Undergraduate Advisor, BioSciences (5141C) #88400

University of California; Berkeley (CA); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work option

Job summary

The BioSciences Undergraduate Advisor at UC Berkeley provides academic advising to undergraduate students in Integrative Biology, Molecular & Cell Biology, and Neuroscience, guiding degree choices and policy interpretations.

The role involves program planning, workshops, and collaboration with IB, MCB, and NEU departments to promote student success, including referrals and graduation planning. Salary range is posted and remote work up to two days per week is available within the United States.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to address diverse student needs.
• Ability to make informed recommendations and apply policies.
• Discretion with confidential information.
• Problem solving and innovative thinking.
• Ability to design undergraduate enrichment programs.
• Ability to work under pressure with timelines.
• Commitment to respectful, belonging-focused environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Resourcefulness and flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Provide advising to IB/MCB/NEU students on major requirements and policies.
• Identify barriers and refer to counseling or other units as needed.
• Help students set goals and plan degree progress.
• Advise on course options to meet degree requirements.
• Monitor progress and support at-risk students.
• Recommend study plans and research opportunities.
• Advise on exceptions to policies.
• Assist faculty on advising-related tasks.
• Support department processes and graduation checks.

Skills

Advising

Counseling

Communication

Diversity awareness

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in higher education or counseling

Tools

Cal Central

Berkeley Online Advising

Job description

At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.

At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.

The Undergraduate BioSciences Advising Office serves undergraduate students in the Integrative Biology, Molecular & Cell Biology, and Neuroscience majors through comprehensive advising and student programming.

The Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB), Integrative Biology (IB), and Neuroscience (NEU) are among the largest academic departments at UC Berkeley. By several measures (including faculty and student counts, budget, and assigned square footage), these departments are larger than many UCB colleges and schools. The two departments represent over 186 faculty FTE (including Adjuncts, Professors of the Graduate School, active emeriti, and 15 HHMI professors); 77 Researchers and Specialists; 150 post-doctoral researchers; 375 graduate students; 80 department staff members; and a total state and extramural payroll of approximately 1000 (including Graduate Student Instructors, Graduate Student Researchers, and research staff). Financial resources include approximately $51M in annual extramural funding (which accounts for over half of the College of Letters & Science's total sponsored research awards) and over $46M from other funding sources. The department has over 1,800 declared undergraduate students and a total annual enrollment of ~20,000 students. Department personnel are currently housed in eight buildings located in three widely separated parts of the campus.

Position Summary

The BioSciences Undergraduate Advisor is responsible for counseling prospective and declared undergraduate students in Integrative Biology (IB), Molecular & Cell Biology (MCB), and Neuroscience (NEU) on academic program policies and issues. This position provides students with the necessary academic advising to guide them in making appropriate educational choices and decisions, conducts informational sessions, and provides advice.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is September 4, 2026. For full consideration, please apply by the first review date.

Two positions are available through this recruitment.

Responsibilities

Academic Advising

• Provide advice and assistance to students on all aspects of their academic experience, including admission to the major, progression, and departmental/college requirements.
• Determine barriers, distractions, and complications affecting a student's academic success, help students recognize these key non-academic issues, and make appropriate referrals for additional therapeutic counseling and/or assistance from other units.
• Assist students in making informed decisions, setting short- and long-term goals, and fulfilling the requirements of the B.A. in one of the supported majors.
• Advise students on a wide range of course possibilities and/or ways to complete degree requirements that may not be clearly defined.
• Monitor academic progress toward completion of the major, including advising students at risk of failing and/or falling below the minimum GPA requirement.
• Use a thorough knowledge of the curricular requirements of all IB, MCB, and NEU major tracks, as well as various research opportunities, post-baccalaureate programs, and careers, to recommend programs of study that will allow students to successfully meet their goals.
• Evaluate and advise students seeking to petition for exceptions to departmental and college requirements.
• Advise new and continuing faculty on departmental/college policies and procedures related to academic advising matters.
• Contribute to shared processes and administrative tasks such as reviewing declarations from submissions, emails to the general accounts, reviewing advising surveys, and checking graduation requirements.

Special Interest Areas

• Lead or assist assigned special interest areas, determined by office need and expertise of incumbent (examples: student success program, transfer seminar/mentorship program, peer advisor program, communications, and other workshops/events).

Programmatic Support

• Attend and provide programmatic support in the planning and implementation of high-visibility events (departmental commencement ceremonies, Cal Day, Golden Bear Orientation, etc), and workshops for intended and declared students, e.g., research opportunities, and enrichment programs.

Professional Development

• Attend workshops, seminars, and classes to remain up-to-date on national student advising issues and best practices, as well as university and campus policies and procedures.

General Office Responsibilities

• Assist with general undergraduate advising office responsibilities and other additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated effectiveness in active listening and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to identify and effectively address the needs of students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to make consistent and sound recommendations, and deliver clear judgment in the application of policies affecting students.
• Demonstrated discretion and sensitivity in dealing with urgent and/or confidential situations.
• Skilled in problem identification, reasoning, and the ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Ability to conceptualize, design, and implement undergraduate enrichment programs, which involve multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet strict and multiple timelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to creating a workplace and student environment that values respect, belonging, and collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively as an individual contributor, and as a team member.
• Ability to be resourceful, creative, innovative, and flexible.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience advising students in biology or related fields.
• Knowledge of UC Berkeley and L&S college policies, procedures, and requirements, or comparable institutional knowledge
• Experience with or demonstrated skill to learn student information systems such as Cal Central and Berkeley Online Advising
• Master's degree in higher education, counseling, or related field

Education / Training

Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $64,260 - $76,000.

• This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.
• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position is eligible for up to 2 days/week of remote work (within the United States). Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between the UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for SV.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.