Graduate Student Services Advisor Astronomy

Graduate Student Services Advisor (5156C) – Astronomy About Berkeley

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 make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world‑leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice.

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.

The Student Services Advisor provides comprehensive academic advising and graduate program administration support for the Department of Astronomy and, as‑assigned, supports other departments within the Math & Physical Sciences (MPS) Division.

First Review Date:
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 student appointments, funding, enrollment, or system access by reviewing records, coordinating with campus partners, and ensuring timely corrections.
• Leads and designs professional development strategy and initiatives in the student journey. Actively builds relationships with fellows around the program and professional goals. Collaborates with Career Services Staff to further develop workshops and resources.

20% Graduate Student Appointments, Funding & ASE Coordination

• Advises, identifies, recruits, and assigns Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs), Readers, and Group Tutors in coordination with faculty, the Department Chair, and campus partners.
• Coordinates GSI, GSR, and other academic student appointments with internal and external units (e.g., LBNL, other departments), ensuring compliance with systemwide policies and collective bargaining agreements.
• Oversees and partners with campus and regional HR staff in ASE and GSR hiring processes, ensuring timely submission of hiring data and compliance with union and payroll requirements.
• Advise faculty and students on graduate student employment policies, funding structures, and appointment eligibility.

10% Curriculum Planning, Scheduling & Systems Management

• Participates in planning academic…