INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SCHOLAR ADVISOR - I (Temporary)

  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 degre