Academic Advisor/Senior Academic Advisor - School of Molecular & Cellular Biology
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The School of Molecular & Cellular Biology within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign invites applications for an Academic Advisor and/or a Senior Academic Advisor. In the School of MCB, we seek answers to fundamental questions about how organisms work and the many implications for life. Through a rich culture of collaboration, we drive new discoveries in human health and empower students with the critical and analytical skills needed for successful careers. We educate students at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, and our alumni can be found throughout the world as leading healthcare providers, researchers in industry and academia, educators, and more. Meet the MCB community at mcb.illinois.edu.
Job Summary - Academic Advisor
Academic and career advising for students in the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB), with responsibilities to include academic and career advising for undergraduates in MCB, MCB+ Data Science, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, and Biology. The School of MCB seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration, inclusive practices and empowering others to succeed, through their academic advising work.
Job Summary - Senior Academic Advisor
The Senior Academic Advisor serves as a leader within the School of MCB's advising team, providing advanced academic and career advising for undergraduates in MCB, MCB +Data Science, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and Biology. The School of MCB seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration, inclusive practices, and empowering others to succeed, through their academic advising work.
Duties &
Responsibilities- Academic Advisor
Academic Advising
- Educate students regarding requirements of the majors,
minors, and certificates in the School of MCB through individual conferences
and group meetings. Assist and consult with students about course expectations
and academic performance
Career Advising
- Provide career development coaching and guidance to
undergraduates in our majors. Support students as they investigate and
determine their vocational goals. Assist and consult with students for
developing skills needed to be the best possible candidate for employment,
graduate school and professional school
Student Engagement
- Assist with recruiting, orienting and welcoming new
students to the School of MCB. Plan, host and advertise special programs and
workshops to aid in the education and success of continuing students. Assist
with convocation for School of MCB graduates.
Administrative
- Maintain accurate and timely records of all interaction with
students. Attend School and College meetings as required. Foster positive collegial
relationships among students, staff, and faculty.
Duties &
Responsibilities - Senior Academic Advisor
Academic Advising
- Provide leadership in
academic advising initiatives, including training and mentoring junior
advisors. Serve as a resource for complex advising cases and policy
interpretation. Educate students regarding requirements of the majors, minor
and certificates in the School of MCB through Individual conferences and group
meetings. Assist and consult with students about course expectations and
academic performance.
Career Advising
- Develop and lead
career-focused programming and workshops tailored to MCB disciplines. Establish
and maintain partnerships with campus career services and external
organizations to expand student opportunities. - Provide career development
coaching and guidance to undergraduates in our majors. Support students as they
investigate and determine their vocational goals. Assist and consult with
students for developing skills needed to be the best possible candidate for
employment, graduate school and professional school. - Maintain accurate and
timely records of all interactions with students. - Attend School and College
meetings as required. Foster positive collegial relationships among students,
staff, and faculty.
Leadership &
Professional Development
- Mentor and support
professional development of advising staff within the School of MCB. Lead
efforts to improve advising practices through data-informed decision-making and
continuous improvement. Stay current with trends and best practices in academic
advising and student development.
Administrative
- Maintain accurate and
timely records of all Interactions with students. Attend School and College
meetings as required. Foster positive collegial relationships among students,
staff, and faculty.
Student Engagement
- Lead student engagement
initiatives that promote retention and belonging. Participate in strategic
planning and policy development for advising services. Assist with recruiting,
orienting and welcoming new students to the School of MCB. Plan, host and advertise
special programs and workshops to aid in the education and success of
continuing students. - Assist with convocation
for School of MCB graduates.
Required Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - Academic Advisor
- Bachelor's Degree In biological science or related field
with substantial knowledge of biology or related field.
- Training or demonstrated experience in advising, teaching,
or counseling in a college or university setting.
Preferred Qualifications - Academic Advisor
- Master's Degree In biological science, higher education, or
related fields. - At least one year of professional experience in advising, student services,
counseling, or teaching in a college or university setting. - Experience working with undergraduates at the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or other large public university. - Experience
mentoring staff or leading advising initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications -Senior Academic Advisor
- Bachelor's Degree In biological science or related field
with substantial knowledge of biology or related field. - Five or more years of professional experience in advising,
teaching, or counseling in a college or university setting. - Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
in a leadership capacity within an advising or student services team.
Preferred Qualifications - Senior Academic Advisor
- Master's Degree In biological science, higher education, or
related fields.
At least three years of professional experience in advising, student services,
counseling, or teaching in a college or university setting. - Experience working with undergraduates at the University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign or other large public university. - Experience mentoring staff or leading advising initiatives.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities -Academic/Senior Academic
Advisor
- Well established communication, organizational and
interpersonal skills - Demonstrated attention to detail and effective
record-keeping. - Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with
colleagues both within and across units. - Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage
multiple tasks and priorities. - Experience with event planning.
Appointment Information
These are a 100% full-time Academic Professional positions, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for the Academic Advisor level is $55,000-$65,000. The budgeted salary range for the Senior Academic Advisor level is $57,000-$67,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship work authorization. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 30, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three professional references. Please remember to include specific information on how you meet the qualifications of the position in your application materials, including all relevant experiences. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact mcb@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1037671
Job Category: Education & Student Services
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
life insurance, paid time off, retirement plan
Oct 15, 2026