Visiting Research Scholar Program Onboarding Guidelines

A visiting research scholar for The Saban Research Institute is a non-employee, 16+ years of age, researcher training in the laboratory of a USC faculty member based at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. This onboarding process does not apply to individuals being paid through CHLA funds, nor does it apply to individuals working with patients or patient information.

Before Applying

To help us determine the appropriate department for onboarding scholars, please complete the brief questionnaire below. Based on your responses, you will be directed to one of three groups: TECPAD, Office of Academic Affairs, or Human Resources/Division support.

Visiting Scholar Onboarding Questionnaire

TECPAD Application

If the results of the visiting scholar onboarding questionnaire directed you to TECPAD, please gather the required documentation listed below and submit the Visiting Research Scholar/Scientist Application at least 4-5 weeks prior to start date. After submission of all required documentation, the TECPAD team will review and reach out via email.

Visiting Research Scholar/Scientist Application

Required Documentation

  1. ID Request Form — Form is in the Visiting Research Scholar/Scientist Application. Applicant must download the file, complete the form, and upload a signed copy.
    • For international visiting research scholars (citizens of countries other than the U.S.), please upload a scanned copy of the front and back of your national ID card and a scanned copy of your passport that includes your photo and passport number to the Visiting Research Scholar/Scientist Application.
  2. Mentor Approval Form — Visiting research scholar to send principal investigator the link from the Visiting Research Scholar/Scientist Application.
  3. Immunization Requirements:
    • Refer to the immunization documentation requirements.
      • On the day the visiting research scholar receives a badge, they must first stop into the office of Employee Health Services (EHS) for authorization of immunization records (view campus map). Visiting research scholars who are not approved by EHS are not eligible to receive a badge.
      • For questions regarding immunization requirements, contact EHS at 323-361-2533. Immunization requirements vary depending on status and job title, so be sure to indicate you are applying for a visiting research scholar position if calling EHS.
      • To receive a tuberculosis (TB) test, please view a list of EHS-suggested local clinics.
  4. Intellectual Property Agreement — Form is in the Visiting Research Scholar/Scientist Application. Applicant must download, review, sign and upload the form to the Visiting Research Scholar/Scientist Application.

Other Forms

  • Parents of minors are required to complete a supplemental Parental Consent Form and email it to tecpad@chla.usc.edu. Consent form must come from a parent’s email.
  • If a visiting research scholar needs CHLA network access or a CHLA email address, please ask your mentor to reach out to us to initiate the process. Once mentor approval for this is confirmed, our team will submit the required Request for User Access Form (RFUA) to the CHLA Service Desk for processing.

Steps After Application Submission

  1. The Office of Training, Education, Career Planning and Development (TECPAD) will request a CHLA ID number for the visiting research scholar. It can take several days to generate.
  2. Once the above requirements are met, TECPAD will give the visiting research scholar clearance forms.
  3. The visiting research scholar should take these clearance forms to Employee Health Services for review and authorization of immunization records (view campus map).
  4. The visiting research scholar should take the clearance forms to the Badge Office, which will issue the badge (view campus map).

Questions?

Contact the Office of Training, Education, Career Planning and Development (TECPAD) at tecpad@chla.usc.edu.