Full time or part time, part time minimum of 28 hours per week.
Overall purpose:
To assist in providing a professional and proactive Human Resources (HR) service to the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB).
To act as the local specialist for all aspects of recruitment, immigration and training, liaising closely with local Stakeholders, UK Shared Business Services (UKSBS) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The role will be split between generalist HR support to an allocated area of the LMB, and training for the entire organisation. It is expected that the split will be 50% generalist and 50% training.
To support the HR Management team in the application of HR policies and procedures to the Director, Group Leaders, Managers, Divisional Administrators and employees.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
Generalist
- To provide comprehensive and professional HR advice to LMB Administrators and Managers ensuring adherence to UKRI policies and legislation to enable effective HR management across the Institute. You will be the professional voice of HR and should communicate appropriately upholding the reputation of the HR Department. Any escalation of complicated HR matters to the Deputy Head of HR – Operations should be judged and timed appropriately.
- To be responsible for overseeing the full life cycle of recruitment, acting as the escalation point for complex recruitment matters. You will also represent the HR department on interview panels.
- To act as a local expert on UK Immigration requirements overseeing the end-to-end process. This includes advising on the appropriate route, eligibility and application procedure to employees, visiting workers and their dependents. You will be responsible for ensuring employees and visiting workers meet UK immigration requirements in relation to Legislation.
- To monitor sickness absence levels for the LMB according to the UKRI Sickness Absence Policy. To provide advice and support to managers on sickness absence management issues where necessary, including practical involvement in meetings and discussions. Ensure that cases are managed effectively, liaising with both the Health and Safety department and Occupational Health so that referrals are completed in an appropriate and timely manner.
- To undertake case and project work as required including disciplinary, grievance, redundancy and sickness absence cases. This will involve monitoring, meetings with employees and managers, and ad hoc report writing. Projects are likely to include Training initiatives, intranet reviews etc.
- To support the HR Management team in the implementation of all HR policies and the management of HR throughout the Institute.
Training
- Schedule regular and ad hoc training courses based on local training needs and previous demand. Schedule additional/ad hoc events as required, taking a key role in the design and development stages where new offerings are explored.
- Run scheduled courses effectively, by advertising to a target audience, as well as making any necessary arrangements as required depending on the format of the event e.g. MS Teams arrangements, booking rooms, catering, parking, accommodation and equipment.
- Manage the MRC’s development commitment to Postdoctoral Scientists by co-ordinating, delivering and administering the mandatory Postdoc Inductions and continuing the development and co-ordination of the MRC’s Postdoc Early Career development event.
- Be the first point of contact with UKRI L&D Team for the LMB in the provision of training courses.
- Provide L&D advice on a daily basis to employees and their Managers/Group Leaders for both internal and external activities.
- Attend and actively participate in the UKRI L&D Forum, ensuring the LMB’s needs are understood. Addressing actions and informing the Deputy Head of HR – Organisational Development of significant developments.
- Build links with external organisations to improve LMB staff access to relevant external training, promoting available training events and booking instructions as required.
- Liaise with other MRC Institutes regarding L&D activities, sharing information and course places as appropriate.
- As the Oracle Fusion Learn Specialist, manage the booking and recording of training on the system as required. Being the point of contact for any booking queries and data management.
- Generate ad hoc reports summarising those who have attended mandatory training courses such as Recruitment and Equality and Diversity training.
- Monitor L&D budget spend, ensuring the appropriate approvals are in place.
Working relationships:
You will be line managed by the Deputy Head of HR – Organisational Development, with a dotted line to the Deputy Head of HR – Operations.
You will work closely with the other retained HR staff at the LMB. You will be responsible for the daily supervision of the Recruitment Assistant and HR Assistant alongside the other HR Advisors. The position may include formal line management of one of the Assistants, providing guidance and advice where necessary.
You will have daily interaction with the HR team, LMB Group Leaders, Divisional Administrators, other LMB staff, UK Shared Business Services, UKRI and Cambridge Biomedical Campus stakeholders.
Additional information:
There is a security clearance requirement for the successful candidate (Agenda Level A).
You will need to keep up to date with all changes to UKRI and MRC policy, employment law and Immigration requirements.
There will be a need to discuss complex situations with the HR management team to seek advice and guidance.
You will be responsible for covering the other HR Advisor roles in periods of absence.
Education / qualifications / training required:
Essential:
- Educated to A Level standard.
- CIPD Level 5 or equivalent relevant experience.
Desirable: CIPD Chartered Member.
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
- Recent experience of working in an HR environment.
- Experience of supporting and advising on recruitment processes.
- Recent experience of providing generalist HR advice.
- Current knowledge of relevant legislation and HR practices.
Desirable:
- Experience in, and knowledge of Learning and Development.
- Experience of working in a Laboratory/ academic or Public Sector environment.
- Working knowledge of UK Immigration rules and processes.
- Previous line management/supervisory experience.
Knowledge and experience:
Creativity and initiative
Essential:
- Experienced in applying HR policies and practices in a busy and complex working environment. Ability to generate innovative ideas and solutions where necessary.
- Ability to effectively manage employee relations case work such as sickness absence and performance management.
Independent working
Essential:
- Ability to use own initiative and work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to cope successfully with conflicting demands, multiple events and working to tight deadlines.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to apply them whilst working under pressure.
Verbal and written communication skills
Essential: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication style appropriately for the audience.
Desirable: Presentation skills.
Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:
Essential:
- Professional approach and ability to lead by example to uphold the reputation of the department.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgement whilst sometimes working under pressure.
- Ability to apply diplomacy and patience in difficult situations.
- Good attention to detail.
- Strong team player.
- Committed to Continuous Professional Development.
- Computer literate with experience of Microsoft and HR Information Systems.
Desirable: An interest in the scientific environment and work of the LMB, MRC and UKRI as a whole.
Additional information:
This role is busy and varied. A professional approach to HR situations is essential as is being a role model to others in the department and the wider Institute.
You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:
- Code of Conduct
- Equality and Diversity policy
- Health and Safety policy
- Data Protection policy
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.
The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
