FRIB Human Resources Manager

Working/Functional Title

FRIB Human Resources Manager

Position Summary

Michigan State University (MSU) operates the Facility for Rare Isoto pe Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Of fice of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office o f Nuclear Physics. FRIB provides researchers with one of the most advanced tools of modern science to study rare isotopes, or short-lived nuclei not normally found on Earth. Hosting what is designed to be the most powerful heavy-ion accelerator, FRIB enables scientists to make discoveries about the properties of rare isotopes, nuclear astrophysics, fund amental interactions, and applications for society, including in medicine, homeland security, and industry. User facility operation is supported by the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics as one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities. MSU’s nuclear physics graduate program is a top-ranked program nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.

This position affords an exciting opportunity to become part of the world-class FRIB Laboratory that enables unique discovery opportunities in nuclear science.

Purpose: 

The HR Department Manager / Support Staff will support the daily operations of the FRIB Human Resources Department in partnership with the Chief Administrative Officer, while also overseeing a portfolio of operational activities related to Support Staff. This role ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and upholds the organization's core values and ethical standards.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

Personnel Program Execution 

• Execute the FRIB Support Staff personnel program in accordance with established policies, procedures, and applicable employment laws.

Performance Management 

• Design and deliver a comprehensive performance management system that aligns individual goals with FRIB goals, fosters continuous feedback, and promotes accountability and growth.
• Develop tools and templates and train managers and employees to facilitate effective performance conversations, documentation, and feedback cycles.

Investigations 

• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee complaints, misconduct, or policy violations
• Interview witnesses, gather evidence, and maintain detailed documentation
• Prepare invest igation reports and recommend appropriate actions
• Ensure investigations are conducted in a timely and confidential manner

Employee Discipline and Corrective Action 

• Advise supervisors and managers on appropriate disciplinary procedures
• Ensure disciplinary actions align with policy and contract provisions
• Draft disciplinary documents such as warnings, suspensions, and terminations

Labor Relations Management 

• Serve as a liaison between management and union representatives
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) to ensure compliance
• Participate in labor negotiations, contract renewals, and union meetings
• Receive and review employee grievances
• Coordinate grievance responses and represent FRIB in grievance meetings
• Assist in preparing for arbitration hearings, including compiling documentation and testimony

Training and Development 

• Provide training to managers and supervisors on labor relations, performance management, disciplinary procedures, and investigation protocols.

Recordkeeping and Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of disciplinary actions, grievances, and investigations
• Ensure documentation is complete, confidential, and compliant with legal standards

Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Profound knowledge of federal and state labor laws.
• Familiarity with interpreting and applying union contracts.
• Knowledge of formal dispute resolution processes.
• Thorough understanding of organizational policies related to employee conduct, discipline, and performance.
• Knowledgeable of best practices for conducting internal investigations.
• Ability to mediate disputes and facilitate productive dialogue between employees and management.
• Skilled at analyzing complex situations, interpreting contract language, and identifying policy violations.
• Ability to effectively and professionally work with experimental users.
• Strong documentation skills to document findings clearly and professionally.
• Ability to enforce rules and polici