Human Resources Business Partner

Axsome Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company leading a new era in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) conditions. We deliver scientific breakthroughs by identifying critical gaps in care and develop differentiated products with a focus on novel mechanisms of action that enable meaningful advancements in patient outcomes. Our industry-leading neuroscience portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for major depressive disorder, excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine, and multiple late-stage development programs addressing a broad range of serious neurological and psychiatric conditions that impact over 150 million people in the United States. Together, we are on a mission to solve some of the brain’s biggest problems so patients and their loved ones can flourish. For more information, please visit us at www.axsome.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

About This Role 

 Axsome Therapeutics is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner to support our growing teams and leaders throughout various stages of the employee lifecycle. This role will play a crucial role in aligning HR strategies with business objectives, fostering employee development, providing guidance and coaching to managers and enhancing employee development and engagement. This position will serve as a strategic partner across departments and will help to implement HR programs, policies and processes consistently and fairly. 

This role is based at Axsome’s HQ in New York City with an on-site requirement of at least three days per week. We are unable to consider candidates who are looking for fully remote roles.   

Job Responsibilities and Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Act as a strategic partner for managers and team members, providing daily guidance and coaching on HR-related topics and issues  

• Facilitate and drive current HR processes within recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, performance management, policy and procedure development, employee engagement and career development, etc. while continuously looking for ways to improve and optimize the employee experience  

• Conduct meetings with assigned departments/managers to understand needs, concerns and feedback within individual teams 

• Provide HR policy guidance and interpretation to ensure consistent application of company policies  

• Provide day-to-day performance management guidance to managers (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions, etc.) 

• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues. Conduct effective, thorough and objective investigations as needed. 

• Administer Leave of Absence requests and serve as point of contact for LOA related questions  

• Work closely with the HR team to develop and implement various HR programs and initiatives, including performance reviews, trainings, handbook review, benefits, surveys, employee events and L&D Opportunities  

• Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of team members and partner with the legal department as needed/required 

Requirements / Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3+ years of relevant HR experience required 

• Strong understanding of multiple HR disciplines such as recruitment, performance management, compensation, headcount planning, career development, benefits and leave administration, etc.  
• Prior HRBP experience in the biotech/pharma/life science industries with a strong preference for candidates who supported field sales teams 

• Must be able to work on site Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 

Experience, Knowledge and Skills 

• Experience working in a fast-paced, startup environment highly preferred 

• General knowledge of relevant employment law, personnel policies & procedures best practice 

• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact and build relationships at all levels of the organization  

• Extremely organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and curious  

• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality  

• Excellent time management and organizational skills with a strong sense of urgency 

• Ability to work through organizational growth and supporting teams through change 

• Experience implementing new HR systems preferred but not required  

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this role is $115,000 - $135,000. We encourage candidates of all levels to apply as there may be flexibility on final job title and responsibilities. The salary offer will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, qualifications, internal equity and location. Axsome offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, significant equity and a generous benefits package.

Axsome is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Axsome Therapeutics does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or third-party recruitment agencies and will not pay placement fees for unsolicited candidates that are sent to hiring managers, the HR team or other Axsome team members. Only approved vendors who have been explicitly asked to support a specific search will receive access to our Applicant Tracking System to submit candidates for consideration.