Human Resources Generalist

Primary Work Address: 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

HHMI is focused on supporting and moving science forward in a variety of different ways ranging from conducting basic biomedical research, empowering educators, inspiring students, developing the next generation of scientists – even stretching into film and media production.  Our Headquarters is in the greater Washington, DC metro area and is home to over 300 employees with expertise in investments, communications, digital production, biomedical sciences, and everything in between.  The work housed here supports and augments the groundbreaking research conducted in HHMI labs across the nation.  As HHMI scientists continue to push boundaries in laboratories and classrooms, you can be sure that your contributions while working here are making a difference.

Summary:

The HR Generalist is a key support partner to the HR Business Partner and Director, People & Culture at HHMI’s headquarters. This role provides value across a range of HR tasks, functions, and projects throughout the employee life cycle—including recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, benefits, employee relations, learning, and more. The Generalist serves as a primary point of contact for HQ staff and plays an essential role in operational execution, employee support, and cross-functional collaboration for the People & Culture team as well as teams and employees across the HQ campus.

This role has a hybrid schedule of three days at HHMI’s Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and reports to the HR Business Partner for HQ.

What we provide:

• A role uniquely positioned to have an impact across the organization.  

• An opportunity to learn and grow as an HR professional on the job through mentorship and professional development.  

• A competitive compensation package that includes up to $10,000 in education reimbursement each year, and a significant budget for professional development! 

What you’ll do:

Support Employee Lifecycle & Operations

• Partner with HRBP and Director on employee relations, including intakes, documentation, and communication planning

• Assist employee communications, letters, and templates related to personnel and organizational changes

• Coordinate offboarding activities, conduct exit interviews, and identify trends from exit data

• Maintain and update employee records, case files, and documentation in HR systems (e.g., Workday, HR Acuity)

• Manage HR transactions including Workday tickets and employment verifications

Enhance People Processes

• Monitor and support employee leave cases in coordination with the Benefits team

• Assist with creation and analysis of job descriptions with Compensation team and department leaders

• Collaborate with Learning & Organizational Development team to track compliance training and support employee development programs like Management Essentials

• Share HR policy updates and ensure consistency in processes across teams

Collaborate Across Teams & Deliver Insights

• Participate in interviews and workforce planning conversations with Talent Acquisition

• Gather and analyze feedback from pulse surveys, exit data, and ad hoc reporting needs

• Support process improvements, policy alignment, and documentation through checklists, SOPs, and collaboration with P&C partners

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• PHR/SPHR certification a plus

• 3–5 years in HR, including at least 2 years in a generalist role

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HR systems (Workday and HR Acuity preferred)

• High integrity and sound judgment

• Solid understanding of the employee life cycle and HR operations

• Familiarity with employee relations and HR best practices

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Clear written and verbal communication

• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities

• Independent worker who also thrives in a team environment

• Detail-oriented with a focus on service excellence

Application Instructions:   

During the application process, please submit a cover letter stating how your qualifications and experience match the requirements and how your experience will support HHMI in its mission. 

Physical Requirements: 

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).  

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

Please Note: 

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-EG1 

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective 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 Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$71,154.30 (minimum) - $88,942.88 (midpoint) - $115,625.74 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer