BPIE/BETA Physics Advisor (5156C) - Physics

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. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Physics is the largest department in the L&S Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. It is ranked as one of the top physics departments in the world, with excellence in research, teaching, and service to the community all highly valued. The department has 80 ladder and active emeriti faculty, 60 career and casual staff, and 300 lecturers, teaching assistants, readers, research personnel, postdocs, fellowship recipients, and visiting scholars. It enrolls 250 graduate students, 250 undergraduate majors, and over 7,000 students in its courses, many with laboratory sections. Its faculty fully participates in teaching and administration and conducts world-class research in campus, local, national, and international laboratories and sites; research activities require active financial arrangements with organizations such as Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Physics manages 3 distinct campus buildings in its facilities complex with 240,000 assignable square feet, and it also houses and provides services to several research centers, the Physics Library, and multiple research Laboratories with varying physical environments.

This position involves a wide range of student services duties and responsibilities for the Department of Physics. The BPIE/BETA Physics Advisor assists the Director of Student Services in supporting the Department's international visiting students program at all levels: academic advising, recruitment, admissions, and visa / immigration matters. Provides basic programmatic support for matriculated student programs, and may support academic advising, recruitment, admissions, visa / immigration matters and may support the evaluation and awarding of fellowships and block grant funds. Provides support for student orientation and events, career counseling and student-related programs.

This position independently manages all aspects of the Berkeley Physics International Exchange Program (BPIE) and BETA Physics Programs including program logistics, expert academic advising, recruitment, and admissions support into our programs. The BPIE/BETA Physics Advisor works with Berkeley International Office (BIO) to facilitate and assist students with complex matters such as visas and international student matters. Position works closely with the Director of Student Services to identify and support student recruitment efforts for the sole revenue generation program (BPIE and BETA Physics) to ensure sustainability and diversity of student body within the program. Responsible for the record-keeping and data analysis for the Student Services unit.

The First Review Date for this job is: March 10, 2026 - Open Until Filled

30% Manage BPIE & BETA Physics Program:

• Manages the Berkeley Physics International Program (BPIE) and the Berkeley Experience and Advanced Training in Physics (BETA Physics). Manages program logistics, sets-up and conducts Skype/WeChat phone interviews, arranges student pick-ups at airport, collects, organizes and oversees program applications and provides general all administrative support for the program as needed at experienced level.
• Prepares, manages and analyzes exit interviews for all BPIE and BETA Physics students.
• Makes recommendations for improvement to Director of Student Services.
• Provides leadership in developing and implementing outreach and recruitment to attract qualified students to the Department BPIE and BETA Physics programs.
• Disseminates program information for and about the Department.
• Manages and supports recruitment efforts at all levels including via student experience.
• Creates outreach materials and oversees the development and distribution of these materials.
• Develops and maintains a BPIE/BETA Alumni Database.
• Organizes and manages the mandatory SVSH Training for BPIE and BETA Physics visiting students.
• Attends conferences, meetings and committees with the Director of Student Services to develop strategies, recruit and implement new outreach programs.
• Develops retention initiatives for students in the program.

30% Academic Advising:

• Manages, monitors and ensures the program progress of BPIE and BETA Physics visiting physics students.
• Manages enrollment and ensure that all students are properly enrolled in courses and units to meet visiting student requirements.
• Provides experienced advice and assistance to students on academic and program progress and program requirements for BPIE and BETA Physics program students.
• Provides experienced advice and assistance related to research matters.
• Assists students in, alternative academic options, resolves scheduling conflicts, and similar issues.
• Provides experienced advising to multiple areas of BPIE student activities and related university functions such as academic progress requirements, health insurance, financial aid, housing, etc. in coordination with UC Extension.
• Advises faculty and Director of Student Services on departmental / school / college and university policies and procedures; reviews students' progress and advises students and faculty on requirements for degree / program completion; identifies students with progression problems and recommends interventions; devises curriculum planning in collaboration with the Director of Student Services, faculty, and with other departments.
• Liaison to Visiting Student Departmental Committee.
• Advises students on grade deficiencies and recommends possible solutions.
• Manages complex issues around mental health concerns for international students and makes appropriate referrals to campus units.
• Advises BPIE students via individual appointments, workshops, orientations and across campus.
• Develops orientation programs for BPIE students.
• Analyzes, assesses and provides course selection strategies based on knowledge of availability of specific offerings, course availability, and student's background.

20% Instructional and Unit Support:

• Evaluates, manages and processes all graduate recruitment reimbursements.
• Serves on departmental committees related to visiting student programs, enrollment and instruction.
• Serves as the main resource or Intake Advisor directing inquiries concerning general student matters at the graduate level for faculty, University offices, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Manages DeCal course offerings and compliance sending timely reminders about deadline, providing advice to student facilitators, collecting and ensuring appropriate completion of paperwork, submit for appropriate approvals and working with HR to ensure students are properly designated as student facilitators.
• Participates in and supports Equity and Inclusion efforts for the department and programs.

10% Record Keeping, Data Analysis:

• Prepares correspondence and other written materials for Student Services Unit, requiring some specialized knowledge of the subject matter.
• Analyzes data, trends and prepares specialized reports with BPIE and BETA Physics student statistics for the Director of Student Services.
• Manages all confidential aspects of the Department's BPIE/BETA Physics programs information updates, course record collection and management.
• Establishes, tracks and maintains academic records of all BPIE and BETA Physics students.
• Monitors student progress for satisfaction of program requirements.
• Monitors and assists with updates to the Student Services Unit information on the Department website.
• Provides statistical data and statistical analysis on enrollment trends for projects needed by faculty and staff.
• Ensures that historical records of courses are maintained and interprets policy, procedures and regulations of the Department, College and University.

5% Back Up Scheduler and Enrollment Manager:

• Fully responsible for complete management of all BPIE and BETA Physics enrollments and enrollment matters.
• As back-up Scheduler for matriculated programs, manages and supervises all aspects of course and classroom scheduling and planning, analyzes and plans with Director of Student Services all physics course offerings, enrollment patters and trends, solves conflicts within sub disciplines and other related department course offerings when Lead Scheduler is away.

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.
• Knowledge of complex U.S. visa and immigration procedures, compliance issues, and employment eligibility / authorization for international students and scholars.
• Ability in problem identification and reasoning; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
• Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem solving, identifying measures of system performance and the actions to improve performance.
• Understanding of University rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of University processes and procedures
• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and pertinent databases.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

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 salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $61,200 to $105,200 yearly ($5,100.00 to $8,766.67 monthly). This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Exempt and paid monthly.

This position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Student Services Advising Professionals, represented by the UAW.

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.

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:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

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.