HR Operations Specialist

About the Institute of Foundation Models

We are a dedicated research lab for building, understanding, using, and risk-managing foundation models. Our mandate is to advance research, nurture the next generation of AI builders, and drive transformative contributions to a knowledge-driven economy.

As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to work on the core of cutting-edge foundation model training, alongside world-class researchers, data scientists, and engineers, tackling the most fundamental and impactful challenges in AI development. You will participate in the development of groundbreaking AI solutions that have the potential to reshape entire industries. Strategic and innovative problem-solving skills will be instrumental in establishing MBZUAI as a global hub for high-performance computing in deep learning, driving impactful discoveries that inspire the next generation of AI pioneers.

The Role

We are seeking a HR Operations Specialist to be the executional backbone of People Operations, including recruiting coordination, employee lifecycle management, and HR systems support.

This role ensures that hiring, onboarding, and employee processes run smoothly, accurately, and at scale across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Employee Engagement & Culture: Lead internal engagement initiatives to foster a strong lab culture. Partner closely with the Office Operations team to plan and execute team events, offsites, and social activities.

• Internal Cultural Logistics: Own the coordination of regular team lunches and internal morale-building programs.

• HR Lifecycle & Time-Card Management: Manage time-card submissions for non-exempt employees, ensuring accuracy for payroll. Execute the end-to-end employee lifecycle including onboarding, orientation, and offboarding.

• Compliance & HR Administration: Manage I-9 verifications, background checks, and audit-ready documentation. Serve as the first point of contact for daily employee HR inquiries.

• Recruiting & ATS Support: Provide tactical support to the Recruiting Partner as needed. This includes assisting with overflow logistical tasks and basic documentation as directed.

• Intern Program Management: Own the specialized HR processes for interns, including F-1/CPT/I-20 compliance and lifecycle tracking.

• Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies in HR workflows and support the standardization of templates and internal records

Requirements

• 4–7 years experience in HR operations, recruiting coordination, or people operations

• Strong experience with ATS platforms (Lever strongly preferred)

• Hands-on experience with HRIS systems (ADP, Workday, or similar)

• Experience supporting onboarding, offboarding, and employee lifecycle processes

• Strong organizational skills in high-volume environments

• Familiarity with US HR compliance basics (I-9, documentation, onboarding requirements)

• High attention to detail and execution discipline

• Strong communication and responsiveness

• Bachelors Degree or higher in HR, or related field required

Benefits Include

*Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits 

 *Bonus

*401K Plan

*Generous paid time off, sick leave and holidays

*Paid Parental Leave

*Employee Assistance Program

*Life insurance and disability