Human Resources Representative III

Department: Chemistry

Supervisor: Human Resources Administrator

Position: 100% effort, Support Staff, 40 hours per week

Pay Grade: 6

Position Overview:

The Human Resources Representative III provides comprehensive HR support for the Department of Chemistry, managing specialized appointments, immigration processes, onboarding and offboarding activities, compliance requirements, and employee lifecycle administration for approximately 150 staff and researchers. Reporting to the Human Resources Administrator, this position serves as a primary resource for faculty, staff, postdoctoral associates, visitors, and temporary employees, providing guidance on HR policies and procedures while ensuring accurate and compliant HR operations. The role operates under limited supervision and requires independent judgment, strong organizational skills, and a high level of discretion.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as a primary contact for HR inquiries and provide guidance on policies, procedures, and employment processes.
  • Manage specialized and early-career appointments, including Postdoctoral Associates, Research Specialist Limited appointments, Visiting Scientists and Scholars, MIT Temps, and non-MIT student appointments.
  • Coordinate visa and immigration processes, including J-1, H-1B, F-1 OPT, and STEM OPT administration, in partnership with the International Scholars Office.
  • Process HR transactions including appointments, reappointments, changes, and terminations.
  • Coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities and maintain related documentation.
  • Initiate and track background checks and compliance requirements.
  • Manage sponsored accounts and departmental access requests.
  • Maintain and moderate certain departmental listservs and distribution lists.
  • Prepare employment verification letters and other personnel-related documentation.
  • Generate reports, maintain employee records, and monitor appointment and visa deadlines.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
  • Provide coverage for the Human Resources Administrator and support special projects as needed.
  • Maintain confidentiality and excellent customer service standards at all times.
  • Other duties as needed or required

Supervision Received

Reports to the Human Resources Administrator, under limited supervision.

Supervision Exercised

Does not provide supervision.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • 5 years of relevant human resources or administrative experience.
  • Advanced knowledge of HR processes, policies, and administrative procedures.
  • Ability to interpret policies, manage complex issues, and exercise independent judgment.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under limited supervision.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

  • Experience with immigration processes, higher education administration, and MIT systems preferred.

Additional Information

  • Typical office or administrative working conditions. Staff is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
  • Work is mostly sedentary and the majority of time is typically spent in a stationary position.
  • This position is onsite 4 days a week in Cambridge, MA with the possibility of working remotely 1 day per week

MIT School of Science Postdoctoral Fellowships

The application for the MIT School of Science postdoctoral fellowship program opens mid-September 2026. Please check back for more information. This three-year cohort-based program is expected to start September 2027.

We seek to assemble a diverse cohort of world-class scientists who are conducting research across disciplinary boundaries. In addition to their research, fellows in this cohort will participate in leadership, mentorship and professional development training. Read more about the current dean’s postdoc fellows.

Appointments may be extended with funding from the department and/or Principal Investigator (PI), subject to MIT’s policies on postdoctoral appointments and timelines.

REQUIRED: PhD in scientific field (granted by Aug 2027), scientific excellence and an exceptional ability for innovation and cross disciplinary research. Candidates must submit the following documents: i) Curriculum Vitae (CV); ii) 2-page research proposal, describing how their research crosses disciplinary boundaries; iii) Two letters of recommendation: one from a current supervisor; one from the MIT faculty who will mentor the research; iv) (Optional) one paragraph description of how their appointment aligns with the MIT Values Statement;

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of School of Science faculty and must be submitted online. Current postdocs at MIT and international candidates are eligible to apply.

This fellowship carries a stipend of $88,000, relocation allowance of $5,000, research allowance of $15,000, plus employee benefits such as health insurance.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact potential mentors as early as possible. See School of Science Research and Academics to find prospective mentors and learn more about the research conducted within the school.

Contact: sos-dean-pd-fellowship@mit.edu