At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Position Type:Professional / Unclassified
Department:LSUPBRC ExD - Operations (Elizabeth S. Stanley (00311945))
Work Location:LSU - Pennington Biomedical
Pay Grade:Professional
Job Description:
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking a Director of Human Resource Management.
The Director of Human Resource Management is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing policies and programs for human resource development at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. Major areas of responsibility include employment, training, employee relations, compensation, and benefits. This position serves as the chief advisor to upper management on human resources issues.
Job Responsibilities
- Formulates and recommends human resource objectives, policies, and practices for PBRC and oversees their implementation.
- Promotes a positive employer-employee relationship and a high level of employee morale.
- Identifies legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting the human resources function (OSHA, EEO, FMLA, FLSA, ADA, immigration, etc.) and ensures compliance.
- Establishes and implements recruiting and replacement practices and procedures.
- Directs and supervises the activities of a staff of human resource professionals who assist in implementing the programs developed by the director.
- Serves as an information resource to line management and employees on all human resource matters.
- Protects the interests of employees and PBRC in accordance with institutional policies and government laws and regulations. Approves recommendations for terminations. Reviews employee appeals through the complaint process.
- Continuously evaluates the human resource policies, practices, and programs at PBRC to ensure that they include the most current proven and effective methods in human resource management to provide the maximum contribution to the success of PBRC.
- Provides overall leadership and guidance by overseeing talent acquisition, career development, succession planning, retention, training, leadership development, compensation, and benefits.
- Receives and acts on complaints from employees and management. Conducts any required research and investigations. Advises supervisors and managers of options and responsibilities in taking disciplinary actions. Meets with employees and advises them of their options and appeal rights.
- Serves as the PBRC representative to various human resource related state agencies and commissions such as the state retirement boards and the State Department of Civil Service.
- Assumes other related duties as assigned by the Associate Executive Director for Operations.
Required Skills, Education, and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience specifically in Human Resources.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a supervisory role overseeing a minimum of 2 employees.
- Familiarity with electronic HRM systems, word processing software, email, and other common computer applications related to the Ability to develop and maintain the trust and confidence of research scientists, administrators, and support personnel at every level of the organization structure.
- High energy level, results oriented, and comfortable performing multifaceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities.
- Ability to work independently without close supervision.
- Superior interpersonal abilities. Ability to get along with diverse personalities. Tactful, mature, and flexible.
- Good reasoning abilities and sound judgment.
- Good communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in human resources or related field.
- Human Resources Management professional certifications (SHRM-SCP/SHRM-CP).
- 10 or more years of experiences in human resources.
- Minimum of 5 years full-time progressive supervisory work experience in which human resource managementwas a primary responsibility.
- Work experience in an academic or research environment.
- Working knowledge of Louisiana State Civil Service regulations.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center seeks to recruit a highly productive workforce with a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives and will provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and prospective employees. Employment decisions shall be based strictly on merit and without regard to religious or political beliefs, sex, race, or any other non-merit factor.
Additional Job Description:Competencies:NoneSpecial Instructions:Interested candidates should include a resume and a list of three (3) professional references to the online application. Professional references should be the name, title, company, and contact information from past employers. Professional references should include current or previous supervisors and/or coworkers. Personal references should not be considered for the reference check process. We will respect the request that we do not contact a current employer. However, we will need to contact a prior supervisor if such a request is made.
A letter of application/cover letter is recommended but not required. Official transcripts are required prior to hire and are not required at the time of application.
Posting Date:October 6, 2026
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):October 20, 2026
Additional Position Information:
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to [email protected].
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Essential Position (Y/N):
Pennington Biomedical Research Center/LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Contact Information:
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in human resources or a related field
- At least 5 years of human resources experience
- At least 3 years of supervisory experience overseeing a minimum of two employees
- Familiarity with electronic HRM systems, word processing software, email, and common computer applications
- Ability to build and maintain trust with research scientists, administrators, and support personnel
- High energy, results-oriented approach and ability to manage multifaceted projects
- Ability to work independently without close supervision
- Superior interpersonal abilities and ability to work with diverse personalities
- Good reasoning abilities and sound judgment
- Good communication skills
- Master's degree in human resources or a related field
- SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP certification
- Ten or more years of human resources experience
- Experience in an academic or research environment
- Working knowledge of Louisiana State Civil Service regulations
What We Do
LSU is the flagship institution of Louisiana and is one of only 30 universities nationwide holding land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant status. Since 1860, LSU has served its region, the nation, and the world through extensive, multipurpose programs encompassing instruction, research, and public service. The university brings in more than $150 million annually in outside research grants and contracts, a significant factor for the Louisiana economy
