At the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the causes of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia, Pennington Biomedical Research Center is a campus of Louisiana State University and conducts basic, clinical and population research. The Center includes Basic Science, Clinical Research, and Population and Public Health, enabling both focused research and translational science. Research at Pennington Biomedical is supported broadly by multiple NIH Research Centers, and includes approximately 65 faculty and 20 postdoctoral fellows who comprise a network of 44 laboratories and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, a world-renowned academic research institute of Louisiana State University, is seeking an Senior HR Generalist/HR Generalist in Human Resources Management department of the Administration Division.
The Senior HR Generalist/HR Generalist is responsible for supporting and coordinating the day-to-day operations of Human Resource Management (HRM) while providing guidance and assistance to employees, managers, and external partners across all areas of Human Resources. Key responsibilities include administering and overseeing the Louisiana State Civil Service program, ensuring compliance with Civil Service rules, policies, and procedures, and providing consultation to leadership and staff. This position also contributes to the efficiency and consistency of HR processes, maintains accurate and confidential records, and delivers professional guidance that supports both organizational needs and employee success. This role requires strong knowledge of Louisiana State Civil Service, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
Major Responsibilities
Oversee the administration and compliance of Louisiana State Civil Service rules and regulations as they pertain to classified employees, including the management of the performance evaluation process. CPM (Continous Performance Management) provides support to supervisors on proper evaluation procedures, tracking deadlines, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring that all actions related to classified employees align with Civil Service policies and standards.
Administer all types of employee leave in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies. This includes managing and processing requests for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), crisis leave, workers’ compensation, educational leave, leave without pay (LWOP), parental leave, and military leave. Duties include verifying eligibility, coordinating with supervisors and maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring timely communication with employees throughout the leave process.
Responsible for coordinating and processing all employment-based immigration requests and inquiries. This includes managing documentation and compliance for visa types such as J-1, H-1B, and other non-immigrant classifications. Timely submission of applications, adherence to federal immigration regulations, and support for employees throughout the visa lifecycle is essential to ensuring legal compliance, minimizing risk, and providing a smooth and supportive experience for international employees.
Accurately process a variety of core HR transactions and operational functions within HRIS, Workday, ensuring timely and compliant data entry. Responsibilities include managing updates related to employee lifecycle events such as salary adjustments, promotions, terminations, and additional compensation requests.
Additional HR functions may include reporting, compliance, general customer service, facilitation of new employee orientation, and special projects.
Other duties as assigned by Director of Human Resources.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
Three (3) to five (5) years of progressive experience in human resources, with exposure to multiple HR functions such as employee relations, benefits administration, Louisiana State Civil Service, compliance, and HRIS.
Knowledge of Louisiana State Civil Service rules and procedures.
Experience using HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP, PeopleSoft, or similar).
Familiarity with applicant tracking systems and benefits administration tools.
Solid understanding of federal and state employment laws (e.g., FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO).
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to process improvement.
Customer service-oriented with a positive and adaptable attitude.
Demonstrated initiative and accountability in managing HR responsibilities.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and Word.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across departments.
Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential information.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications
Five (5) or more years of experience in human resources, with exposure to all HR functions.
Experience with Workday.
Prior work experience in an academic or research environment.
HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR).
Pennington Biomedical Research Center is an equal employment opportunity employer and serves as a model employer for individuals with disabilities.
This position is not eligible for remote work.
This position will be filled as either an HR Generalist or Senior HR Generalist based on qualifications and experience.
The approved hiring range for the position is $55,000 - $75,000. The final salary offer will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience.
Pennington Biomedical is located within state-of-the-art research facilities on a 222-acre campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, visit PBRC.
Questions regarding career opportunities at Pennington Biomedical should be sent to hrm@pbrc.edu.
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - Pennington Biomedical Research Center offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Questions or concerns can be directed to PBRC Human Resources at 225-763-2776 or hrm@pbrc.edu.