Visiting Research Professional Program

Non-Clinical Research Intern

A non-clinical research Intern is typically an unpaid student operating under the direct supervision of a CHOC associate or privileged medical staff member for a fixed period. Interns should be enrolled in a degree-granting program and are expected to be receiving course credit for work performed. It is expected that non-clinical research interns will provide service to CHOC for at least one year with an average of four hours per week.  Hourly requirements may vary by research team and, for those receiving course credit, specific course requirements. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Graduate Students. Graduate student interns are students in degree-seeking graduate programs (MA, MS, MBA, MPH, MSN PhD, PharmD, DPT, DrPH, DNP, MD, etc.) who are receiving course credit for work performed under the direction of a CHOC associate or privileged medical staff member for a fixed period. Examples of research performed by graduate students include:

• Master’s student completing a practicum, capstone, or dissertation project
• Case review study on patients with a specific disease process
• Medical Student Research Program (MSRP-UCI Medical students only)

Undergraduate Students. Undergraduate student interns are students in degree-seeking programs (AA, BS, BA) who are receiving course credit for work performed under the direction of a CHOC associate or privileged medical staff member for a fixed period. Examples of research performed by non-clinical research interns can include but are not limited to:

• Emergency Department: The ED works with undergraduate UCI interns enrolled in the Bio 199 program (CHOC EMED Research). Students screen and enroll patients into research studies for 10-12 hours/week, depending on course credits.
• Oncology: There is a spectrum of research studies conducted within the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC, including projects designed to examine the basic mechanism of action of an intervention, device feasibility, diagnostics, health services research, supportive care and treatment. Through the Visiting Research Professional Program, students often facilitate study conduct through data abstraction, research chart management, coordination and processing of biological specimens and preparation of materials (including graphics) for publication.
• Biostatistics: Students with an interest in biostatistics have a chance to train with and be mentored by experienced biostatisticians engaged in the latest pediatric research. Students will gain practical hands-on experience with hypothesis development and research design, Frequentist and Bayesian data analysis, consulting, communication and collaboration with research investigators, as well as drafting IRB protocol and manuscripts.
• Basic/Lab Bench Research: Students with an interest in the basic sciences have a chance to get involved in the latest pediatric research. Students will gain practical, hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, participate in molecular and biochemical analyses, and improve scientific writing and literature review skills.

Visiting Scientist

A visiting scientist is an independent investigator who is mentored by a CHOC associate or privileged medical staff member while pursuing independent research for a fixed period. A visiting scientist, provided they also meet other requirements as defined by CHOC policy, may serve as Principal Investigator for research studies conducted at CHOC.

Affiliated Staff

Affiliated staff members include people employed by a partner institution who may need to carry out specific research tasks at CHOC. Examples include:

• Lab team member at UCI who is engaged in a specific project/process to serve as a liaison between institutions.
• Postdoctoral fellows through a university who are working under the direction of a Principal Investigator at one or both institutions and need access to CHOC facilities and/or patients.
• UCI team member (research assistant, clinical research coordinator) participating in a research study with CHOC as an enrolling site, who requires access to CHOC facilities and/or patients for recruitment.

For other training and volunteer opportunities at CHOC, please visit:

• Medical Intelligence and Innovation Institute (Mi4) Summer Internship Program
• Hospital Volunteer Program
• Observer Program for those interested in pre-medical track (clinical observation/shadowing)