New

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLAR ADVISOR - I (Temporary)

The Scripps Research Institute
United States, California, San Diego
Aug 01, 2025
Description ABOUT US: Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team. Celebrating a Century: https://100.scripps.edu/ POSITION TITLE: International Student and Scholar Advisor I (Temporary Position - 19 hours/week) POSITION SUMMARY: This is a temporary assignment to join a small, fun and dynamic team in La Jolla, CA, to support J-1 scholars and the J-1 program at Scripps Research. Work with F-1 international students is also a possibility. The primary goals of the position will be to advise labs and J-1 scholars on a broad spectrum of immigration, visa, and employment issues; process DS-2019 documents; onboard new scholars; review and sign electronic I-9s; and assist J-1 scholars and their dependents while at Scripps Research. The individual will serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor Program; may also serve as a Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 program. RESPONSIBILITES AND DUTIES: Advise international employees, students, faculty, scholars, and researchers in determining whether and how to obtain and use a J-1 visa and provide the necessary assistance in obtaining and maintaining non-immigrant status; process DS-2019 documents (and potentially I-20 documents for students), with emphasis on accuracy and completeness. Creatively resolve complex issues and problems based on thorough understanding of relevant J-1 policies and government regulations. Address pre-arrival and relocation questions, as well as questions on current US and Scripps Research policies related to COVID19. Coordinate and present new international scholar onboarding meetings and monitor I-9 compliance. Create and/or maintain electronic files for approximately 300 J-1 scholars and all J-2 dependents; maintain standard protocols in working with confidential documents and sensitive data. Monitor and maintain J-1 records in the Sunapsis institutional database, as well as SEVIS. Enter and review information within the Sunapsis system to ensure complete, accurate records. May do similar work for small group of F-1 students. Scan and upload paper documents and update electronic records. Evaluate, issue new documents (when needed) and advise scholars and labs regarding travel plans and risk factors when traveling in light of changing travel protocols both in the US and abroad related to COVID19. Work as part of a team to develop virtual and in-person (when allowed) programs to support international students, scholars and their families. Assist in maintaining the Sunapsis database. May also perform F-1 student advising as needed. Provide support to the other International Services Office team members as needed. Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree related to international affairs, psychology, sociology or related fields preferred. Minimum 1 year recent experience in international advising of international scholars and/or international graduate students. SEVIS Requirement: Must be a United States citizen or United States Permanent Resident. Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills. Ability to understand, interpret, and apply governmental regulations, policies and directives related to J-1 scholars. High degree of cultural sensitivity and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Professional and courteous customer service skills, whether using email, phone or in person. Demonstrated ability to synthesize regulations and solve problems. Excellent organizational, critical thinking, and strong time-management skills, as well as the ability to complete complex projects in timely manner. Detail-oriented and clear communication skills. Accurate word processing and proofreading skills. Knowledge of SEVIS system, Microsoft Office applications, word processing and data entry. Knowledge of Indiana University's Sunapsis database highly desirable. Skill in program planning, execution, problem-solving and decision-making. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in the collection and dissemination of information; ensure that highly sensitive, proprietary and confidential information is released only to those authorized. Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships and interact with all levels of management and employees across multiple departments. Effective listening skills and the ability to build rapport with faculty, senior management, colleagues, peers, coworkers, and applicants. Ability to anticipate the office workload and plan own assignments to ensure optimum productivity and accuracy. Ability to work effectively as a member of a highly collaborative team. COMPENSATION: The expected hiring range for this position is $35.00/hourly, commensurate with experience. The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff. EEO Statement: The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status. Underrepresented individuals are encouraged to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.