Graduate Student Services Advisor Astronomy

Job

Location:

Main Campus-Berkeley

Full/Part Time:
Full Time

The Department of Astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley is a world-renowned academic unit dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and discovery in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. Located in Campbell Hall, the department offers robust undergraduate and graduate programs that provide comprehensive instruction and hands‑on research opportunities across a broad range of areas, including theoretical and observational astrophysics, infrared, optical, and radio astronomy, galactic dynamics, high‑energy astrophysics, cosmology, and star and planet formation.

Faculty, students, and researchers collaborate closely to advance understanding of the universe through innovative research, data analysis, instrument development, and scholarship, while also contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives across campus and partnering research units. The department fosters a collaborative, inclusive academic environment that supports student success, scientific exploration, and public engagement in the astronomical sciences.

The Student Services Advisor provides comprehensive academic advising and graduate program administration support for the Department of Astronomy and, as‑assigned basis, supports other departments within the Math & Physical Sciences (MPS) Division. Approximately 50% of the position is dedicated to the Department of Astronomy, which serves as the home department for this role, with the remaining 50% allocated to divisional support under the direction of the Astronomy Department Manager.

The position is responsible for coordinating and administering key aspects of graduate student services, including admissions and recruitment, academic advising support, curriculum and course planning, graduate student progress and milestone tracking, funding and appointment coordination, and programmatic events. Serving as a primary resource for graduate students and faculty advisors, the role interprets and applies University, Graduate Division, and departmental policies to support student success and timely degree completion.

The position works closely with faculty, the Head Graduate Advisor, Department leadership, and campus partners to ensure accurate, equitable, and compliant administration of graduate programs in a complex academic environment.

The First Review Date for this job is:
February 26, 2026 - Open Until Filled

35% Graduate Advising & Academic Progress Support

• Serves as a primary resource for graduate students and faculty advisors on departmental, Graduate Division, College, and University policies and procedures related to degree progress, milestones, and academic standing.
• Supports the Head Graduate Advisor and faculty mentors in monitoring student academic progress, identifying barriers to timely degree completion, and coordinating appropriate interventions or referrals.
• Assists faculty with preliminary examination and degree milestone processes, including preparation of committee paperwork, documentation of requirements, and entry of milestones into SIS and related systems.
• Advises students and faculty on course sequencing, enrollment considerations, and policy interpretation to support progress toward degree completion.
• Tracking program outcomes and measuring trends/changes in the grad program.

25% Graduate Admissions, Recruitment & Onboarding

• Supports the graduate admissions and recruitment process, including responding to prospective student inquiries, coordinating application review processes, and assisting faculty admissions committees.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline admissions processes through improved procedures, systems, and communications, and adapts practices in response to changes in campus or Graduate Division requirements.
• Coordinates onboarding activities for newly admitted and continuing graduate students, including orientations and departmental communications.
• Uses professional judgment to identify and resolve applicant or admissions‑related issues, escalating complex cases as appropriate. Resolves common issues related to graduate…