Human Resources Partner

About the team/job

We are looking for an experienced Human Resources Professional who is excited by the challenge of providing an excellent service in a stimulating international environment. The EMBL Human Resources unit is responsible for the Laboratory’s staff of approx. 1900 employees from over 80 nations working at its 6 sites across Europe.

This role is situated at EMBL HQ in Heidelberg, Germany and is responsible for delivering a high quality service to staff across EMBL’s sites in Barcelona, Grenoble, Hamburg, Heidelberg and Rome, while working closely alongside the Recruitment, Contracting, Training and Development and Operations Teams. 

Your role

As HR Partner, you will be a trusted advisor for assigned units and managers across sites and functions. You will provide expert support, anticipate and deliver HR solutions in accordance with EMBL’s unique Staff Rules & Regulations. As strategic partner, you will provide advice and solutions that align with overall EMBL strategic objectives and mission.

In this role, you will:

• act as focal and liaison point for people managers on all people and organisation related matters, providing creative solutions and assisting with change management initiatives, including identifying opportunities for improvement
• establish and maintain trustful working relationships with managers and staff
• advise managers in all HR topics, e.g. succession planning, staffing, classification of posts / contract management, performance management and employee relations / conflict management
• ensure fair and consistent treatment of staff in line with EMBL Staff Rules & Regulations, Internal Polices and guidelines
• actively engage in strategic HR related projects across EMBL
• handle HR aspects of appeals, grievances, performance and disciplinary matters in close cooperation with Legal Services, Ombudsperson and Staff Association
• maintain equal level of consultation and advice with EMBL sites, remotely and in person - limited amount of travel within Europe, to meet with stakeholders at EMBL sites is required

The role reports to the Head of HR Partners and comes with decision authority within the framework of the EMBL Staff Rules & Regulations, Internal Polices and guidelines. 

You have

• University degree (Bachelor or higher) in Human Resources or a related area, specialising in Human Resources
• Proven solid experience as HR business partner, HR generalist or similar in a multicultural environment
• Partnering expertise, working collaboratively to find solutions
• Very good understanding of application of labour law and Staff Rules and Regulations
• Excellent service and client focus and high level of professional integrity
• Ability to build strong professional relationships and inspire confidence and trust on all levels of the organisation
• Proven negotiation, conflict resolution, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English
• Resilient self-starter, with an ability to manage workload independently as well as being a strong teamplayer
• Proven end-to-end project management skills 

You might also have

• Good knowledge of another European language (Spanish, Italian or French) would be an advantage 

Why join us

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, EMBL offers attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organisation with a very collegial and family friendly working environment.

Competitive salary, a relaxed culture, ongoing professional development, an on-site nursery, canteen and library all make EMBL a great place to work. Our mission has us exploring life at all levels, and creating new ways to look at the world. Our reputation is built on scientific excellence and collaboration, and the projects we take on require all kinds of people and working styles, from big-picture creatives to patient detail-seekers.

** Don’t meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. 

What else you need to know

We are Europe’s flagship research laboratory for the life sciences – an intergovernmental organisation performing scientific research in disciplines including molecular biology, physics, chemistry and computer science. We are an international, innovative and interdisciplinary laboratory with approx. 1900 employees from many nations, operating across six sites, in Heidelberg (HQ), Barcelona, Hinxton near Cambridge, Hamburg, Grenoble and Rome.

Please note that appointments on fixed term contracts can be renewed up to 9 years in total, depending on circumstances at time of review.

If you feel you have the right skills and experience, please apply online submitting your CV and cover letter.

To apply, click the 'Apply' button.