Human Resources Generalist

Support the full employee lifecycle across labs in the US as part of the People & Culture team in a hybrid role based in San Diego.

Key Responsibilities

• Own onboarding end to end, including preboarding, orientation, and 30- and 90-day check-ins
• Run offboarding from resignation through exit interviews
• Analyze exit survey data and identify themes to share with the HRBP team
• Support employee relations casework with HR Business Partners, including intakes, development plans, memos, and Performance Improvement Plans
• Improve HR processes and workflows, then help design and implement better ways of working
• Use AI and other technology to reduce manual steps, improve documentation, and create better tools and experiences for employees and managers
• Contribute to cross-functional P&C projects with both subject-matter input and hands-on implementation support
• Handle details related to restructurings, position eliminations, and lab closures, including supervisor talking points, severance paperwork, and clear communications
• Serve as the point person for new job profiles, partnering with Compensation and P&C leadership from first conversation through approval
• Coordinate benefits and leave questions with the Benefits team and HHMI leave administrator, plus retirement enrollment
• Support recruitment activities in Workday and the performance review cycle, including building checklists and SOPs

Requirements

• Broad HR generalist experience across onboarding, offboarding, benefits, compensation, leave, and employee relations (not limited to a single specialty)
• Judgment with confidential matters: know when to escalate, maintain confidentiality, and document sensitive topics clearly
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and follow-through
• Process improvement mindset with strong technology fluency, including comfortable use of AI and other tools with sound judgment around accuracy, confidentiality, and risk
• Comfort balancing projects with operational HR work: move work from idea to implementation while keeping up with day-to-day HR execution
• Experience level: three to five years of progressive HR experience, including at least two years in a generalist-type role
• Education: bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Technologies

• AI
• Workday
• E-Verify

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Exceptional health benefits
• Retirement plans
• Time off
• Recognition and wellness programs

Nice to Have

• Workday experience specifically (not just general HRIS exposure)
• Exposure to compensation, job architecture, and benefits and leave administration

Practical Details

• Location: La Jolla, CA (hybrid)
• Reports to: an HR Business Partner
• Pay range: USD 72,577 - 90,721 per year (annual)
• Work description notes: this role supports operational HR work and includes judgment-based transactional responsibilities; it is not a purely administrative forms-processing role, not a strategic HRBP-only role, and not limited to a narrow HR specialty

Physical Requirements

• Remain in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods
• Reach and grasp by extending hand(s) or arm(s)
• Dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers (for example, using a keyboard)
• Communication skills using spoken word
• Ability to see and hear within normal parameters
• Ability to move about the workspace
• Mobility to move materials weighing up to several pounds (for example, a laptop computer or tablet)

This job description outlines principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements and should not be treated as exhaustive. HHMI uses E-Verify to confirm identity and employment eligibility for new hires. HHMI is an equal opportunity employer.