Technical Interviews: Mastering Scientific and Analytical Skills Questions
- Marietta Bloomfield
- Oct 17, 2024
- 2 min read
Life Sciences technical interviews are not for the faint-hearted. This blog will dive deep into what to expect—covering laboratory protocols, regulatory hurdles, and advanced biostatistics questions. We’ll outline strategies for communicating scientific expertise without jargon, offering candidates advice on how to present their hands-on experience with techniques like CRISPR or HPLC. Think of it as the ultimate technical interview survival guide
Buckle up. The technical interview in Life Sciences is where the rubber meets the road. Candidates, it’s time to dust off that PhD-level knowledge and prepare for a deep dive into the technical aspects of the role you're applying for. Whether you’re going for a lab-based role, a bioinformatics position, or an executive slot overseeing R&D, the technical interview is your chance to shine.
The Scope of Technical Interviews: This isn’t just about regurgitating scientific theory. Companies want to see how you can apply your knowledge to real-world problems. Be ready for questions on lab techniques, data analysis, and problem-solving in a regulated environment.
Common Questions: Expect to be asked something like, "Explain how you would troubleshoot PCR contamination" or "Walk me through how you would develop a new method for high-throughput screening in drug discovery."
Understanding Data-Driven Decision Making: Life Sciences is built on data, so be prepared to discuss statistical methods, bioinformatics tools, and how you interpret large data sets. It’s not enough to say, "I used SAS"—you need to dive into why you used it and how it impacted your results.
Pro Tip: Don’t just prepare to answer technical questions—prepare to engage with them. Ask questions back, show curiosity, and use technical conversations to demonstrate your depth of knowledge and passion for science.
