For Students

Embarking on a clinical research internship is a pivotal step in your professional journey. CRISP offers a structured platform where you can gain hands-on experience, collaborate with leading researchers, and expand your knowledge in clinical research methodologies. Below, you'll find comprehensive information on how to start a clinical research internship, the process involved, the benefits of participating in a CRISP internship, previous opportunities, what you can expect to do during your internship, the duration of internships, professional development workshops offered, reasons to choose CRISP for your internship, and considerations between paid and unpaid internships.

Email crisp@duke.edu with a copy of your resume and a response to the below questions.

  • Do you have any particular clinical area(s) of interest (examples: Cardiology, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Primary Care) and/or other research-related area(s) of interest (examples: mobile health technology, health equity)?

  • What is your preferred timeframe for completing the internship (e.g., spring, summer, fall)?

  • What is your expected time commitment (hours per week), and are there specific days/times you are available?

  • How would this internship fit into your long-term career goals (what do you hope to gain from the experience)?

  • Do you have any other commitments (e.g., work, extracurricular activities) that might affect your availability during the internship?

  • Would this go towards course credit?

  • Are you aware that this would be unpaid?

Once you email CRISP, we will see if there are opportunities available. If there are, we will connect you with the department to see if it’s a good match. If so, you will proceed with the onboarding process.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a mentored team environment that supports learning in clinical research. You can gain experience in administrative tasks, documentation, observation, and data tasks. Additionally, CRISP interns benefit from participating in professional development opportunities such as workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs. These experiences can be added to your resume, showcasing your hands-on learning and making you a more competitive candidate for future roles. The internship provides valuable real-world experience, enhancing your understanding of clinical research and preparing you for a successful career in this field.

We have had students intern with the following departments:

  • Anesthesiology

  • Center for Childhood Obesity Research

  • CTSI

  • City of Durham (via CTSI)

  • Family Medicine and Community Health

  • Head & Neck Surgical and Communication Sciences

  • Hematologic Malignancies & Cell Therapy

  • Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant, Heart Center

  • Human Vaccine Institute

  • Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Nutrition

  • OB/GYN

  • Pickett Road

  • Psychiatry

  • Pediatrics

  • Radiology

  • Surgery Office of Clinical Research

Below are several tasks you may perform during your internship. This list is not exhaustive, and the specific tasks you undertake will depend on your placement.

  • Administrative Tasks and Documentation

    • Assisting with Relevant Administrative Tasks to Learn about Study Documentation: Interns can help with filing and organizing study-related documents. They should be guided on what the documents are for and how this activity fits into the overall operational plan for the study. ​

    • Study Materials Preparation: Interns can help create and assemble study materials like recruitment flyers, social media posts, and educational materials about the study, and can learn about the approval processes required for each document or form of communication.  ​

    • Study Documentation: An intern could assist in drafting or editing study-related documents, including informed consent forms, study protocols, and standard operating procedures.  ​

    • IRB Submissions: Interns can assist in preparing documents for Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and approval by doing things like comparing the documentation to an IRB checklist to see if anything is missing. ​

    • Study Meeting Coordination: Interns can help organize and coordinate study meetings, prepare meeting agendas, and take meeting minutes. 

  • Learning and Observation/Shadowing​

    • Observational Learning: Observe and shadow experienced researchers and study team members during various stages of the research process. 

    • Training Opportunities: Take part in Duke training sessions and workshops for staff.

    • Exploration Outside of Study Team: Interns could be given the opportunity to tour other areas at Duke to gain an understanding of the research process outside of your unit (e.g., Investigational Drug Services Pharmacy, IRB Meeting, Duke Early Phase Clinical Research Unit, Research at Pickett Road, clinical labs, etc.)

    • Practicing Vital Signs: Interns cannot perform medical procedures on participants and record those data for a study, as this needs to be done by a trained study team member. However, the intern could practice coordinator activities (like taking vital signs) on members of the study team as long as those data are not saved for study purposes. 

    • Literature Reviews and Summaries: Conduct literature reviews to support research development and compile summaries of relevant articles.

