HR Specialist II

Hiring Department

MURR Human Resources

Job Description

The University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) is building a more capable, and more strategic HR function, one where every role on the team operates at a higher level and contributes directly to the experience of faculty, staff, and the departments we serve.

In this role as an HR Specialist II, you will be the operational agent of the team. This role owns the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of core HR processes from employee lifecycle transactions, aligning onboarding, courtesy appointment oversight, and backup support for and coverage to ensure high-quality service delivery.

We are looking for someone who executes the current work with precision and discipline, and who is curious, improvement-minded, and ready to grow into a process-shaping role as the team evolves. If you find satisfaction in getting things right and frustration when processes are slower or messier than they need to be this role may be for you.

Position Overview
Reporting to the Associate Human Resources Director, you will provide high-quality transactional and operational HR support across MURR. This position is the primary processor of employee lifecycle activity and provides oversight for SOM badging and courtesy appointments. You will exercise independent judgment on recurring and atypical situations, recommend solutions to complex cases, and collaborate closely with HR Partners, recruiters, and the Visa Specialist to ensure seamless, consistent service delivery across the team.

Key Responsibilities
HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle
• Process requests for changes to Faculty and Staff HR records including job changes, status changes, and related employment actions across the full employee lifecycle, partnering with the MU Campus Core Administrative Processing Support (CAPS) shared services to ensure accurate and timely system updates
• Integral team player that guides hiring documentation for new staff vacancies with accuracy and adherence to UM System and MU campus timelines, coordinating with the CAPS shared services on posting, processing, and position management workflows
• Coordinate and complete HR processes, actions, and maintain HR records. Run reports and track items requiring follow up actions.
• Manage onboarding for new employees including uploading documentation into PeopleSoft, guiding departments through onboarding steps, and monitoring hire status to ensure completion in partnership with the CAPS shared services
• Identify patterns in recurring transactions that indicate process gaps or inefficiencies, and surface recommendations to the Associate HR Director for improvement

Judgment, Analysis & Continuous Improvement
• Address problems based on existing precedents while recognizing when a situation requires escalation or a new approach
• Contribute to team planning and coordination in ways that improve the quality, timeliness, and effectiveness of HR service delivery
• Approach recurring work with an improvement mindset actively looking for ways to reduce steps, eliminate redundancy, and increase throughput without sacrificing accuracy

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Minimum Qualifications

An associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to maintaining data accuracy and integrity.
• Experience with PeopleSoft HRIS or comparable enterprise HR system
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience working with HR Databases and reporting tools.
• Awareness of HR processes and regulations including payroll, compensation, and compliance.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and provide clear guidance to employees and managers.
• Excellent initiative, critical thinking, and problem solving with a record of identifying process improvements.
• Experience working in a university, academic medical center, or multi-entity institutional environment

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $19.25 - $27.40 per hour

Grade: 008

University Title: Human Resources Specialist II

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

In addition to the Online Application, please provide Resume and cover letter.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Other Information

A life-saving operation in the middle of America — the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) — needs you to help guide its future. MURR is expanding its critical cancer-fighting and medical isotope production.
MURR’s reactor is the highest-power university research reactor in the United States, operating at 10 megawatts, 6.5 days a week and 52 weeks a year. The MURR facility enables research across many disciplines – From investigating ancient cultures and how plants respond to their environment, to analyzing industrial materials and developing radiopharmaceuticals that have lifesaving clinical applications. The MURR facility is a reliable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers and students across the country.
Be a part of the future of fighting cancer and saving lives.
Be a part of MURR

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.