mRNA Design Engineer Co-op

The Role

Joining Moderna means advancing mRNA science to transform medicine. Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients.

Moderna is strengthening its presence in Cambridge, Massachusetts, home to our global headquarters and a center of mRNA innovation. Working closely with leading universities and research institutions, our Cambridge team advances groundbreaking science that shapes the future of medicine. We welcome talent driven by innovation and committed to improving global health.

The mRNA Design Operations Co-op Program, based at our Binney site in Cambridge, MA, runs from January 19, 2027 through June 25, 2027. As an individual contributor, you will work at the intersection of mRNA science, software engineering, data, and design operations, helping strengthen the workflows and digital tools that enable mRNA design. Working closely with scientists and software engineers, you will gain hands-on experience in software operations, testing, data quality, automation, workflow improvement, and opportunities to work alongside emerging Generative AI-enabled tools and approaches.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Develop dashboards that improve visibility into mRNA design workflows, operational performance, and system effectiveness.
• Implement codebase improvements and benchmark algorithms to evaluate performance and strengthen the software and computational workflows supporting mRNA design.
• Support testing of software releases, troubleshoot issues, and help maintain automated tests to improve reliability and quality across design systems.
• Audit data quality across mRNA design systems, identify inconsistencies or areas requiring improvement, and support data cleanup activities.
• Develop scripts and contribute to automation efforts that simplify routine processes, reduce manual work, and improve the efficiency of design operations.
• Update technical and operational documentation to ensure workflows, tools, and processes are clearly captured and accessible to users.
• Collaborate directly with scientists, software engineers, and users to understand workflow needs, gather feedback, and continuously improve tools and processes.
• Gain practical exposure to the application of Generative AI and other emerging digital capabilities, exploring how they can support more efficient scientific and operational workflows within mRNA design.

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role:

• “We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”
• “We obsess over learning. We don’t have to be the smartest we have to learn the fastest.”

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

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
• GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent academic achievement.
• Programming experience in Python and familiarity with software testing and version control.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality and compliance with established procedures.
• 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)

• Work experience or substantial project experience in software tooling, automation, or bioinformatics engineering.
• Experience using Python to clean, validate, or analyze data.
• Experience working in high-performance computing (HPC) environments.
• Hands-on experience writing automated tests, debugging software, or contributing to shared code projects.
• Experience automating routine tasks or creating reusable scripts and clear technical documentation.
• A desire to make an impact as part of a high-growth, transformational company that is Bold, Relentless, Curious, and Collaborative.

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.

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. 

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.