2026 Co-Op, Nucleic Acid Process Development

The Role
This is a winter / spring co-op opportunity in Norwood, MA from July 13th, 2026 – December 11th, 2026. Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the co-op.


The Nucleic Acids Process Development organization at Moderna designs and scales manufacturing processes for DNA, enzymes, and mRNA medicines. Co-ops will join high-performing project teams developing new manufacturing platforms to produce mRNA therapeutics and vaccines for clinical trials and commercial licensure. You'll apply your educational background while gaining hands-on skills with unit operations that are standard across the industry such as enzymatic reactions, normal and tangential flow filtration and chromatographic purification. You'll deepen your understanding of control strategies to ensure processes consistently deliver medicines of the highest quality.


This role, based at Norwood, MA site, will develop, scale, and transfer new and improved purification processes for DNA, enzymes to enable our clinical and commercial supply. The candidate will be expected to collaborate with other development scientists/engineers to execute and analyze experiments, define process development strategies, define manufacturing purification processes, and establish process parameters.



Here's What You'll Do

• Prepare, execute, and analyze experiments to develop existing and novel manufacturing processes to purify mRNA, DNA and enzymes

• Document experiments thoroughly in electronic lab notebooks

• Contribute to authoring process descriptions and internal technical reports

• Communicate and present findings to internal stakeholders

• Contribute to defining the manufacturing purification process, the process parameters, and the design space

• Collect and share relevant literature

• Establish strong, collaborative relationships within the team

• Additional duties as may be assigned as needed
  
  

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

• Current student enrolled in a Bachelors or Masters program in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomolecular Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, Biostatistics, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Molecular Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, Statistics, or a related field

• Strong fundamental scientific and engineering skills for the evaluation of experimental data

• Laboratory skills applicable to bioprocess development and analytical methods

• 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.

• This position is site-based, requiring you to be at Moderna's site full-time. This position is not eligible for remote work.
  
  

Here's What You'll Bring to the Table (Preferred Qualifications)

• GPA of 3.5 on a 4 scale or equivalent

• Demonstrated ability to work both independently as well as the ability to contribute to high performing teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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

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.

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.

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 [email protected] .

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. Due to the nature of the work and regulatory requirements, only individuals who qualify as U.S. persons (citizens, permanent residents, asylees, or refugees) are eligible for this position. For this role Moderna is unable to sponsor non-U.S. persons to apply for an export control license.