Lab Operations Co-op

Boston Beer Co.; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Beer Company is seeking a motivated Co-op to join the Research & Development team at our Boston Brewery. You will support laboratory operations, analytical testing, sensory evaluation, and inventory management to enable product development across our beverage portfolio.

This six‑month program runs Jan 4, 2027 through Jun 25, 2027 and is onsite five days a week. You'll work with cross‑functional teams, gain hands‑on lab experience, and receive mentorship from the Laboratory Operations

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Life Sciences and must remain enrolled.
• Basic chemistry or life sciences lab experience through coursework or work.
• Must be 21+ years old and able to follow established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support daily laboratory operation including instrument calibration and beer analysis.
• Assist with operation, maintenance, and monitoring of lab equipment.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols and SOPs.
• Assist with sensory evaluation panels and prototype preparation.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and documentation for lab activities.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Lab operations experience

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Food Science degree

Chemistry degree

Biology degree

Tools

Excel

OneNote

SharePoint

OneDrive

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

About the Role

We're looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Co-op to join our Research & Development team, supporting laboratory operations that enable product development and innovation across our beverage portfolio. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with laboratory processes, analytical equipment, sensory evaluation support, and inventory management within a fast-paced product development environment. Working closely with laboratory, product development, quality, and cross-functional teams, the Co-op will play an important role in supporting daily operations while developing technical and professional skills in a leading beverage company.

Job Description

This position is part of our 6-month Co-op Program, running from January 4, 2027, through June 25, 2027. The role is fully onsite at our Boston Brewery location, with team members expected to work five days per week from our Boston Brewery.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Analytical Support

• Support the daily functioning of the laboratory through instrument calibration and control beer analysis.
• Assist with the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of laboratory equipment to ensure reliable and accurate results.
• Follow laboratory safety protocols, standard operating procedures, and best practices.

Sensory & Product Development Support

• Prepare and blend samples in support of daily sensory evaluation panels.
• Assist with product evaluation activities and prototype preparation as needed.
• Collaborate with technical teams to support product development and optimization initiatives.

Inventory & Documentation

• Support weekly inventory audits to maintain minimum operating requirements for the laboratory.
• Assist with laboratory organization, inventory tracking, and supply management.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to laboratory activities and equipment.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or another Life Sciences discipline.
• Must continue to be enrolled in school upon the completion of the co-op.
• Basic chemistry or life sciences laboratory experience through coursework, research, or previous work experience.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established procedures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Experience with OneNote, SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Interest in product development, sensory science, analytical testing, and laboratory operations.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience in a fast-paced product development laboratory supporting products across Boston Beer Company's portfolio.
• Technical training in laboratory safety, analytical equipment operation, calibration procedures, and laboratory best practices.
• Exposure to product development workflows and the process of bringing innovative products from concept to market.
• Experience supporting prototype preparation, sensory evaluation activities, and product optimization efforts.
• Regular coaching and mentorship from the Laboratory Operations Manager and Laboratory Operations team, including weekly one-on-one meetings and daily guidance.
• Opportunities to work directly with Product Developers and other technical professionals across the organization.
• Exposure to sensory science, consumer testing, analytical testing, equipment management, inventory systems, SOP development, and project execution.
• Experience collaborating with Research & Development, Quality, Production, and other cross-functional business teams.
• Opportunities to contribute to real business projects, develop problem-solving skills, and present recommendations.
• A comprehensive understanding of how a product development organization operates within a leading beverage company.

The Boston Beer Company may use AI-enabled tools to assist with identifying qualified candidates and streamline recruiting operations. These tools help us improve efficiency and consistency. All hiring decisions are made thoughtfully by recruiters and hiring teams. We regularly evaluate our processes to promote fairness, reduce bias, and comply with applicable laws.

To ensure the integrity of the evaluation, please refrain from using AI-generated enhancements during your phone and virtual interviews. If we discover that you have used such enhancements without authorization or prior disclosure, you may be disqualified from the hiring process. External AI tools may not be used to transcribe or record the interview at any time. This ensures your privacy, and Boston Beer's confidential information are protected.