About the Program
Research administrators come from a variety of backgrounds and have a wide variety of degrees and transferrable skills in areas such as business, finance, administration, law, education, health care and sciences, communications/writing/English, and social sciences. They also work in a variety of settings including healthcare organizations, universities, government, research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, and research service companies.
Program Overview
Didactic Training (online)
Supports all learning objectives of internship. Can be started before your internship begins and must be completed by the completion of the internship.
Foundations of Research Administration
Explore the Research Pathway: Interns build a foundational understanding of how research is conducted, supported, and managed within an academic healthcare system. Through exposure to research operations, funding, data systems, compliance and innovation, participants discover the diverse career pathways that support scientific discovery and patient impact.
Participants will:
- Understand how research moves from idea to impact
- Explore hidden careers that support research and innovation
- Learn how funding, operations, technology and data enable research
- Discover the importance of collaboration and Team Science
- Gain insight into the structure and mission of the Houston Methodist research enterprise
Regulatory Oversight Rotation
Protecting Research Participants and Ensuring Safety: Interns learn how regulatory professionals help ensure research is conducted safely, ethically and in compliance with federal, state and institutional requirements.
Participants will:
- Explore the regulations that govern human, animal and biosafety research
- Learn about the committees responsible for research review and oversight
- Observe how regulatory professionals support investigators and research teams
- Understand the processes used to protect research participants and maintain compliance
Research Integrity & Compliance Rotation
Promoting Ethical and Responsible Research: Interns gain insight into the policies, programs and professionals responsible for maintaining the integrity, quality and ethical conduct of research.
Participants will:
- Learn the principles of responsible conduct of research
- Explore how research integrity and compliance programs support investigators
- Understand how misconduct and noncompliance are prevented, identified, and addressed
- Gain exposure to tools and systems used to support ethical and compliant research practices
Regulatory Affairs & Clinical Research Rotation
Navigating the Path From Discovery to Clinical Application: Interns learn how regulatory professionals support the development of new drugs, devices, and therapies by helping research teams navigate complex regulatory requirements.
Participants will:
- Explore the regulatory pathways for investigational drugs, devices and biologics
- Learn how studies move through regulatory review and approval processes
- Understand the role of Regulatory Affairs in clinical research
- Observe how regulatory professionals support study startup and ongoing compliance
Team Science & Professional Development
Learning to Work in High-Performing Teams: Throughout the program, interns explore how collaboration drives scientific discovery and innovation. Using Team Science principles and leadership discussions, participants develop professional skills that are valuable across all career paths.
Participants will:
- Explore effective communication and teamwork strategies
- Learn how multidisciplinary teams work together to solve complex problems
- Develop professional and leadership skills
- Connect classroom concepts to real-world research environments