  • Participant Engagement and Study Conduct

    • Participant Recruitment: Interns can engage in recruiting study participants by assisting in outreach efforts, helping draft participant engagement materials, and observing screening interviews and conversations around the study's purpose and benefits. ​

    • Informed Consent: Interns can help draft informed consent documents and observe the informed consent process. Non-Duke interns are not allowed to conduct or document the consent process. However, Duke undergraduate interns can help with conducting consent for some minimal-risk studies following the Duke Health IRB Policy on Undergraduates Conducting the Consent Process.   ​

    • Participant Retention and Follow-Up: Interns can be involved in retention and follow-up activities, such as helping create newsletters for participants, sending birthday cards, drafting reminders, and tracking participant progress. ​

    • Community Outreach: Interns can be involved in community outreach initiatives and recruitment events to raise awareness about the study and its potential impact and/or educate the community about clinical research.

  • Data Tasks:

    • Data Collection: Interns could be offered the opportunity to observe data collection activities and the ALCOA+ steps involved in ensuring accuracy

    • Data Entry and Management: When allowable according to the requirements described in the Data Security lesson, interns can assist in data entry, data cleaning, and ensuring data accuracy and completeness within the study database.

    • Data Analysis Support: Under direct supervision of appropriately knowledgeable faculty or staff, interns can assist in data analysis tasks, including basic statistical analyses and data visualization.

    • Qualitative Data Capture: Under supervision of appropriately knowledgeable faculty or staff, interns can assist with setting up spaces for focus groups or town halls, serve as a recorder, and take notes.

The duration of the internship can be tailored to fit your schedule and preferences, in consultation with your supervisor. Internships may range from a full semester to a summer term, depending on your needs and availability.

As a CRISP intern, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of professional development workshops at Duke:

  • Weekly Virtual Professional Development Workshops: You can participate in workshops covering a variety of essential skills, from creating resumes and cover letters to presenting yourself with professional poise. Once onboarded, you will be invited to these workshops.

  • Research Wednesdays: This series features important topics presented by subject matter experts from various fields, offering interns insights into the latest developments and challenges in research. Learn more here.

  • CTSI Professional Development Opportunities: The Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) offers numerous professional development programs, including seminars, training sessions, and certification programs that are highly beneficial for those looking to advance their careers in clinical research.

  • Research Professionals Network (RPN): RPN provides a platform for Duke Health staff and faculty to enhance their contributions to the research community. Through educational sessions and networking opportunities, interns can connect with experienced professionals, gain valuable insights, and expand their professional network. Learn more here.

  • Mentorship Opportunities: You might be paired with experienced mentors who provide guidance, support, and advice on career development. This mentorship can help you navigate your career path, set professional goals, and build essential skills for your future career.

  • Access to Online Learning Resources: You have access to a variety of online learning platforms and resources, including webinars, online courses, and research databases, to further their education and stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in their field.

Although you might not be eligible for CRISP, Duke has additional experiences that might align with your interests. Review the below information to see if you could be eligible. If you have any questions, please reach out to Taryn Cavanaugh Faulk at taryn.cavanaugh@duke.edu.

  • Center for Pathways Program: For students and professionals, the Center serves as a starting point from which anyone interested in STEM or medicine can find programs that fit their interests and life stage. Visit their website for more information.

  • Duke’s STAR Program: The Summer Training in Academic Research (STAR) Program provides a high-quality research experience for undergraduate students, high school students, and middle and high school teachers during the summer academic break. Visit their website for more information.

  • Work-study: If you have applied for financial aid and have been offered work-study, you have an opportunity to gain great work experience and network with professionals in the Duke community. Visit the Duke Office Undergraduate Financial Support for more information.

  • Volunteering: Duke University Hospital is pleased to offer a volunteer program for college students. Although the program is designed to meet core competencies for students considering a career in health professions, volunteering is open to all majors. Visit the website of the DUH College Student Program for more information.

Contact CRISP at crisp@duke.edu.