2026 Co-Op, Cancer Vaccine Research

The Role

The Moderna Research Co-op program is a 6-month experiential training program for students currently working towards an undergraduate or advanced degree in the life sciences. During the co-op you will learn about the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, gain valuable hands-on experience in one of the most bold and relentless companies currently leading the field in mRNA-LNP science, and contribute to innovative research in the accelerating and exciting field of cancer vaccines. You will work under the supervision of an experienced Moderna team member and have opportunities for cross-team collaboration, networking, and mentorship alongside experts in immunology, molecular biology, and cancer biology. You will develop technical, analytical, and laboratory skills essential for a career in biomedical research. 

If you are bold, relentless, collaborative and obsess over learning, a co-op at Moderna will help augment your research experience and accelerate your career.  The program will run from January 26th-June 19th.  

Here’s What You’ll Do

Cancer Vaccine Research (CVR): Be part of the team responsible for testing and advancing vaccine designs from discovery to clinical trials within the CVR team. The candidate will train on and perform experiments related to assessing cancer vaccine targets evaluation and validation. Experimental workflows include tissue culture, cell transfections, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, western blot and their corresponding analyses. Basic understanding and experience in immunology, molecular biology, or cell biology is preferred. 

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

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or advanced degree program in the biomedical sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Cancer Biology, Chemistry, Computational Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, etc).  

• Basic knowledge of basic lab techniques (such as pipetting and aseptic technique) required. 

• Technical experience in any of the following areas desired: mammalian cell/tissue culture, protein and or RNA detection methods (e.g., MSD, ELISA, western blot, RT-PCR), cell characterization (e.g., flow cytometry), assay development, and troubleshooting. Prior co-op or internship experience is preferred but not required.  

• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and possesses the desire to drive and complete a project. Flexible and capable of working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 

• 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.  

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.  That’s why our US benefits and global well-being resources are designed to support you—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 and holidays
  •    Volunteer time to participate within your community
  •    Discretionary year-end shutdown
• Location-specific perks and extras!

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. 

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