INTERNATIONAL STUDENT & SCHOLAR ADVISOR

Are you passionate about fostering cross-cultural connections and empowering students and scholars from around the world? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment where no two days are the same? If so, we want YOU to join our team as an International Student & Scholar Advisor!

The International Student & Scholar Advisor supports biomedical researchers from all over the world and provides resources and activities to a small group of international doctoral students. This position will also provide expertise and counsel on a broad spectrum of complex and sensitive immigration, visa and employment issues to Institute faculty, international scholars, and department administrators. The International Student & Scholar Advisor will serve as an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and a Designated School Official (DSO) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security F-1 Student Program.

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 & Scholar Advisor

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Primary Responsibilities: Support International Scholars & Campus Constituents

• Provides advice and counsel to laboratories and administrative departments to appoint and sponsor international scholars and students. Collaborates and consults with Institute faculty, international scholars and students, and departments to develop options and plan strategically for current and future goals.
• Provide expert advice and file petitions in the J-1/2, H-1B (Including Wage Surveys, Prevailing Wage Laws, and Labor Condition Applications) and TN-1 categories.
• Oversee daily operation of the J Exchange Visitor Program and ensure that the program operates with integrity, adopts best practices, and offers the highest level of service to the campus.
• Daily use, maintenance and monitoring of SEVIS for both J-1 scholars and F-1 students.
• Operates in a paperless environment utilizing the multi-faceted dimensions of an advanced immigration software system, Sunapsis (referred to as VIVA).
• Advise international scholars and their dependent family members on a variety of topics, including visa application, employment authorization, Social Security Number, driver's licensing, etc.
• Keep up to date on complex government regulations, policies, and procedures, and new developments in laws and/or regulations. Make recommendations to the Sr. International Services Manager.
• Collaborate with the ISO team on creating and conducting training and informational workshops.
• Maintain knowledge and expertise on J-1 and H-1B regulations as they pertain to international scholars and employees, through research, networking with peers and attending conferences.
• Complete I-9 documents for new hires.

Secondary Responsibilities: Support International Students

• Issue immigration documents and support letters for newly admitted and continuing international students, provides immigration advice, and process OPT and Academic training requests.
• Create and maintain resources for international students, including updating and maintaining webpage content, handouts, pre-arrival pamphlets, etc.
• Processes e-forms using a Sunapsis database.
• Collaborate on events and activities that support international students.
• Advise on a variety of topics, including visa application, employment authorization, Social Security Number, driver's licensing, etc.
• Maintain knowledge and expertise on F-1 and J-1 regulations as they pertain to international students, through research, networking with peers and attending conferences.
• Complete I-9 documents for new students.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in fields related to international education; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years related experience in international scholar and student advising, including at least 3 years of international advising that included scientific researchers and doctoral students.
• Per Federal regulations governing F-1 and J-1 visa program sponsors, candidate must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
• Expert knowledge of F-1, J-1 and H-1B statuses (Including Wage Surveys, Prevailing Wage Laws, and Labor Condition Applications).
• Significant experience interpreting and applying complex student and scholar immigration regulations.
• Ability to verbally communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively across a spectrum of personalities, cultures, and situations.
• Proven effective written communication skills. Ability to write clear and concise reports, memoranda, and letters.
• Ability to counsel on both immigration issues and a variety of personal issues related to living in a foreign country and working or studying in the US.
• Requires expertise in the use of the federal SEVIS database.
• Experience working with Sunapsis or similar immigration database systems preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to establish and revise priorities to meet shifting and multiple deadlines.
• Skills in program planning, problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in the collection and dissemination of information; ensure that sensitive, proprietary, and confidential information is only given to those authorized.
• Strong interpersonal, listening, and customer service skills. Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all levels of management and employees across multiple departments.
• Experience studying, living, or working in a foreign country is a plus.
• This is an on-campus position requiring 4 days per week working onsite from our La Jolla campus, with flexibility to work 1 day per week remotely from home.
• 
  

  For full consideration, please provide both a resume and a cover letter.

  
  

COMPENSATION:

The expected hiring range for this position is $75,000 to $95,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.

COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Employer Contributed Retirement Plan - Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
• Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
• Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
• Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
• Free, on-site parking

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.