DESCRIPTION

Physics is a prominent, highly ranked, and research-intensive department at UC San Diego, with 400+ employees, annual expenditures of roughly $30M, annual course enrollment in the 13-15K range, and over 140K square feet of space in 8 campus buildings. Research and instructional activity occur over an unusually broad range of disciplinary areas, including: astrophysics & astronomy, atomic/molecular physics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, controlled fusion & plasma physics, elementary particle physics, nanoscience, and nonlinear dynamics. Physics houses CAN (the Center for Advanced Nancoscience), a center that focuses on advanced materials and nanophysics, and has close ties to CASS (the Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences), an organized research unit that supports both space- and ground-based research in astrophysics and space sciences.

Research activity occurs both on-campus and in multiple off-campus locations, including: U.S. National Laboratories such as Argonne, Lawrence Livermore, and LANL (Los Alamos National Lab); observatories throughout the world; Antarctica; and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland. Research collaborations frequently involve other U.S. and international universities, National Labs, research institutes such as The Scripps Research Institute and the Salk Institute; and/or companies such as SAIC and General Atomics. Sponsored research activities are funded by 40-50 different funding agencies, including NSF, NIH, DOE, DOD, and AFOSR, and include complex multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, and multi-PI awards. Sponsored project expenditures run about $20M/year.

Instruction occurs at multiple levels. The doctoral program has a flexible and broad-based curriculum which leads to a Ph.D. in Physics or Physics/Biophysics, with optional specializations in Computational Science or Quantitative Biology. With nearly 600 Physics majors, the undergraduate major program is one of the most productive in the nation. Students may obtain B.S. degrees with optional specializations in Astrophysics, Biophysics, Computational Physics, Earth Sciences, or Materials Physics, or B.A. degrees with an optional specialization in Secondary Education. A special 5-year integrated program leading to a B.S./M.S. in Materials Physics is also available. Lower division courses allow students to satisfy their general education requirements and serve as foundational courses for students majoring in the sciences and engineering.

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.

Under the direction of the Curriculum and Undergraduate Affairs Manager (CUAM), Student Affairs Manager, and Vice Chair for Education, the incumbent is responsible for undergraduate advising of physics majors, minors, and all undergraduates who take physics classes. The incumbent is expected to help represent the physics department at undergraduate functions. This position serves an integral role in building the quarterly course schedule and coordinating the undergraduate physics program.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated knowledge of student counseling techniques. Ability to suggest student actions or implement student activities using student developmental theories requiring a foundation of formal education and/or experience.

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

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

• Knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.

• Knowledge of University-specific computer application programs and pertinent databases.

• Knowledge of University processes and procedures.

• Understanding of University rules and regulations.

• Interpersonal skills.

• Multicultural competencies; ability to work with diverse populations.

• Skills in service orientation, organization, active listening, and critical thinking.

• Ability in problem identification and reasoning.

• Ability to multi-task; verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated understanding of databases. Working knowledge of DARS, Student Link, and ISIS is preferred.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Ability to balance multiple, often conflicting, priorities with deadline constraints and numerous interruptions.

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

• Demonstrated computer skills such as word processing, database management, electronic mail, spreadsheets, internet/intranet, and desktop publishing applications.

• Good interpersonal skills, exhibiting tact, diplomacy, flexibility and courtesy in a professional manner. Proven ability to interact with a wide variety of personnel, students, and faculty at all levels.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, providing information and instructions in a clear and concise manner.

• Ability to anticipate problems, identify and analyze available options and implement corrective actions.

• Ability to utilize independent decision-making skills. Demonstrated effective problem-solving skills; ability to identify research and analyze complex situations, recommend solutions and determine action steps to be taken to effect resolutions.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Background check required.

• The incumbent of the position is a designated CANRA mandated reporter.