2023 Co-op, Computational Science
The Role:
Moderna is seeking multiple co-ops in Computational Science to support our research and discovery efforts this spring/summer. You will learn first-hand about mRNA therapeutics and gain valuable experiences of what it’s like to work as a computational scientist in the biotech industry. The Computational Science Co-op Program offers an exciting opportunity to understand the diverse applications of computational science at Moderna covering mRNA sequence design, systems biology, advanced statistics, bioinformatics, lipid nano particles design, protein modeling, and many more. Your application and area of interest will be used to determine which one of our exciting positions below is a good fit for you.
The Computational Science Co-op program is a 6-month experiential training program for students. Our spring co-op program will run from January – June 2023. Co-ops must be available for the entire duration of the program. This is a Cambridge MA role, but also opportunity for entirely remote work.
The following skills are required for most but not all positions.
- Working towards a US-based undergraduate or advanced degree in Computational Science or other STEM related majors
- Demonstrated programming experience with Python/R
- Working knowledge of next-generation sequence technology, cloud computing (AWS)
- Docker and code testing a plus
- Prior co-op or internship experience in a similar role
- Self-motivated and able to drive a project to completion
- Flexibility to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
If you are curious, bold, relentless, collaborative, and obsess over learning, a co-op at Moderna can help augment your STEM experience and accelerate your career.
Here are the experiences you can expect as a Computational Science co-op:
- Contribute individually or as a team member with our multi-disciplinary teams in our departments (e.g., molecular biologists, immunologists, chemical biologists, chemical engineers) to accomplish goals and objectives supporting Modern’s research and discovery efforts
- Learn first-hand Moderna’s process to mRNA therapeutic research and discovery through company-wide research seminars, departmental meetings and cross-functional team meetings
- Present your work to team members on a regular basis during the program, and at the end of the program to the entire Moderna Research and Early Development organization.
Here are the types of experiences you can expect in the different application areas:
Bioinformatics co-op
- Assist in development and improvement of cloud-based data analysis pipelines.
- Learn to use technologies such as Docker, Jupyter Notebooks, and Python and R libraries.
- Conduct analyses, build visualizations, prototype and benchmark models/workflows implemented in public databases.
- Preprocess and analyze internal and external Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) datasets.
- Develop automated and elegant data visualizations and final reports.
Statistical modeling
- Employ a variety of classic statistical models and methodologies (e.g., generalized linear models, mixed-effect models, hypothesis testing, selective inference) to solve problems.
- Analyze a variety of data types to support our research and discovery efforts, and sometimes integrate multiple data types to derive insights.
- Work with our scientists to develop statistical objectives, propose statistical analysis plan, and deliver the results to stakeholders.
- Communicate your approach and methods in conventional statistical notations.
- Learn areas in which advanced statistical topics (e.g., high-dimensional data analysis, gaussian process models, Bayesian models, causal inference) may be applied to areas such as material sciences (e.g., lipid nano particles design), cellular and molecular immunology (e.g., genomics data modeling), and communicate your learnings with applied statisticians and computational scientists on a regular basis.
- Survey, critically assess, and benchmark the latest relevant algorithms and tools
Protein Engineering & Design co-op
- Develop, implement, and benchmark algorithms, tools, and workflows for structural protein engineering and modeling.
- Design and optimize library of constructs for therapeutic applications to improve protein functions and stability.
- Collaborate with groups across the company in platform projects and multiple therapeutic areas to support research projects.
- Review literature on novel protein engineering methods and applications, and present at internal journal-clubs/meetings.
- Deep scientific and technical expertise in state-of-the-art computational protein modeling and design methods, including stability, solubility, protein-protein interactions, docking, interface design, homology modeling is highly desirable.
- Technical proficiency with at least one macromolecular modeling suite, e.g., Rosetta, is required.
Workflows & Automation co-op
- Refactor and architect computational workflows implemented in Python into automated pipelines that can be executed without human intervention.
- Ensure that code is version controlled and unit tested.
- Deliver high quality documentation on code architecture, patterns, and code usage tutorials.
- Prepare and deliver oral presentations to stakeholders and collaborators.
- Collaborate with scientists inside computational science team primarily and with research scientists and engineers across Moderna.
Moderna is pleased to provide you with an innovative suite of benefits, including:
- Free premium access to meditation and mindfulness classes
- Free parking or subsidized commuter passes
- Generous paid time off, including:
- Vacation, sick time and holidays
- Volunteer time to participate within your community
- Discretionary winter shut down
- Location-specific perks and extras!