Lab Coordinator - Product Development; Part-time

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 someone who’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 communities we’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…