Associate Director, Human Resources

Slingshot Biosciences is a fast-growing life sciences company with a platform technology and paradigm-shifting mission to make precision-engineered cell mimics the gold standard for all cell-based assay controls. We are transforming cell-based applications with the most robust, scalable, and reproducible controls available, including TruCytes™ Biomarker controls, SpectraComp® compensation controls, ViaComp® cell health controls, and FlowCytes® instrument controls. Our TruCytes cell mimics precisely replicate real cells’ optical and biochemical properties - without the sourcing, quality, or cost challenges of traditional controls. Trusted in cell-based applications across cell therapy, drug development, and diagnostics, they empower process and analytical development, quality control, potency assessments, multi-site validations, clinical research studies, and assay development and validation. Slingshot is seeking motivated, creative team members who think outside the box. We empower employees to own their work, contribute ideas quickly, and improve processes. Come join our cross-disciplinary and world-class team that is delivering game-changing solutions for cell-based applications! Reporting directly to the CEO, the Associate Director of Human Resources serves as the sole HR leader and a trusted member of the executive leadership team. This is a high-impact, highly strategic role that spans the full people operations lifecycle from talent acquisition and compensation design to compliance, benefits, and HRIS infrastructure. The ideal candidate is an experienced, execution-oriented HR professional who thrives in ambiguity, operates with the discipline of a department of one, and is capable of advising the CEO and executive team on workforce strategy while simultaneously managing day-to-day HR operations. Learn more about Slingshot and what we do: See what Cell Mimics can do About Slingshot Biosciences Location : Emeryville, CA. This position requires on-site daily in Emeryville, California. Responsibilities Strategic HR Partnership & Organizational Design Serve as primary People & HR Business Partner to the CEO and C-suite, advising on workforce strategy, organizational design, performance, compensation, and risk management. Partner with the CEO and board on headcount planning and organizational restructuring, including communication strategy and change management execution. Advise functional leaders (Sales, R&D, Operations, G&A) on employee relations, performance management, and talent development. Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Own end-to-end recruiting across all functions, including job description development, sourcing strategy, interview coordination, offer preparation, and ATS management (Greenhouse). Partner with external recruiting firms and manage agency relationships to support high-priority searches. Design and execute inclusive, high-quality onboarding experiences; manage background checks, I-9/E-Verify compliance, and new hire systems setup. Compensation, Benefits & Total Rewards Maintain and evolve the company’s compensation philosophy and leveling framework, benchmarking against market data. Develop and present offer letters, merit adjustment letters, and promotion documentation with defensible, board-ready language. Lead annual open enrollment and ongoing benefits administration in partnership with our benefits broker (Sequoia); evaluate plan competitiveness and manage carrier relationships. Oversee equity program administration and support annual merit, bonus, and equity cycles. HRIS, Operations & Compliance Own HRIS strategy and administration; currently leading migration from Rippling to NetSuite SuitePeople HR in partnership with Finance and Operations. Evaluate and implement supplemental HR platforms to fill capability gaps (benefits administration, I-9/E-Verify) as the HRIS stack evolves. Maintain comprehensive employee records and ensure compliance with California, federal, and international employment l