Lab Coordinator - Product Development (6mo Part-time)

Vita Coco; New York (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Vita Coco is seeking a Lab Coordinator - Product Development in New York City for a 6‑month, part‑time assignment. You will support the NYC lab, prepare bench-top samples, run routine tests, and assist with sensory evaluations and shelf-life studies.

The role reports to the Director, Product Development and supports the Quality team. The ideal candidate is a recent graduate in food science or a related field, with up to 2 years of lab experience, and proficiency in Excel/Sheets for tracking

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or related field.
• Up to 2 years of lab experience.
• Familiarity with basic lab techniques and measurement accuracy.
• Comfortable with Excel or Google Sheets for data tracking.
• Available to work on-site in NYC 3 days per week for the full 6-month assignment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare bench-top samples and prototypes, weigh and record formulas.
• Run routine tests (pH, Brix, acidity, color) and log results.
• Set up sensory tastings and internal cuttings, organize feedback.
• Support trials and commercialization by preparing ingredients and ordering.
• Coordinate sample requests and ensure documentation is complete.
• Maintain lab records, specs and test logs; flag out-of-spec results.

Skills

Excel data tracking

Basic lab techniques

Attention to detail

Reliable and punctual

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science / Chemistry / Biology / Nutrition

Tools

Lab equipment basics

Job description

NYC

Vita Coco is the leading coconut water brand in the world, built on a simple idea: bring better-for-you, natural hydration to more people. Since starting in 2004,we’vegrown into a global business with teams in New York, London, and Singapore, andwe’renow publicly traded on NASDAQ under COCO.

As a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp,we’recommitted to supporting farming communities, sourcing responsibly, and building products that are better for people and the planet. We move fast, stay scrappy, and care deeply about doing the right thing.

We’renow looking for someonewho’sexcited to join a growing, purpose-driven company and help shape what comes next.

Our Values:

• Human First: We lead with inclusivity, transparency, and empathy.
• Nothing is Impossible: We experiment, learn, and keep moving forward.
• United by Our Will to Win: We stay aligned, work collaboratively, and push toward shared goals.
• Part of Something Bigger: We’recommitted to uplifting the communitieswe’reconnected to locally and globally

Lab Coordinator - Product Development (6mo Part-time): As the PD Lab Tech, you’ll help keep our NYC lab running and support the teams bringing innovation to life. You’ll report to the Director, Product Development and will support our team in our NYC lab three days per week, about 20 hours per week, for a 6-month assignment. The role will also provide support to our Quality team. This hands‑on position helps move beverage ideas from concept to sample by preparing bench‑top prototypes, running routine tests, supporting sensory evaluations and shelf‑life studies, coordinating inbound and outbound sample shipments, and maintaining an organized and efficient lab. The ideal candidate is a recent graduate in food science or a related field who is detail‑oriented, reliable, and excited to learn how beverages are developed and commercialized.

LOCATION: This is an in‑office role based in New York.

IN A NUTSHELL, YOU’LL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Product Development Support:

Prepare bench‑top samples and prototypes, accurately weigh, measure and record formulas and findings.

Run routine tests (pH, Brix, acidity, color) and log results accurately.

Set up and support sensory tastings and internal cuttings, organize feedback for the team.

Support trials and commercialization activities by preparing ingredients via PO placement and ordering and coordinating documentation.

Shelf-Life & Sample Management:

Pull, test and track shelf‑life and stability samples on schedule including sensory evaluation and analytical testing.

Coordinate internal and external sample requests. Confirm labels, specifications and supporting documentation are complete before shipment.

Quality Support:

Support quality checks on incoming ingredients, finished goods, and market samples.

Maintain lab records, specs and test logs. Flag out‑of‑spec results to the Product Development and Quality teams.

Follow lab SOPs, GMP and food‑safety practices.

Lab Operations:

Maintain lab, inventory, documentation and shipment management.

Support equipment upkeep and calibration, assist with maintaining and updating SOPs.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING:

Must‑Haves

Bachelor’s degree (recent graduate or final‑year student) in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or a related field.

Up to 2 years of lab experience, coursework, research or internships count.

Familiarity with basic lab techniques and measurement accuracy.

Comfortable with Excel or Google Sheets for data tracking.

Available to work on‑site in NYC 3 days per week for the full 6‑month assignment.

Nice‑to‑Haves

Exposure to sensory evaluation, GMP, HACCP or food safety a plus.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.

Dependable, punctual and comfortable working independently.

Curious, eager to learn and willing to roll up your sleeves.

Strong communicator with a collaborative mindset.

Comfortable in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment.

This is a reasonable estimate of the current pay range for this position. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long‑term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

US Pay Range

$20 - $25 USD

A NOTE FROM US

As set forth in The Vita Coco Company’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

Voluntary Self-Identification

For government reporting purposes, we ask candidates to respond to the below self‑identification survey.Completion of the form is entirely voluntary. Whatever your decision, it will not be considered in the hiringprocess or thereafter. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained in aconfidential file.

As set forth in The Vita Coco Company’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.

If you believe you belong to any of the categories of protected veterans listed below, please indicate by making the appropriate selection.As a government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA), we request this information in order to measurethe effectiveness of the outreach and positive recruitment efforts we undertake pursuant to VEVRAA. Classification of protected categoriesis as follows:

A "disabled veteran" is one of the following: a veteran of the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service who is entitled to compensation (or who but for the receipt of military retired pay would be entitled to compensation) under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or a person who was discharged or released from active duty because of a service‑connected disability.

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An "Armed forces service medal veteran" means a veteran who, while serving on active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval or air service, participated in a United States military operation for which an Armed Forces service medal was awarded pursuant to Executive Order 12985.

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