. Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the program. 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.

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.

• 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.
• For this role, we are currently unable to offer immigration sponsorship. Candidates must already hold work authorization in the US and be able to maintain that status without the need for future sponsorship.

• 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…