Human Resources Generalist

Department
 

PSD Administration

About the Department
 

The Physical Sciences Division has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical sciences and mathematics, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond. The division includes the academic departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. In addition, PSD includes a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, including the Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, and the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics. This position is focused on grants & contracts administration for the department of Chemistry, with many of Chemistry’s faculty also appointed in one or more institutes. Many of our scientists have joint appointments at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory as well as joint affiliations with other Chicago-based research institutions such as the Toyota Technological Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum. Our students build connections with world-leading scientists, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy the dynamic Chicago and University.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources in the Physical Sciences Division (PSD), the Human Resources Generalist will be the main point of contact for all HR related matters for their assigned units within the Physical Sciences Division (PSD). The HR Generalist will work closely with assigned units to ensure successful customer service and HR practices for the faculty, academics, students, staff and postdocs they support. The HR Generalist functions with considerable autonomy, assuming responsibility for the oversight and coordination of many and diverse administrative tasks requiring extensive confidentiality and excellent judgement.

Responsibilities

• Working with assigned units, serves as the first point of contact for departmental administrators, supervisors or faculty to troubleshoot HR-related issues, including: job descriptions, hiring employees, onboarding, terminations, employee labor relations issues, and performance issues.
• Works efficiently and effectively to resolve employment and payment related issues in consultation with appropriate offices such as Shared Services, Payroll, Student Employment communicating directly with all stakeholders to ensure issues are successfully resolved.
• Provides confidential guidance and support for employees, and directs the employees to the right University resources including but not limited to the Benefits, Leave Administration, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Employee-Labor Relations, or the Dean of Students.
• For assigned units, manages staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions with Associate Director of Human Resources, educating and assisting recruiting screeners, phone screening, interviewing, initiating background checks, and conducting reference checks.
• Serves as a key resource to staff, hiring managers and departmental administrators on all relevant federal, state, local and University human resource regulations, and policies.
• Prioritizes customer service to ensure all new members of the Physical Sciences Division complete all of the required elements to be onboarded and receive their pay in a timely manner.
• Works independently to troubleshoot issues by using University and PSD resources and HR best practices.
• Reviews and monitors payroll reports, I-9 reports and other compliance verification reports and follows up to improve individual compliance.
• Assists the Director with the development and implementation of policies, procedures and training opportunities.
• Collaborates with the PSD HR team on information management, process improvement, absence management and visa request activities.
• Maintains knowledge of University Human Resource policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local employment and labor laws staying abreast of changes and implementing the changes into the day-to-day workflow.
• Effectively communicates deadlines, requirements, and responses to routine questions.
• Supports staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Drafts templates and routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of straightforward problems using standard procedures.
• Provides professional support to a unit's employee/labor relations efforts, including handling grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:         

• Bachelor’s degree

Experience:       

• Experience working with Workday or other Human Resources Information Systems
• Experience working in a University environment

Technical knowledge skills

• Strong and broad software knowledge and usage including:  word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web, as well as a strong knowledge of Microsoft O365
• Knowledge of Workday or similar human resources information systems

Preferred Competencies

• Strong customer service skills and ability to interact with and serve a diverse population with tact, courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to juggle competing deadlines and prioritize.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion. 
• Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to write and edit standard documents such as job descriptions, training materials, or offer letters with minimal oversight.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Human Resources

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

COVID-19 Vaccination or Approved Medical or Religious Exemption Required
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Effective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Department
 

PSD Administration

About the Department
 

The Physical Sciences Division has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical sciences and mathematics, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond. The division includes the academic departments of Astronomy & Astrophysics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geophysical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics. In addition, PSD includes a number of interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, including the Enrico Fermi Institute, the James Franck Institute, and the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics. This position is focused on grants & contracts administration for the department of Chemistry, with many of Chemistry’s faculty also appointed in one or more institutes. Many of our scientists have joint appointments at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and Argonne National Laboratory as well as joint affiliations with other Chicago-based research institutions such as the Toyota Technological Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum. Our students build connections with world-leading scientists, collaborate across disciplines, and enjoy the dynamic Chicago and University.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources in the Physical Sciences Division (PSD), the Human Resources Generalist will be the main point of contact for all HR related matters for their assigned units within the Physical Sciences Division (PSD). The HR Generalist will work closely with assigned units to ensure successful customer service and HR practices for the faculty, academics, students, staff and postdocs they support. The HR Generalist functions with considerable autonomy, assuming responsibility for the oversight and coordination of many and diverse administrative tasks requiring extensive confidentiality and excellent judgement.

Responsibilities

• Working with assigned units, serves as the first point of contact for departmental administrators, supervisors or faculty to troubleshoot HR-related issues, including: job descriptions, hiring employees, onboarding, terminations, employee labor relations issues, and performance issues.
• Works efficiently and effectively to resolve employment and payment related issues in consultation with appropriate offices such as Shared Services, Payroll, Student Employment communicating directly with all stakeholders to ensure issues are successfully resolved.
• Provides confidential guidance and support for employees, and directs the employees to the right University resources including but not limited to the Benefits, Leave Administration, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Employee-Labor Relations, or the Dean of Students.
• For assigned units, manages staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions with Associate Director of Human Resources, educating and assisting recruiting screeners, phone screening, interviewing, initiating background checks, and conducting reference checks.
• Serves as a key resource to staff, hiring managers and departmental administrators on all relevant federal, state, local and University human resource regulations, and policies.
• Prioritizes customer service to ensure all new members of the Physical Sciences Division complete all of the required elements to be onboarded and receive their pay in a timely manner.
• Works independently to troubleshoot issues by using University and PSD resources and HR best practices.
• Reviews and monitors payroll reports, I-9 reports and other compliance verification reports and follows up to improve individual compliance.
• Assists the Director with the development and implementation of policies, procedures and training opportunities.
• Collaborates with the PSD HR team on information management, process improvement, absence management and visa request activities.
• Maintains knowledge of University Human Resource policies and procedures as well as federal, state and local employment and labor laws staying abreast of changes and implementing the changes into the day-to-day workflow.
• Effectively communicates deadlines, requirements, and responses to routine questions.
• Supports staff hiring processes, including developing job descriptions, interviewing and reference checking, handling employment offers, and conducting orientation. Drafts templates and routine offer letters. Maintains appropriate human resources data and records, solving a range of straightforward problems using standard procedures.
• Provides professional support to a unit's employee/labor relations efforts, including handling grievances, disciplinary warnings, and employee complaints.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:         

• Bachelor’s degree

Experience:       

• Experience working with Workday or other Human Resources Information Systems
• Experience working in a University environment

Technical knowledge skills

• Strong and broad software knowledge and usage including:  word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web, as well as a strong knowledge of Microsoft O365
• Knowledge of Workday or similar human resources information systems

Preferred Competencies

• Strong customer service skills and ability to interact with and serve a diverse population with tact, courtesy, clarity, and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to juggle competing deadlines and prioritize.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations and information with absolute discretion. 
• Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to write and edit standard documents such as job descriptions, training materials, or offer letters with minimal oversight.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Human Resources

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

COVID-19 Vaccination or Approved Medical or Religious Exemption Required
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Effective October 15, 2021, the University of Chicago requires COVID vaccination for all students, faculty, and staff members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.