Graduate Program Student Advisor

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology); Thuwal; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) seeks a Graduate Program Student Advisor (GPSA) in the Biomedical Sciences Division to manage the graduate student life cycle from admission through graduation.

The GPSA will serve as the primary contact for academic, personal, and administrative student matters, collaborating with Graduate Affairs, the Dean's Office, and faculty advisors to ensure timely resolutions and strong student outcomes.

Qualifications

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Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact; coordinate services; liaise with Registrar, Admissions and graduate offices.
• Support admissions, onboarding, meetings, programs, graduation, recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Monitor student progress; maintain records; analyze and report data.
• Coordinate weekly seminars, academic presentations, visits of external speakers and faculty candidates.
• Assist PhD students during final stages of studies, including dissertation preparation and defense arrangements.
• Contribute to the smooth operation of academic programs and student success.
• Support graduate admissions process and entry assessment tests.
• Coordinate qualifying examinations and other program activities.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional judgment.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Time-management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration/Student Affairs

Job description

Job Title: Graduate Program Student Advisor

Division/Department: Biomedical Sciences Division (BioMed)

Reports to: Associate Dean – Student Affairs

Position Summary

The Graduate Program Student Advisor (GPSA) in the Biomedical Sciences Division oversees and manages the entire graduate student population, including both MS and PhD students across all degree programs. As such, the GPSA is responsible for the full Student Life Cycle Management (SLCM) process, from admission through graduation. Serving as the primary point of contact for all student‑related matters—academic, personal, and administrative—the GPSA works closely with students, faculty advisors, instructors, Graduate Affairs, and the Dean's Office to ensure effective communication and timely resolution of issues. The role is dedicated to enhancing students' academic experience, personal development, and overall success at KAUST, while supporting their transition to post‑graduate careers and opportunities.

In addition, the GPSA provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to degree programs and Program Chairs by coordinating weekly seminars, academic presentations, visits of external speakers and faculty candidates, faculty meetings, and other program‑related activities. The GPSA also supports the graduate admissions process, manages entry assessment tests for incoming students, coordinates qualifying examinations, and assists PhD students throughout the final stages of their studies, including dissertation preparation and defense arrangements. Through these responsibilities, the GPSA contributes significantly to the smooth operation of academic programs and the success of graduate students within the Biomedical Sciences Division.

Major Responsibilities

• Student Support and Engagement: Serve as primary contact; coordinate services; liaise with Registrar, Admissions and graduate offices; support admissions, onboarding, meetings, programs, graduation, recruitment and retention initiatives.
• Data, Reporting and Records Management: Monitor student progress; maintain records; analyze and report data; collaborate on systems and process improvements.
• Division Degree Programs: Advise on degree programs and policies; manage communications and outreach materials; support faculty orientation and special projects.
• Student Recruitment: Represent the Division in recruitment activities; coordinate research opportunities; maintain internship records.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptional student service in a student‑centered environment.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, analytical, organizational and time‑management skills.
• Expert knowledge of academic policies and graduate program operations.
• Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, communication tools and web content management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of experience supporting students within a higher education environment.
• Fluent in both Arabic and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.