Frequently asked questions in Biotechnology interviews | Top 10

Frequently asked questions in Biotechnology interviews

Hiring managers at biotech institutions rarely ask subject matter-based questions. Instead, they look for various research-specific acquired skills and behavioral traits in a candidate that make them good employees and an ideal fit in the organization. Here is a list of the ten most frequently asked questions in Biotechnology interviews.

Hard skills interview questions

1. Describe the prior laboratory experience you have had and a typical lab day for you.

How to answer

Explain the tasks that you have undertaken in a lab; describe your experiences, talk about the health and safety guidelines in the lab biotechnology area, etc.

While answering this, do not go into details regarding every lab experiment you have done. Keep it simple, give them a general idea of what you do in the lab, what samples you work with, how you work with data and analyze them, and how you plan experiments when needed.

2. What are the factors that you consider when you design research studies?

How to answer

Being a scientist does not mean simply getting the results; it is also about how you get there the process you follow. Hiring managers usually ask questions like this to determine whether the candidate can design studies keeping possibilities, as well as limitations in mind.

Additionally, mention everything you would take into account while planning experiments, including time, budget, equipment, reagents, and ethical considerations, if any.

3. If you are given A sample and B chemical, what tests would you run?

How to answer

Biological samples and reagents used in biotechnology experiments are often very expensive, regulated, or time and environment-sensitive. While this is a technical skill-based question, it also serves to demonstrate your academic knowledge and various tips and tricks you may often pick up while working in a lab.

Put your knowledge and experience to full use while answering the question, but refrain from launching into long explanations of how various reagents work. Keep it short and stick to what has been asked in the question.

Behavioral interview questions

1. Did you ever get strong feedback? How did you respond to it?

How to answer

Receiving feedback is a part of work-life. In biotechnology, mistakes can be costly, which is why hiring managers ask this question to reduce the chances of errors.

Acknowledge the tough feedback you have received and clearly illustrate what steps you took to address them and prevent any recurrence of errors. Also, do not hesitate or become defensive while answering.

2. Describe your experience of adapting to unexpected results.

How to answer

In research, unexpected results may come up at any time, and a good researcher can quickly think on their feet and come up with solutions or workarounds. This flexibility is often a very positive trait in candidates. While answering, explain the unexpected situation and how you adapted to the situation. Problem-solving skills in biotechnology are often driven by curiosity, and this is a useful trait to cultivate.

3. When working in a group, what was your role?

How to answer

Companies look for candidates who can blend individual work with teamwork, and leaders who can drive the study forward. Highlight your collaborative and leadership skills here.

Additionally, mention one or two situations where you had taken the initiative on behalf of the lab group to run an experiment smoothly. However, try not to portray yourself as too important and the only one who keeps the experiments going; acknowledge your teammates and their roles too. Remember, humility is the mark of a true leader.

Soft skills interview questions

1. What is your usual style of communication?

How to answer

Contrary to popular belief, scientists often have to work in groups and even collaborate with others outside any formal group, whether it be sharing research, contributing to journals, or something else. It is thus very important to have clear and concise communication skills.

While answering this question, let the interviewer know with whom you communicate, whether they are fellow scientists, lab technicians, or otherwise, and on what aspects you have to communicate with them.

2. How do you stay updated with the biotech industry?

How to answer

Research is seeking knowledge, and the ideal candidate is always curious, willing to actively seek out further knowledge, and learn continuously. Such candidates are highly sought out in the biotech industry.

Demonstrate your active interest in continuously learning and improving yourself, don’t just rattle off the names of scientific journals. Additionally, try to expand a little bit about why you follow a particular publication or how it ties into your current or past work.

3. Explain how you balance creativity and analytical reasoning in your work?

How to answer

While good technical skills are necessary for a biotech researcher, being a little creative while designing experiments is always a plus point. Especially if there are no pre-established protocols for the same, therefore, creative candidates can be an asset to any company.

Explain to the interviewer how you come up with ideas or solve problems, especially if there are no precedents for those. In addition to this, if you remember specific anecdotes about how your creative thinking enhanced the scope of a research project, include them in your answer.

Key takeaways

• The typical rules of an interview also apply to biotechnology interviews.
• Candidates should be formally dressed and polite during an interview. 
• The questions in the blog are not exhaustive. 
• However, they are some of the frequently asked questions in Biotechnology interviews.
• Additionally, candidates are often questioned on various aspects of their research work, technical knowledge, and so on.

All the best for your interview!

Liked this blog? Then read Career options in biotechnology!

FAQs

1. Do I have to mention the name of my guide in the interview?

The name of your guide during your Ph.D. course might simply be a part of your general introduction, but it is not necessary to mention it.

2. My scope of work does not match the work done by this company. What should I do?

Ideally, you should research a company and its work well before you apply for a position there. However, if you still want to work there despite this issue, highlight those aspects of your work in your interview that overlap with the company’s, including technical skills, lab-based skills, experiences with various instruments, etc.

3. Can I continue with my academic education while working?

Biotechnology companies usually allow employees to continue higher education and may even provide incentives for the same. However, it is a good practice to ask the interviewer for a more detailed answer regarding the policies of the particular company you are applying to.