Human Resources Specialist

Department: Chemistry

Supervisor: Human Resources Administrator

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

Pay Range: $32.00 – $38.10 (min-max), commensurate with experience

Position Overview:

The Human Resources Specialist 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.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

● 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, MITemps, 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 assigned

Basic Requirements:

● 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:

● 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.