As a key member of the Human Resources team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory — a globally recognized research institution advancing biomedical science and education — the Human Resources Generalist provides comprehensive HR support to faculty, researchers, managers, and staff, ensuring high-quality services in recruitment, employee relations, compliance, and HR operations that align with Laboratory policies, employment law, and best practices.

The HR Generalist assists recruitment, hiring, and onboarding activities, particularly for non-benefits eligible positions, partnering closely with hiring managers and HR colleagues to ensure compliant, efficient processes and a positive candidate experience.  The role requires sounds judgement, discretion, and professionalism in a fast paced, research driven setting.

Recruitment & Talent Management

• Assist full-cycle recruitment for administrative, technical, research, student, seasonal, temporary, and part-time non–benefits-eligible positions, including requisition review, job postings, sourcing, Screening, interviewing, referring candidates, selection, and onboarding.
• Reviewing requisitions for accuracy and ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement effective sourcing strategies for non-scientific roles using on-line platforms, social media, college recruiting, periodical advertising, job fairs, employee referrals, professional organizations and community/ non-profit groups.
• Screen, interview and refer qualified candidates; track and update candidate status through the recruitment and selection process and ensuring data integrity.
• Extend offers, prepare offer letters, manage offer negotiations within established budget and compensation guidelines, and coordinate start dates.
• Conduct reference and background checks in accordance with policy.
• Build and maintain talent pipelines for high-demand or hard-to-fill roles.
• Stay current on recruitment trends, tools, and best practices to continuously improve hiring outcomes.
• Deliver recruitment training and interview guidance to hiring managers to align on hiring goals, criteria and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with external agencies and vendors as needed.

Onboarding, Orientation & Learning

• Overseeing Onboarding Systems to assign checklists, collect and process completed documentation and ensure compliance for Seasonal, Temporary, Part-Time Non-Benefit eligible employees.
• Organize and conduct orientation sessions for new hires. 

• Ensure new employees have the tools, resources and information needed to integrate successfully into the organization.
• Serve as administrator for LinkedIn Learning and support learning platforms as assigned.
• Design and format HR-related communication and training materials using tools such as Microsoft Office, Canva, and Adobe.

Employee Relations & HR Support

• Serve as an initial HR point of contact for managers and employees on employee relations matters, including performance management, workplace conduct, policy interpretation, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct intake, gather relevant information, and assess employee relations issues, escalating matters to the VP of Human Resources as appropriate.
• Provide guidance on routine corrective actions and performance management, referring complex matters, investigations, and termination decisions to the VP of Human Resources.
• Maintain accurate, confidential employee records and documentation in accordance with institutional policies and legal requirements.

Compliance & Policy Administration

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and institutional policies.
• Assist with audits, reporting, and compliance reviews.
• Quickly acquire and apply knowledge of laboratory-specific policies, procedures, and systems.

HR Operations & Systems

• Utilize HRIS platforms (e.g., Lawson/ Workday and similar systems). 
• Support job classifications, pay grades, and compensation-related processes as assigned.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail across all HR transactions.
• Prepare reports and analyses using databases and advanced spreadsheet tools.

Collaboration & Institutional Support

• Coordinate and execute laboratory events and activities

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with hiring managers, administrators, faculty, HR colleagues, finance, payroll, and external partners.
• Collaborate with HR support teams to ensure efficient processing of requisitions and HR transactions.
• Support HR initiatives, projects, and institutional priorities.
• Provide consistent, timely follow-up on HR issues and requests.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

How to Apply:

We invite passionate HR professionals to apply for this exciting opportunity to support faculty, researchers, and staff in a dynamic research environment. With a supportive culture, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to excellence, CSHL is a great place to grow your HR career — we encourage you to apply and join us!
Please submit an online application here: Human Resources Generalist Position 1972. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Environment
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a world-renowned biomedical research institution in New York. It has shaped contemporary biomedical research and is the home of eight Nobel Prize laureates. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory provides a highly dynamic and interactive research environment and also a unique opportunity of timely exposure to advances in various biomedical research fields and of interaction with a broad range of researchers from all over the world through its renowned Meetings and Courses program. We believe that science is for everyone and our researchers have a wide variety of backgrounds.  

Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our CSHL Benefits sites to learn more. The salary range for this role is $66,300-75,000. The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., years of relevant experience, education, credentials, and internal equity).

CSHL is an EO Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, human resources or a related field.
• PHR/ SHRM-CP Certification is preferred but not required.
• Advanced degree is a plus

EXPERIENCE: 

• 3-5 years of HR related experience
• Experience with the full recruitment life cycle in an applicant tracking system
• Experience with recruitment marketing and employer branding to promote company culture and attract high-quality candidates

SKILLS: 

• Must be highly resourceful, organized, and detail-oriented, with the ability to establish priorities, manage multiple issues simultaneously, and follow up effectively in a time-sensitive environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, with minimal supervision, exercising sound independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, firmness, and collaboration when working with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical and tenacious problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex situations and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with strong organizational, interpersonal, and decision-making capabilities.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality, with the ability to handle sensitive matters appropriately.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize workflow effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Advanced computer proficiency, including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), databases, and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Ability to quickly acquire and apply knowledge of Laboratory policies, procedures, systems, and institutional practices.
• Knowledge of recruitment best practices and industry trends to effectively source, assess, and hire top talent.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional partners, including hiring managers, department leadership, and external agencies.
• Strong time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet recruitment and operational deadlines