The Role

This is a co-op opportunity in Cambridge, MA from July 13, 2026 – December 11, 2026. Applicants must be available for the entire duration of the internship. Start date will be July 13, 2026.

The Discovery Chemistry organization at Moderna is looking for top talent in synthetic chemistry to deliver on its mission to design chemical modifications to enhance mRNA medicines.  Co-ops will have an opportunity to be part of high-performing project teams developing novel synthetic building blocks for exploratory oligonucleotide synthesis programs.  You will apply your educational background and learn new technical skills in the synthesis of phosphoramidites and their inclusion into oligonucleotides. You will develop a deep understanding of reaction optimization, troubleshooting, and advanced nucleotide chemistry, in addition to gaining desirable skills in the oligonucleotide synthetic field.

Here’s What You’ll Do

• Learn and apply new synthetic organic chemistry techniques to design and prepare compounds of interest for research programs.

• Gain exposure to a wide range of synthetic organic transformations and build a deeper mechanistic understanding of reaction processes.

• Build independence as a chemist by contributing ideas and assisting in the design and execution of experimental work.

• Perform, analyze, and troubleshoot standard synthetic chemistry experiments and protocols.

• Contribute to the synthesis and optimization of novel phosphoramidite building blocks.

• Learn and apply oligonucleotide synthetic skills to deliver materials for key research objectives.

• Maintain accurate and thorough experimental records in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs).

• Actively review and engage with relevant scientific literature to inform project strategies.

• Participate in team discussions on synthetic planning, data interpretation, and problem-solving.

• Communicate results and findings through presentations.

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

• Currently enrolled as a junior or senior with completed coursework and laboratory experience in organic chemistry.

• Prior experience in synthetic organic chemistry research, either through academic projects or relevant co-op/internship work.

• Strong interest in synthetic organic chemistry and/or oligonucleotide chemistry and its real-world applications in pharmaceutical drug discovery and development

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills to communicate scientific concepts clearly

• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and chemical structure drawing software (e.g., ChemDraw)

• Strong interest in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance research and operational efficiency

• 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. 

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 leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com. 

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.