Human Resources Specialist II

Human Resources Specialist II

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and with offices in Boston, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland, Ionis has been at work for more than three decades discovering medical breakthroughs that have redefined life for people with serious diseases. We're pioneers in RNA-targeted medicines, and our platform continues to revolutionize drug discovery and transform lives for patients with unmet needs. With multiple marketed medicines and a leading pipeline in neurology, cardiology and select areas of high patient needs, we continue to drive innovation in RNA therapies in addition to advancing new approaches in gene editing to provide greater value to patients and are well positioned financially to deliver on our strategic goals.

At Ionis, we pride ourselves on cultivating a challenging, motivating and rewarding environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

With an unprecedented opportunity to change the course of human health, we look to add diverse individuals, skill sets and perspectives to our exceptional team. We continue to invest time, money and energy into making our onsite, hybrid and remote work environments a place where solid and lasting relationships are built and where our culture and employees can thrive.

We're building on our rich history, and we believe our greatest achievements are ahead of us. If you're passionate about the opportunity to have meaningful impact on patients in need, we invite you to apply and join us. Experience and contribute to our unique culture while you develop and expand your career!

Summary

The Human Resources Specialist II provides high-quality HR operational support across the employee lifecycle, with a strong focus on onboarding, employee data administration, compliance coordination, and day-to-day HR process execution. Reporting to the Human Resources Business Partner, this role partners closely with HR team members, employees, managers, payroll, benefits, IT, facilities, and external vendors to support a consistent, accurate, and positive employee experience. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, service-minded, and able to exercise sound judgment while managing confidential information in a fast-paced, mission-driven biotechnology environment.

Key Responsibilities

HR Operations & Employee Data Administration

• Complete weekly new hire data entry in UKG, ensuring employee records are accurate, complete, and entered within required timelines.
• Process employee lifecycle transactions, including promotions, department transfers, personal information updates, and other employment changes.
• Process Commitment Awards, bonuses, and other recurring HR transactions in partnership with payroll and HR team members.
• Maintain employee data integrity through routine audits, reconciliations, and timely follow-up on discrepancies.
• Generate, review, and maintain basic HR reports and trackers to support onboarding, employee changes, audits, and HR operations.
• Partner with payroll, benefits, HRIS, and HR team members to resolve data issues and support accurate downstream processes.
• Maintain accurate and confidential employee documentation, ensuring records are organized, complete, and audit-ready.
• Support HR compliance processes by following documented procedures, identifying gaps, and escalating questions or exceptions as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Process Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance HR efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
• Create and maintain process documentation, job aids, and standard operating procedures.
• Support HR projects, audits, and departmental initiatives as assigned.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Provide professional, customer-focused support for HR department operations, meetings, and employee-facing activities.
• Provide backup reception coverage during breaks, lunches, and time off as needed.
• Coordinate Executive Chats, including scheduling, communications, logistics, and follow-up.
• Provide backup support for administrative tasks as needed.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of related HR, HR operations, onboarding, recruiting coordination, or administrative experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and adapt to changing priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with employees, managers, vendors, and HR team members.
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach with the ability to identify issues, ask thoughtful questions, and escalate appropriately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience with UKG, SAP, WorkBright, Sterling/First Advantage, or similar HR systems and vendor platforms.
• Experience supporting onboarding, I-9 administration, background checks, employee data changes, or HR compliance processes.
• Experience in a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, life sciences, or other fast-paced corporate environment.
• SHRM-CP, PHR, or progress toward HR certification.

Core competencies include confidentiality and sound judgment, customer service orientation, accuracy, accountability, and follow-through, process discipline and continuous improvement mindset, collaboration and relationship-building, and the ability to work independently while knowing when to escalate.