HR Generalist

HR Generalist

Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
The Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, built on a team-science approach. Its mission is to advance life sciences research, engage the public in understanding the impact of genomic discoveries, and foster bioeconomic development across Illinois. IGB researchers lead groundbreaking genomic studies that tackle critical societal challenges in food security, energy, health, technology, and environmental sustainability. The institute's administrative infrastructure is designed to support dynamic research themes, enabling them to evolve with emerging discoveries, innovative methods, and changing needs.

Job Summary
The HR Generalist manages a variety of human resource activities and assists with complex human resource issues, escalating as needed. Duties & Responsibilities

• Recruitment and Talent Acquisition * Responsible for independently coordinating search, hiring, and onboarding processes for student, hourly, and full-time hiring needs, including recruitment efforts.
  * Communicate and implement search procedures aligned with best practices and compliance needs, advising search committees and hiring managers. * Communicate with applicants and new hires, facilitating interview, hiring, and onboarding processes. * Develop job postings.
• Payroll, Time Reporting, and Leave Management * Process payroll and timesheets, including unique payments like summer salary.
  * Address complex timesheet/leave issues and return timesheets/leave requests as needed.
  * Process routine and non-routine pay adjustments. * Administer and track FMLA, PLFA, or other managed leave categories. * Counsel and resolve issues related to leave. Inform staff of all regulations/policies relating to leave usage and time reporting.
• HR Compliance & Policy * Ensures adherence to HR policies and legal requirements through tracking, training, and internal reviews.
  * Identifies areas of concern related to adherence to HR policies and legal requirements.
• HR Information Systems & Appointments Management * Responsible for employee appointments, troubleshooting transactions to ensure accurate results and escalating complex issues as needed. * Enters routine and non-routine data and pulls reports. * Ensures accuracy of input data and reports and/or resolves minor discrepancies.
  * May develop new reports.
  * Participate in appropriate systems testing and/or feedback.
• Organizational Development * Supports organizational development initiatives.
  * Provides input on development strategies, programs, and retention efforts.
  * Ensures a positive work environment and addresses basic concerns as able.
  * May participate in organizational assessments, gather feedback, stay interviewing, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories:
a. course work in human resource administration, business administration or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
b. 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
c. Associate's Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
d. 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
e. Bachelor's Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
f. progressively more responsible work experience maintaining, monitoring, and/or processing human resource records and reports.
Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of Tracker I-9, JDXpert, Cornerstone, and iSTART.
Knowledge of departmental and campus hiring requirements for part-time hourly workers.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 2136 - Human Resource Officer position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/11/2025. The budgeted salary range is $50,000 to $60,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on April 27, 2026 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jana Lenz at [email protected] . For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected] .

Requisition ID : 1035786

Job Category : Professional and Administrative

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