HR Liaison and Administrative Officer

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is a world‑leading international life sciences research centre. Its main laboratory is in Heidelberg, Germany, with additional sites in Italy and elsewhere. EMBL employs approximately 90 people conducting fundamental research and providing essential service activities in the fields of Epigenetics and Neurobiology. Role Overview EMBL is seeking a proactive and collaborative HR Generalist and Administrative Officer to join the Rome office. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive HR support to all staff and fellows in Rome, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive and efficient workplace while collaborating with the pan‑EMBL HR team. Responsibilities Serve as the first point of contact for HR queries from staff, students and visitors in Rome. Support international staff and newcomers with relocation, integration processes and visa matters. Liaise with the Italian Foreign Ministry and Consulates abroad on visa and accreditation issues. Deliver all HR support activities: recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, travel reimbursement, performance management, training, and offboarding. Maintain and update HR systems and records. Collaborate with central EMBL HR in Heidelberg and other EMBL sites. Assist with the organization of events, meetings and seminars (room bookings, travel agenda, logistics). Perform other HR and administrative tasks as requested by the Head of HR and Head of Administration. Qualifications Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field (or equivalent professional experience). At least three years of experience in a generalist HR role, preferably in an international and multicultural setting. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with sensitivity to diverse backgrounds. Proactive, organized and solutions‑oriented, with strong attention to detail. Proficient in English and Italian. Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office suite (experience with Workday is an advantage). Experience supporting expatriate or international staff is an asset. Experience working abroad, especially in an intergovernmental or scientific organisation, would be an advantage. Contract & Salary Contract length: 3 years, renewable up to 9 years. Salary grade: 4–6 depending on qualifications and experience (monthly starting salary from 2.8k EUR – net of tax, excluding pension and health insurance contributions). Why Join Us EMBL is a curiosity‑driven, community‑oriented and international organisation. As an inclusive equal‑opportunity employer, we believe diversity enables collaboration, innovation and the achievement of scientific excellence. We are committed to creating a flexible and inclusive culture where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to the organisation. Benefits Financial incentives: tax‑free salary, monthly family child allowances, annual salary review, pension scheme, death benefit, long‑term care, accident‑at‑work and unemployment insurances. Flexible working arrangements and private medical insurance for you and your immediate family (generous dental & optical cover). Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year plus public holidays. Relocation package including installation grant (if applicable). Campus life: free shuttle bus (select sites), on‑site library, subsidised on‑site gym and cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely). Family benefits: kindergarten (Heidelberg), 10 days of child sick leave, generous paid maternity/parental leave and monthly family & child allowances. Benefits for international newcomers: visa exemption, education grant for private schooling, financial support to travel back to your home country every second year and a monthly non‑resident allowance. How to Apply International applicants: we recruit internationally and successful candidates are offered visa exemptions International Applicants page . To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through the online system. Applications will close on 16 01 2026, 23:59 CET. We aim to respond within two weeks after the closing date. EMBL is a signatory of DORA, and we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here . Employment Type Full‑time, Permanent. #J-18808-Ljbffr