DESCRIPTION

Under the general supervision of the Program Director, the incumbent is responsible for providing programmatic and academic advising to prospective and continuing students in the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology PhD Program. Responsibilities include but are not limited to student curriculum advising, coordinating admission to the graduate degree program including student outreach, student matriculation and graduation. Program liaison at both on and off-campus meetings. Work closely with the Program Director, Steering Committee and faculty committees on student affairs matters and programmatic issues. Responsible for processing all financial graduate student support and assist with financial analysis. Prepare written and electronic material about graduate program for university-wide and global distribution; maintain graduate student database; assist with designing, authoring and updating graduate student web page.

Applies professional Student Services concepts. Provides varied student services to students, faculty, and department / school / college management. Works on moderately complex issues. Receives assistance on more complex issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• Demonstrated knowledge of university registration policies and procedures concerning new and continuing students.

• Theoretical and practical knowledge in curriculum administration to advise students on university/departmental program offerings, policy and procedures and curricular requirements.

• Working knowledge of information technology systems and demonstrated ability to use computer software systems for word processing, database manipulation, electronic mail and spreadsheet software.

• Ability to interpret academic material and adapt it for presentation in brochures, flyers and the general catalog.

• Ability to interact with and clarify procedures for faculty by means of research and management of new policies as needed.

• Demonstrated record management experience. Proven skill in developing and maintaining accurate organized records, files and filing system.

• Excellent time management and strong demonstrated organizational and multi-tasking skills. Demonstrated ability to balance multiple, often conflicting, priorities with deadlines, constraints, and numerous interruptions, process a high volume of work while under pressure, and maintain a high level of accuracy. Demonstrated ability to successfully follow multiple tasks through to completion.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently or collaboratively in a highly computerized, high-volume team-orientated environment, exercising good judgment, creativity and initiative in performance of job responsibilities.

• Ability to utilize independent decision-making skills. Demonstrated effective problem-solving skills; organizational skills, ability to identify research and analyze complex situations, recommend solutions and determine action steps to be taken to affect resolutions. Ability to work with minimal direction and negotiate conflicts.

• Knowledge of basic math and accounting principles. Ability to analyze and forecast current and future graduate student funding needs. Ability to administer budgets for block grant funds, scholarships, etc.

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal. Advanced writing skills to independently compose letters and memos using correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, composition, text editing and proofreading. Ability to express verbally one's position, plan of action, evaluation or interpretation in professional, concise and courteous manner. Ability to invite information, constructive criticism, and cooperation from others.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to communicate and interact professionally using tact, diplomacy, flexibility, and patience with a diverse population at all levels (provosts, deans, faculty, staff, students and the public).

• Ability to work in a team framework in conjunction with principles of community, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships, and participate in discussions regarding procedures and goals of department. Ability to maintain confidentiality as required.

• Demonstrated experience in Student Affairs operation and thorough knowledge of UCSD graduate admissions policies.

• Knowledge of the Interdisciplinary Bioinformatics Graduate Program degree, policies and procedures, and curricular requirements and ability to implement the program goals and objectives for the graduate.

• Knowledge of policies and procedures relating to contracts and grants, and accounting. Ability to analyze and interpret which policies and procedures apply to a given situation.

• Knowledge of federal and non-federal agency requirements and regulations for sponsored research from proposal preparation through close out, including but not limited to Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), A-21, A-110, A-133, Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP), etc.

• Ability to analyze and prepare budgets, to identify spending patterns and project future expenditures based on computer data.

• Knowledge of Payroll/Personnel system update/inquiry functions and working knowledge of EmployeeLink, FinancialLink, or other similar financial systems.

• Demonstrated experience working with various database systems such as StudentLink, ISIS, and retrieval of student data, or similar systems/programs.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be willing to work occasional over time and on weekends for special event and/or projects.

• Must be willing to work in an animal research related environment.

• Background check required.