Top 12 Most Commonly Asked Interview Questions in the Life Sciences Industry and How to Answer Them
Albert Riehle
Senior Recruiting Manager (National) - Connecting top Life Science talent with exciting and innovative companies. Specializing in Pharma, Biotech, Medical Device, Clinical, Food, and Personal Care Products .
The life sciences industry encompasses a wide range of fields, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and environmental sciences. Whether you are applying for a role as a researcher, lab technician, or clinical trial manager, being prepared for common interview questions can significantly boost your confidence and chances of success. Here are twelve commonly asked interview questions in the life sciences industry, along with tips on how to answer them effectively:
1. Can you tell me about yourself?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of New Mexico. I have worked in a research lab focusing on genetic sequencing and have published two papers on my findings. I also have experience in data analysis and lab management, which I believe make me a strong fit for this role."
It's not a terrible thing to include a personal fact that tells the interviewer something about you, but only if it makes you unique. A love for taking walks with your dog doesn't make you memorable. Teaching a class in advanced underwater basket weaving at the local park might make you memorable though.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"I am excited about this position because it combines my passion for genetic research with the opportunity to work at a company that is at the forefront of innovation in biotechnology. I am particularly drawn to your recent work in CRISPR technology, which aligns with my research interests and career aspirations."
3. What experience do you have in this field?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"I have over three years of experience working in a molecular biology lab where I conducted experiments on gene expression and protein synthesis. I am proficient in techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting. Additionally, I have managed a team of interns, which has honed my leadership and project management skills."
4. Can you describe a challenging project you worked on and how you managed it?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"One of the most challenging projects I worked on involved identifying novel biomarkers for a rare genetic disorder. The initial phase of the project faced several setbacks due to unexpected data inconsistencies. I organized a series of troubleshooting sessions with my team, re-evaluated our methodologies, and implemented more rigorous data validation processes. Ultimately, we identified three potential biomarkers, which are now being further validated in clinical trials."
5. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it.
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"During an experiment early in my career, I mistakenly used the wrong reagent, which led to inaccurate results. Realizing the error, I immediately reported it to my supervisor and the team. We discarded the compromised data and repeated the experiment with the correct reagents. This experience taught me the importance of double-checking every step and improved my attention to detail. Since then, I have implemented a checklist system to ensure accuracy in my work."
6. How do you stay current with developments in the life sciences field?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"I stay current with developments in the life sciences by regularly reading journals like Nature and Science. I also attend industry conferences such as the Annual Biotechnology Congress and participate in webinars hosted by professional organizations like the American Society for Microbiology. Additionally, I am pursuing a certification in bioinformatics to enhance my understanding of the latest computational techniques in biological research."
7. How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple projects?
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How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"Handling tight deadlines and multiple projects is all about prioritization and efficient time management. I use tools like Trello to organize tasks and set clear deadlines. For example, during my internship at a pharmaceutical company, I managed three concurrent projects, including a drug stability study and a formulation optimization project. By breaking down each project into smaller tasks and prioritizing them based on urgency and importance, I was able to meet all deadlines successfully."
8. Can you explain a complex scientific concept to someone without a science background?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"Certainly! Let's take the concept of gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9. Imagine our DNA is a long book with many chapters. Sometimes, there are typos in the book that can cause problems. CRISPR-Cas9 is like a pair of molecular scissors guided by a GPS. It can find the exact location of the typo in the DNA and cut it out. Scientists can then fix the typo or insert a new piece of DNA, just like editing a sentence in a book."
9. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"My strengths include strong analytical skills and attention to detail, which have been crucial in my research work. For example, my meticulous approach to data analysis helped identify an error in a critical experiment, saving the project from potential failure. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with public speaking. To improve, I have been taking communication workshops and volunteering for presentations at team meetings."
Do not ever say something like, "I work too hard," or "I care too much." Your interviewer will immediately dismiss you as being incapable of self-assessment and not interested in self growth.
10. How do you approach problem-solving in the lab?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"When faced with a problem in the lab, I start by thoroughly reviewing all data and protocols to identify any potential sources of error. I then brainstorm possible solutions and test them systematically. For instance, when we encountered contamination in our cell cultures, I reviewed the sterile techniques used, identified a lapse in the protocol, and implemented stricter sterilization procedures. This not only resolved the issue but also improved our overall lab practices."
11. Tell me about a time you had a strong disagreement with a co-worker. How did you approach it? How did you resolve it?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"At my previous job, a co-worker and I disagreed on the interpretation of some experimental data. I believed a different approach was necessary to achieve accurate results. I suggested we discuss our viewpoints in a meeting, where we both presented our data and reasoning. After listening to each other, we realized that combining our methods could yield better results. We implemented a hybrid approach, which improved the accuracy of our findings and enhanced our collaboration moving forward."
They want to see your process for conflict resolution. Do you get confrontational or collaborative? Do you become stubborn? Do you try to work it out one-on-one or do you immediately burden your manager with the problem?
12. Where do you see yourself in five years?
How to Answer:
Example Answer:
"In five years, I see myself taking on a leadership role in a research team, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in molecular biology. I aim to deepen my expertise in gene editing technologies and hope to lead projects that push the boundaries of what's possible in this field. I am confident that this position will provide me with the opportunities and challenges needed to grow and achieve these goals."
Be careful. This can be a bit of a trap question. A manager can simultaneously want someone who is growth-minded, but also someone they won't have to replace in a year. They can want someone who wants to grow and still be fearful of you as a rival. Know your audience and what is important to them. A great way to go is to tell them that getting this job would actually be the culmination of your previous 5-year plan and that once you got acclaimated in it, you hope that you could sit down with them and get their input on what the next five years should look like in your growth.
Conclusion
Preparing for these common interview questions can help you present yourself confidently and effectively during your interview. Remember to tailor your responses to the specific job and company, and back up your answers with concrete examples from your experience. Good luck!