People Operations Lead

Bioptimus is building the first universal AI foundation model for biology to fuel breakthrough discoveries and accelerate innovation in biomedicine. With more than $75M in funding, Bioptimus is a fast-growing start-up headquartered in Paris, incorporated in October 2023. Backed by leading international venture capitalists, our world-class team of scientists and engineers is redefining the frontiers of AI and life sciences. People Operations Lead About the role About Us:We are an AI-driven start-up pioneering the development of a universal foundation model for biology. Our mission is to revolutionize biological research and innovation through cutting-edge technology. We operate at the cutting edge of AI and biology, and we're looking for a dynamic, versatile, and ambitious professional to join our journey. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, embrace challenges, and shape a company at the forefront of breakthrough  It is a broad role that moves between the groundwork and the high-level thinking. You will own the People function day to day, shape it as your own, and quickly become the person the team relies on for its most difficult people matters. The role will report into the COO. What you'll be doing As People Leader you will have ownership over the following: People Administration (the go-to person): Own contracting, payroll coordination, employee records, and the day-to-day questions and issues that arise. Be the first and trusted point of contact for everyone at Bioptimus on anything People, and the approachable face people feel comfortable coming to. HR Initiatives, Design & Delivery: Own both the design and the running of our core People initiatives: performance reviews, onboarding and probation, company policies, employee surveys, salary grids, and compensation strategy. Bring fresh, well-judged ideas suited to a start-up in a hybrid environment. People Partnering & Difficult Conversations: Quickly take ownership of the company's hardest people moments: coaching managers through underperformance and leading exit and termination processes. Work closely with Legal where needed. Be the steady, trusted partner managers come to when conversations are hard. Over time, identify and develop new and emerging managers, coaching them to become more effective leaders. Working Pattern & Flex: Around three days per week. This is currently a part-time task most weeks. Some weeks will need a little more, occasionally a fourth day during busy periods such as hiring, reviews, exits, or policy work. Others will need a little less. As the company grows, the role is likely to grow in days too, with a genuine path toward a broader and more senior mandate, if this is desired. Well suited to someone building a portfolio career or working across a small number of companies, though we would love someone able to be genuinely invested in Bioptimus. What you'll bring End-to-End Experience: You have owned these areas end to end before,...