Co-Op, Chemistry

The Role

We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is eager to gain hands‑on experience in synthetic organic chemistry within an industrial research environment. As part of the Discovery Chemistry Team, you will support ongoing research efforts while developing new skills in synthesis and deepening your understanding of chemical mechanisms. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel compounds for scientific exploration.

• 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 small‑molecule components for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) and/or mRNA.
• 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.

• 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 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., Chem Draw).
• Strong interest in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance research and operational efficiency.
• 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 the 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 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.

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…