Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about a time you faced a challenging experiment and how you overcame it.
2. Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a diverse team to achieve a common goal.
3. Share an example of a time when you had to adapt to changing research priorities.
4. Can you recall a moment when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and effectively manage your time?
5. Elaborate on a situation where you had to critically evaluate data and draw meaningful conclusions.
6. Can you provide an instance where you had to communicate complex scientific information to both technical and non-technical audiences?
7. Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem and implement a solution.

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured method for answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Using this framework, you can provide clear and concise answers that highlight your skills, abilities, and experiences.

* Situation: Briefly describe the context or scenario in which the event occurred.
* Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you were faced with.
* Action: Detail the steps you took to address the task or challenge.
* Result: Describe the positive outcome or impact of your actions.

By following the STAR framework, you can ensure that your answers are well-organized, relevant, and easily understood by the interviewer.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Question: Tell me about a time you faced a challenging experiment and how you overcame it.

Answer:

* Situation: During my research on protein interactions, I encountered an experiment that consistently produced inconclusive results.
* Task: I needed to troubleshoot the experiment, identify the source of error, and develop a modified protocol that would yield reliable data.
* Action: I meticulously reviewed the experimental procedure, consulted with lab members, and conducted a series of control experiments to isolate the problem. Through this process, I discovered that a reagent was not being stored properly, leading to its degradation. I adjusted the storage conditions and optimized the experimental protocol accordingly.
* Result: The modified protocol resulted in consistent and reproducible data, enabling me to successfully complete my research project and present my findings at a scientific conference.

This answer demonstrates the candidate’s problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to changing experimental conditions.

2. Question: Describe a situation where you had to collaborate with a diverse team to achieve a common goal.

Answer:

* Situation: As part of a multidisciplinary research team, I worked on developing a novel drug delivery system. The team consisted of scientists from various backgrounds, including chemistry, biology, and engineering.
* Task: My role was to optimize the formulation of the drug delivery system to ensure its stability and efficacy.
* Action: I actively communicated with team members to understand their expertise and perspectives. Through regular meetings and discussions, we brainstormed ideas, conducted experiments, and shared data. This collaborative approach allowed us to identify the most promising formulation and successfully complete the project within the specified timeline.
* Result: The optimized drug delivery system demonstrated improved stability and efficacy in preclinical studies, paving the way for further development and clinical trials.

This answer highlights the candidate’s teamwork skills, adaptability, and ability to contribute effectively to a diverse team.

3. Question: Share an example of a time when you had to adapt to changing research priorities.

Answer:

* Situation: During my PhD program, the research focus of my lab shifted due to a breakthrough in a related field. The new direction required a different set of skills and techniques.
* Task: I needed to quickly acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the new research project.
* Action: I took online courses, attended workshops, and sought guidance from experts in the field. I also engaged in self-directed learning by reading scientific papers and watching online tutorials.
* Result: Within a few months, I was able to successfully transition to the new research project and make significant contributions to the team’s efforts. My research findings were presented at a national conference and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

This answer showcases the candidate’s flexibility, learning agility, and commitment to continuous improvement.

4. Question: Can you recall a moment when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and effectively manage your time?

Answer:

* Situation: While working on a project with a tight deadline, I had to juggle multiple tasks, including conducting experiments, analyzing data, and writing a research paper.
* Task: I needed to prioritize these tasks and allocate my time wisely to ensure that all deliverables were completed on time and to a high standard.
* Action: I created a detailed schedule, broke down each task into smaller, manageable steps, and estimated the time required for each step. I also used time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique, to stay focused and avoid distractions.
* Result: By effectively prioritizing tasks and managing my time, I was able to complete all deliverables on time and to the satisfaction of my supervisor. The research paper was accepted for publication in a reputable journal, and the project findings were presented at a scientific conference.

This answer demonstrates the candidate’s organizational skills, time management skills, and ability to work under pressure.

5. Question: Elaborate on a situation where you had to critically evaluate data and draw meaningful conclusions.

Answer:

* Situation: During my research on gene expression, I obtained a large dataset from a series of experiments.
* Task: I needed to analyze the data, identify patterns and trends, and draw meaningful conclusions that could advance our understanding of gene regulation.
* Action: I utilized statistical software to perform data analysis, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. I also consulted with bioinformatics experts to gain insights into the biological significance of the data.
* Result: My analysis revealed novel patterns of gene expression that were associated with specific cellular pathways. These findings were presented at a research symposium and contributed to the development of new hypotheses for further investigation.

This answer highlights the candidate’s analytical skills, data interpretation skills, and ability to think critically.

6. Question: Can you provide an instance where you had to communicate complex scientific information to both technical and non-technical audiences?

Answer:

* Situation: As part of my outreach efforts, I gave a presentation on the applications of biotechnology to a group of high school students.
* Task: I needed to convey complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging manner, capturing the attention of a non-technical audience.
* Action: I used simple language, analogies, and visual aids to explain the fundamental principles of biotechnology. I also encouraged interactive participation by asking questions and inviting students to share their thoughts.
* Result: The presentation was well-received by the students. They expressed a deeper understanding of biotechnology and showed enthusiasm for pursuing careers in science.

This answer demonstrates the candidate’s communication skills, ability to simplify complex concepts, and passion for science outreach.

7. Question: Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a problem and implement a solution.

Answer:

* Situation: While conducting a protein purification experiment, I encountered a problem with the chromatography column. The protein of interest was not eluting as expected.
* Task: I needed to troubleshoot the problem and find a solution to ensure successful protein purification.
* Action: I consulted with lab members, reviewed the experimental protocol, and conducted a series of tests to identify the source of the problem. I discovered that the pH of the elution buffer was not optimal for the protein of interest.
* Result: I adjusted the pH of the elution buffer and re-ran the chromatography column. The protein of interest was successfully eluted, and I was able to proceed with the downstream analysis.

This answer showcases the candidate’s problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.