Therapeutics Research, 2026 Intern

The Role

This is a summer internship opportunity in Cambridge, MA from June 1, 2026 – August 14, 2026. Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the internship. Start date will be June 1, 2026.

Oncology Research at Moderna is seeking a talented and motivated intern to join our efforts in developing new mRNA-based drugs for cancer therapy.  The intern will be exposed to molecular biology and immunology techniques that characterize Moderna’s mRNA products, their activity, and/or relevant biomarkers in vitro and in vivo and support early preclinical research, IND-enabling studies, and/or translational research.  The intern will support projects that are important to Moderna Oncology’s mission with support from an experienced mentor who will provide guidance on projects and career.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Receive training in lab research techniques and learn how to design, execute studies, and perform data analysis

• Gain knowledge of preclinical cancer models and toxicology models

• Support/perform experiments and assays such as immune cell isolation, cell culture, ELISA/MSD, flow cytometry, cell-based functional and reporter assays, sample processing and analysis for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies

• Use Moderna’s mRNA products to demonstrate expression and characterize activity of the immuno-oncology therapeutic proteins of interest in relevant in vitro and/or in vivo experimental systems

• Maintain an organized work area and electronic lab notebook

• Analyze experimental data and present your work at group and team meetings

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

• Biology, immunology, biochemistry, bioengineering, and related majors are encouraged to apply.

• Previous internship experience a plus

• Technical experience in the following areas is preferred: tissue culture, cell transfection, protein detection methods (MSD, ELISA), assay development and troubleshooting

• Prior experience in flow cytometry a plus

• The candidate should be self-motivated and possess the desire to drive a project to completion. The intern must be flexible and can work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

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

• 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 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.