Senior Human Resources Officer - BIOPOLIS2025-22 -HR-SNR - Job Opportunities

Senior Human Resources Officer - BIOPOLIS2025-22 -HR-SNR

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Job description:

Position: Senior Human Resources Officer

Reference: BIOPOLIS 2025-22 HR-SNR

Expected Starting Date: As soon as possible

Deadline: 15/05/2025

The BIOPOLIS Association is opening a position for a Senior Human Resources Officer, a strategic role within the organisation that supports its growing portfolio of research and innovation activities. BIOPOLIS manages two major research institutions in Portugal: CIBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, an internationally recognised R&D Unit, and the Associate Laboratory InBIO – Research Network in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources.

BIOPOLIS plays a central role in strengthening Portugal’s capacity in biodiversity research, environmental biology, and conservation science. One of its landmark initiatives is the BIOPOLIS TEAMING project (Grant Agreement Nº 857251), funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 programme. This transformative project is currently upgrading CIBIO into a Center of Excellence in Environmental Biology, Ecosystem Research, and AgroBiodiversity, in partnership with the University of Montpellier (France) and the Porto Business School (Portugal). BIOPOLIS has recently obtained the HRS4R – HR Excellence in Research award, reflecting its commitment to fostering a stimulating and supportive work environment aligned with international best practices in human resources for research.

Located in Northern Portugal, CIBIO hosts a vibrant international community of over 220 PhD-level researchers and more than 100 graduate students, organised into 40 research groups. The centre combines state-of-the-art molecular and ecological laboratories with a collaborative and multicultural environment, and it plays a leading role in biodiversity science both in Portugal and internationally.

1. We Are Looking For

We are seeking a proactive and experienced HR professional with the drive to shape and lead human resources operations in a dynamic R&D environment. This is a leadership-level opportunity for someone who combines operational excellence with strategic insight, and who is passionate about building a healthy and efficient workplace culture.

2. Key Responsibilities

· Develop and implement HR strategies, systems, and best practices

· Provide guidance on HR procedures and ensure regulatory compliance

· Oversee full-cycle recruitment processes

· Design and execute effective onboarding and offboarding programmes

· Coordinate training and professional development initiatives

· Support performance evaluation and staff development plans

· Manage disciplinary and grievance procedures

· Maintain accurate employee records in line with legal requirements

· Administer employment contracts and oversee the employee lifecycle

· Ensure contract compliance with Portuguese labour laws

· Participate as a permanent member of the Quality of Life Committee

· Lead the implementation of the HRS4R – HR Excellence in Research award

· Supervise junior staff in the HR unit

3. Required Qualifications

Essential:

· Proven experience in senior HR roles, ideally in an academic or R&D environment

· Strong knowledge of HR functions including recruitment, training, payroll, and employee relations

· Solid understanding of Portuguese labour law and HR compliance

· Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills

· Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

· Strong organisational and time management abilities

· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field

Desirable:

· Familiarity with HRMS and ERP systems (e.g., Cegid, Primavera)

· HR certification (e.g., PHR or equivalent)

· Demonstrated ethics, integrity, and a collaborative mindset

· Knowledge of the Portuguese scientific research system

4. Contract & Compensation

The selected candidate will be offered a non-fixed term employment contract under the Portuguese Labour Code. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

5. Deadline and How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically via: https://www.cibio.up.pt/en/jobs/

Required documents (PDF format):

· Motivation letter

· Detailed Curriculum Vitae

· Copies of academic degree certificates

· Contact details of three referees

Application period: April 23 to May 15, 2025

6. Selection Process

All applications will be evaluated based on:

· Curriculum Vitae (40%)

· Motivation Letter (10%)

· Interview (50%) for shortlisted candidates

Selection Panel:

· Nuno Ferrand de Almeida – President of the Board of Directors (BIOPOLIS)

· Pedro Beja – Executive Vice-President (BIOPOLIS)

· Luís Folhadela – Associate Director for Administration and Finances (BIOPOLIS)

Candidates will be informed of the results by email. All applicants have 10 working days to comment following notification.

The jury reserves the right not to fill the position if no candidate meets the required profile.

7. Workplace

CIBIO-InBIO – Campus de Vairão
Rua Padre Armando Quintas, n.º7
4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
(Coordinates: N41.328940, W8.672635)

8. Non-Discrimination and Equal Access Policy

BIOPOLIS Association actively promotes a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. No applicant shall be privileged, disadvantaged, or discriminated against based on ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital or family status, socioeconomic background, education, origin, disability, chronic illness, nationality, race, language, religion, political or ideological beliefs, or trade union membership.

As per Law no. 4/2019, of 10 January, candidates with disabilities shall be given preference in the event of equal ranking. Applicants must state their condition, degree, and required communication methods in the application form under a declaration of honour.

9. More Information