Lab Coordinator
The Vita Coco Company
Lab Coordinator
The Vita Coco Company
Global producer of coconut water beverages
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’ve grown into a global business with teams in New York, London, and Singapore, and we’re now publicly traded on NASDAQ under COCO.
As a Public Benefit Corporation and Certified B Corp, we’re committed 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’re now looking for someone who’s excited to join a growing, purpose-driven company and help shape what comes next.
Our Values:
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.
A NOTE FROM US
We welcome you to apply—even if you don’t check every box. We’re big fans of curious, growth-minded people who want to learn, contribute, and make an impact. If you feel connected to our brands and our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
US Pay Range 20 - 25 USD
Global producer of coconut water beverages
Vita Coco produces and sells coconut-based beverages and related products. Its main product is coconut water, offered plain and sparkling, along with coconut oil. The products are sourced from coconuts grown in farming communities and minimally processed to maintain natural nutrients. Consumers can buy Vita Coco online, in retail stores, and in supermarkets, making the beverages available globally. Because the company focuses on natural hydration with coconuts, the product works by delivering electrolytes and fluids from coconut water in ready-to-drink formats; the sparkling version provides a fizzy alternative. Vita Coco differentiates itself through a direct sustainability program—the Vita Coco Project—that supports farming communities and helps ensure a steady supply chain, aiming to improve lives for more than a million people. The company's goal is to provide healthy, natural hydration options while promoting responsible sourcing and social impact in coconut farming communities.
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