Co-Op, Platform Biology Integration
Moderna
Summary
This is a co-op opportunity based in Cambridge, MA from January 18, 2027 – June 25, 2027. Applicants must be available for the full duration of the co-op term. The NGS co-op will support Moderna’s Platform Biology Integration team by optimizing and standardizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation workflows used to characterize and screen mRNA designs. Working closely with other scientists on the team, you will perform and evaluate selected workflows, explore opportunities to streamline procedures, and assess compatibility with laboratory automation. Through this work, you will gain hands-on experience in RNA biology, NGS library preparation, experimental design, and assay troubleshooting while helping develop reproducible, scalable protocols for routine use.
Job description
Here’s What You’ll Do
- Perform NGS library preparation workflows to characterize and screen mRNA designs.
- Design and execute experiments to optimize and standardize NGS library preparation, improving efficiency, reproducibility, and robustness.
- Evaluate alternative reagents, methods, and workflow formats to improve performance and compatibility with laboratory automation.
- Perform library quality control and analyze results to assess workflow performance.
- Document experimental procedures, results, and conclusions in electronic laboratory notebooks.
- Help develop standardized protocols for routine use.
- Present project progress and findings in team meetings.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment.
Here’s What You’ll Need (Minimum Qualifications)
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genomics, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with RNA and NGS library preparation.
- Attention to detail in executing protocols and maintaining accurate experimental records.
- Ability to analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings clearly.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Here’s What You’ll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)
- Experience developing, customizing, optimizing, or troubleshooting NGS library preparation workflows.
- Experience analyzing NGS data and interpreting assay performance.
- Experience with high-throughput screening or other high-throughput experimental workflows.
- Familiarity with automation-compatible assay development or liquid-handling workflows.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genomics, or a related field.
- Hands-on experience with RNA and NGS library preparation.
- Attention to detail in executing protocols and maintaining accurate experimental records.
- Ability to analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings clearly.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Experience developing, customizing, optimizing, or troubleshooting NGS library preparation workflows.
- Experience analyzing NGS data and interpreting assay performance.
- Experience with high-throughput screening or other high-throughput experimental workflows.
- Familiarity with automation-compatible assay development or liquid-handling workflows.
Benefits
- Meditation and mindfulness classes
- Subsidized commuter benefits
- Paid time off
- Vacation
- Sick time
- Holidays
- Volunteer days
- Discretionary year-end shutdown
Company overview
Moderna, Inc. is a pioneering American biotechnology and pharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that has revolutionized the field of medicine through its groundbreaking messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. Founded in 2010, the company has established itself as a global leader in RNA therapeutics, primarily focusing on mRNA vaccines and treatments. Moderna's innovative platform uses mRNA to provide cellular instructions for producing proteins that trigger immune responses, creating a new category of medicines with significant potential to improve patient outcomes across various therapeutic areas. The company gained worldwide recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic for developing one of the earliest and most effective mRNA vaccines, which demonstrated the transformative potential of its technology platform. Beyond infectious diseases, Moderna is advancing a diverse pipeline of 44 treatment and vaccine candidates across infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune conditions. With approximately 5,800 employees and a strong commitment to scientific innovation, Moderna continues to expand its manufacturing capabilities and research initiatives to deliver the greatest possible impact through mRNA medicines.