People Analytics & HR Systems Analyst

In our research-driven organisation, where scientific rigour and evidence-based decision-making are core values, the People Analytics & HR Systems Analyst plays a pivotal strategic role. This position sits at the intersection of data, systems and people strategy, enabling people leaders to make informed, measurable staff decisions that support organisational performance, flexibility and long-term sustainability.

Reporting to the Head of HR, you will help us to ensure HR data, reporting and systems are reliable, scalable, user-centred and aligned with EMBL’s strategic priorities.

Your role 

• Provide leaders with clear, actionable insights on workforce trends, talent gaps, engagement, turnover and succession.

• Shift the organisation from ad-hoc reporting to scalable, self-service analytics with trusted dashboards and standardised metrics.

• Own the strategic evolution of Workday and related HR systems, ensuring  they are fit for purpose and aligned with organisational needs 

• Strengthen data governance, privacy and ethical use of analytics and AI.

• Support organisational change by measuring adoption, impact and effectiveness of new ways of working.
   

You have 

• Strong hands-on experience with HR systems in complex, multi-site environments (Workday highly desirable).

• Proven ability to turn complex data into strategic insight for senior leaders.

• Advanced Excel skills and strong understanding of data governance and analytics best practice.

• A strategic, curious and pragmatic mindset, with the ability to challenge the status quo and simplify complexity.

You might also have

• Deep functional knowledge of Workday HCM modules, Prism Analytics or Adaptive Planning.

• Led at least one end-to-end Workday optimisation or implementation, successfully reconciling multi-site or cross-system data discrepancies.

• Advanced proficiency in data visualisation tools (Tableau, Power BI or Workday Discovery Boards) to create compelling visual narratives beyond standard reporting.

Why this role matters
 

This role will shape how EMBL understands, plans for and invests in its people. With strong leadership focus on data and insight, you will have real influence over strategic decisions and the success of our HR modernisation journey.

Contract length: 6 months.

Salary: Grade 5 or 6. Monthly salary from £3,303 or 3,695 after tax but excluding class 3 national insurance contributions (17.75 per week).

Location: Ideally this position will be based at least 3-days per week at either our Hinxton or Heidelberg sites.

Why join us

EMBL is curiosity-driven, community-oriented and international. As an inclusive, equal opportunity employer, we believe that diversity enables us to collaborate more effectively and be innovative in our approaches. We are, therefore, committed to creating an inclusive and flexible culture - one where everyone can realise their full potential and make a positive contribution to our organisation. 

We encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing team – we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and personal experiences reflect the diversity of the populations that our science serves. We actively encourage applications from all genders and cultures, ethnic groups and all demographics to help us avoid perpetuating biases and oversights at this transformational point in our people strategy.

Campus life & benefits:

• Attractive income tax free salary and full inclusion in the national system including related benefits

• Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns 

• Generous time off: 30 days annual leave per year, in addition to public holidays

• Campus life: Free shuttle bus (Heidelberg),library, subsidised on-site cafeteria, casual dress code, extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: On-site Kindergarten (Heidelberg), maternity leave and holiday clubs on campus

What else you need to know

• EMBL is a signatory of DORA. Find out how we apply DORA principles to our recruitment and performance assessment processes here

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date shown below.

Closing Date