IRB Office Internship

The Augusta University Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office Internship provides Master of Public Health students with practical, hands-on experience in human subjects protections, research ethics, and IRB operations. This 2-credit hour internship requires a minimum of 75 field hours over one semester.

Availability

A maximum of one intern per semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer)

Eligibility

Augusta University Master of Public Health students

Contact Us

Institutional Review Board

Bianca Marsh

706-721-3110

bmarsh@augusta.edu

Program Overview

Interns gain foundational knowledge of human subjects protections while applying classroom learning in a real-world IRB setting. The experience focuses on:

  • Understanding regulations governing ethical review of human subjects research
  • Learning IRB operational workflows and review processes
  • Developing skills to contribute to a Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)
  • Strengthening professional, communication, and critical thinking skills

The internship is designed to help students understand how health-related agencies and research-based organizations operate within the research community.

Program Details

Learning Objectives

By the end of the internship, students will be able to:

  • Describe the organizational structure, processes, and challenges of a Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) and how it supports safe, compliant research.
  • Explain key regulations and ethical principles that guide IRB review.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of IRB policies and procedures and how they are applied in practice.
  • Analyze research protocols for compliance with ethical standards as well as IRB, institutional, state, and federal requirements.
  • Recognize and address operational challenges within the IRB/HRPP and institutional processes by proposing practical solutions and best practices.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

  • Strong interest in human research protections and/or community-engaged research
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint)
  • Excellent oral and written communication
  • Demonstrated time management and critical thinking skills

Work Format & Time Committment

  • Work type: In-person
  • Location: IRB Office (on campus)
  • Onsite hours: Approximately 3–6 hours per week during normal business hours (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
  • Total hours: Minimum of 75 hours over one full semester
    • 16 weeks (Fall/Spring) or 12 weeks (Summer)

Confidentiality & Professional Expectations

Interns will have exposure to sensitive research information and discussions. To protect privacy and comply with institutional policies:

  • All interns must sign a Confidentiality Agreement before attending IRB meetings or participating in administrative, operational, reliance, or training activities.
  • Professional conduct and adherence to all IRB and AU policies are required throughout the internship.