MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human Resources Specialist

Q: What qualifications do I need to apply for this Human Resources Specialist position?

The minimum requirement is a high school diploma combined with at least five years of relevant HR or administrative experience . You must have advanced knowledge of HR processes and policies, excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to exercise independent judgment while maintaining strict confidentiality. A Bachelor’s degree and experience with immigration processes , higher education administration, and MIT systems are strongly preferred. For more on HR roles in academia, see HR jobs in higher education .

Q: What are the main responsibilities of this role?

You’ll provide comprehensive HR support for the Chemistry department at MIT, serving approximately 150 staff and researchers. Key duties include managing specialized appointments (Postdoctoral Associates, Visiting Scientists, Research Specialists, temporary employees), coordinating visa and immigration processes (J-1, H-1B, F-1 OPT, STEM OPT) with the International Scholars Office, processing HR transactions (appointments, reappointments, changes, terminations), overseeing onboarding/offboarding, and monitoring deadlines. You’ll also support process improvements and backup the HR Administrator. Learn more about administration jobs like this at academic administration roles .

Q: Is this a remote or on-site job?

The position is primarily on-site, requiring four days per week in Cambridge, MA, with the possibility of one remote day per week, making it a hybrid role . You must live within commuting distance of MIT’s campus. For more hybrid academic jobs, explore university jobs .

Q: How do I apply and what is the deadline?

To apply, visit the official MIT employment page at MIT Science Employment Opportunities . The application deadline is October 10, 2026 . Make sure to tailor your resume to highlight HR experience and any familiarity with higher education administration and immigration processes. For tips on crafting an effective application, check how to write a winning academic CV .

Q: Does this position offer visa sponsorship or immigration support?

While the job itself involves coordinating visa and immigration processes for incoming researchers, the posting does not explicitly state whether MIT sponsors visas for this HR role. Candidates who require visa sponsorship are encouraged to contact the hiring department directly. To understand typical support for international staff, see HR jobs and international hiring .

Closes: Oct 10, 2026

Salary: $32 – $39 per hour

1,176

Posting Description

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST, Chemistry, to provide comprehensive HR support across the employee life cycle for approximately 150 staff and researchers. Reporting to the Human Resources Administrator, this role serves as a key resource for faculty, staff, postdoctoral associates, visitors, and temporary employees while ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient HR operations. Will serve as a primary contact for HR-related inquiries and policy guidance; manage 150+ specialized appointments, including Postdoctoral Associates, Visiting Scientists and Scholars, Research Specialist Limited appointments, temporary employees, and non-student appointments; coordinate visa and immigration processes (J-1, H-1B, F-1 OPT, and STEM OPT) in partnership with the International Scholars Office; process HR transactions, including appointments, reappointments, employee changes, and terminations; coordinate onboarding and offboarding activities, background checks, compliance requirements, and employee records; monitor appointment and visa deadlines, prepare employment verification letters, manage departmental access requests, and support process improvement initiatives; and provide backup support for the Human Resources Administrator and assist with special projects.

The full job description is available, here.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: High school diploma; a minimum of five years of relevant HR or administrative experience; advanced knowledge of HR processes and policies; excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills; and ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain strict confidentiality. PREFERRED: Experience with immigration processes, higher education administration, and MIT systems and Bachelor’s degree.

Location: This position is on site 4 days a week in Cambridge, MA with the possibility of working remotely 1 day per week.

8/5/2026

Job details

Title: Human Resources Specialist
Employer: MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Location: Cambridge, MA
Published: Aug 11, 2026
Closes:: Oct 10, 2026
Job type: Full time, Human Resources
Field: Recruitment Internal
Salary: Salary: $32 – $39 per hour

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications do I need to apply for this Human Resources Specialist position?

The minimum requirement is a high school diploma combined with at least five years of relevant HR or administrative experience. You must have advanced knowledge of HR processes and policies, excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to exercise independent judgment while maintaining strict confidentiality. A Bachelor’s degree and experience with immigration processes, higher education administration, and MIT systems are strongly preferred. For more on HR roles in academia, see HR jobs in higher education.

📋What are the main responsibilities of this role?

You’ll provide comprehensive HR support for the Chemistry department at MIT, serving approximately 150 staff and researchers. Key duties include managing specialized appointments (Postdoctoral Associates, Visiting Scientists, Research Specialists, temporary employees), coordinating visa and immigration processes (J-1, H-1B, F-1 OPT, STEM OPT) with the International Scholars Office, processing HR transactions (appointments, reappointments, changes, terminations), overseeing onboarding/offboarding, and monitoring deadlines. You’ll also support process improvements and backup the HR Administrator. Learn more about administration jobs like this at academic administration roles.

🏢Is this a remote or on-site job?

The position is primarily on-site, requiring four days per week in Cambridge, MA, with the possibility of one remote day per week, making it a hybrid role. You must live within commuting distance of MIT’s campus. For more hybrid academic jobs, explore university jobs.

📅How do I apply and what is the deadline?

To apply, visit the official MIT employment page at MIT Science Employment Opportunities. The application deadline is October 10, 2026. Make sure to tailor your resume to highlight HR experience and any familiarity with higher education administration and immigration processes. For tips on crafting an effective application, check how to write a winning academic CV.

🌍Does this position offer visa sponsorship or immigration support?

While the job itself involves coordinating visa and immigration processes for incoming researchers, the posting does not explicitly state whether MIT sponsors visas for this HR role. Candidates who require visa sponsorship are encouraged to contact the hiring department directly. To understand typical support for international staff, see HR jobs and international hiring.

About the employer

MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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