Associate HR Advisor in Cambridge

We’re looking for someone with energy, drive and a genuine passion for people, who’s ready to step into an Associate HR Advisor role. The position will be an initial 6-month fixed-term contract working part time (30 hours per week), based on site in Melbourn. If you’re a highly capable HR Assistant keen to broaden your experience and take on greater advisory responsibility, with the support of a collaborative HR team, this could be an excellent next step for you.

This is an on-site role, supporting our people and managers with day-to-day HR activity and providing the team with extra capacity during a busy period. Given the fixed-term nature of the position, we’re seeking someone who is confident, organised and able to hit the ground running, while continuing to learn quickly and develop their HR capability.

You’ll be at the heart of the business, answering queries, supporting managers, owning core HR processes, and helping to deliver a positive employee experience.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Generalist HR support: First point of contact for HR enquiries, providing practical, people-focused support in person and via the HR inbox. Preparing employment contracts, offer letters, variations and other HR documentation. Supporting and coordinating HR processes including probation reviews, sickness absence, performance issues and employee relations cases (with guidance where needed). Maintaining accurate employee data, org charts and HR systems. Supporting ongoing HR improvement activity and helping streamline ways of working.
• Recruitment & Onboarding: Providing day-to-day support to recruitment activity in partnership with our Talent & Development Partner. Coordinating pre-employment checks, right-to-work and references. Owning onboarding administration and ensuring new starters feel welcomed, supported and informed. Supporting and delivering inductions and HR check-ins.
• Training: Administering the Learning Management System (LMS), responding to queries and tracking completion. Supporting development activity and helping promote a positive learning culture.

Skills & Attributes:

• You will be people-focused, approachable and practical, with a genuine interest in employee experience.
• Have strong HR administration experience and is ready to take on broader responsibility.
• Is confident communicating with employees and managers at all levels.
• Is organised, proactive and comfortable juggling priorities.
• Can handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Enjoys being on site, visible and accessible to colleagues.
• Is curious, keen to learn and motivated to grow their HR career.

What you will need to be successful in this role:

• Proven experience in an HR Assistant or similar role, ideally within a fast-paced environment.
• Good understanding of core UK HR processes and employment basics.
• CIPD Level 3 (or working towards) desirable.
• Confident IT user, including HR systems and Microsoft Office 365. Use of AI would be advantageous.

Our commitment to you:

You will be collaborating with talented professionals in a motivated and driven team. We offer a competitive salary package and comprehensive, valued benefits, including private medical insurance, a generous pension plan, and an annual discretionary bonus. We embrace diversity and inclusivity, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, or family status. We prioritise supporting our employees' diverse needs as we strive for excellence together.

If the above resonates with you, apply with an up-to-date CV and be a part of our journey to reshape the future of science.