Senior Human Resources Generalist

Position Description

The Human Resources department at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is seeking an experienced Senior Human Resources Generalist to join our team. In this role, you will serve as a key partner to managers and employees, providing strategic and operational HR support across employee relations, performance management, compliance, learning and development, and internal communications. This role leads complex HR initiatives, ensures regulatory compliance, and enhances employee engagement through programs, events, and effective communication strategies.

Position Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Leadership Support

• Lead the resolution of complex employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Provide expert guidance to managers on performance management, employee development, and leadership best practices.
• Coach and mentor managers to enhance employee engagement, team effectiveness, and leadership capability
  
  

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as internal HR policies and institutional standards.
• Implement and monitor completion of required training programs, including state-mandated anti-harassment training.
  
  

Learning & Development

• Oversee administration of the LinkedIn Learning platform, including user access, content curation, reporting, and promoting employee engagement with learning resources.
  
  

HR Programs & Initiatives

• Lead or support complex HR projects and cross-functional initiatives aligned with organizational priorities.
• Assist with the development and execution of HR programs that enhance the employee experience
  
  

Employee Engagement & Events

• Plan and execute large-scale, organization-wide events (e.g., seasonal celebrations, employee appreciation events).
• Manage the on-site Summer Children’s Program, ensuring a safe, engaging, and well-organized experience.
  
  

Communications

• Develop, write, edit, and proofread clear, engaging, and consistent internal communications across a range of HR topics, including benefits, policies, recognition, recruiting, diversity and inclusion, and wellness.
• Distribute communications through multiple channels (email, intranet, social media) and evaluate effectiveness through feedback and analytics.
• Maintain and update the HR intranet site, HR social media platforms, and other communication tools.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Support ongoing HR initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

Position Requirements

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) is preferred but not required.
  
  

EXPERIENCE:

• 5–8 years of progressive HR experience, with strong employee relations expertise.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and advising management.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Managing HR programs, projects, and events in an academic, research, or healthcare environment is preferred but not required
  
  

SKILLS:

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and coaching skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and internal communication platforms is preferred but not required
• Key Competencies
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Emotional intelligence and sound judgment
• Communication and influence
• Project and program management
• Organizational and time management
  

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

We invite passionate HR professionals to apply for this exciting opportunity to support faculty, researchers, and staff in a dynamic research environment. With a supportive culture, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to excellence, CSHL is a great place to grow your HR career — we encourage you to apply and join us! Please submit an online application here: Position 2088. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Environment

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a world-renowned biomedical research institution in New York. It has shaped contemporary biomedical research and is the home of eight Nobel Prize laureates. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory provides a highly dynamic and interactive research environment and also a unique opportunity of timely exposure to advances in various biomedical research fields and of interaction with a broad range of researchers from all over the world through its renowned Meetings and Courses program. We believe that science is for everyone and our researchers have a wide variety of backgrounds.

Compensation And Benefits

Our employees are compensated in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our CSHL sites to learn more. The salary range for this role is $65,000-$75,000. The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., years of relevant experience, education, credentials, and internal equity).

CSHL is an EO Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Our employees are compensated in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, paid time off, a Wellness Center and access to an affordable and licensed on-site childcare center. Visit our