Why this matters:
You’ll want to determine what this researcher’s past roles have been — and the lab-related tasks they’ve undertaken. This question gives you an opportunity to gauge their on-point experience, and their knowledge of environmental health and safety standards within the biotech space.
What to listen for:
- Fluency with sample testing, data collection, analysis, and similar tasks
- Ability to conceive and design experiments, if required
- Where their passion lies — and whether it’s a good match for the role
Why this matters:
A well-designed experiment isn’t only about the results — it’s about how scientists get there. You need to be certain that your biotech researcher can work within your company’s parameters, whether that’s a fixed time frame, a set budget, limited equipment, or any other unique challenges relevant to the role.
What to listen for:
- Evidence that the candidate has successfully worked within budgetary, equipment, and time constraints in the past
- Signs that the candidate assesses potential risk factors and makes ethical considerations when designing studies
Why this matters:
Scientists need to know exactly how to treat a particular specimen and what types of reactions are needed to analyze it — especially in situations where samples are limited by quantity or time. They need to be able to identify different biological groups and know the nuances needed to preserve the integrity of a particular sample.
What to listen for:
- Answers should demonstrate that a researcher understands different biological specimens relevant to the job
- Examples that demonstrate they have the required technical knowledge to get the job done
Why this matters:
In any environment, it’s important for employees to be receptive to feedback; in biotechnology in particular, mistakes or miscommunications can be costly. It’s a good idea to have your candidate identify a time when they did something that warranted tough feedback — and explain what happened.
What to listen for:
- The ability to listen to, process, and learn from feedback
- No lingering defensiveness around the incident
Why this matters:
In research and development, it can feel as if little is certain (or can be taken for granted). A research team must be flexible in the face of new discoveries and information. Great candidates will be able to adapt to these changes — even after long hours of data collection, observation, and similar tasks.
What to listen for:
- Curiosity and the ability to refine, pivot, and evolve
- A reluctance to adapt, which could mean the candidate won’t thrive in the face of change
Why this matters:
A successful research team needs a healthy mix of leaders and people who prefer to work in more supportive roles. The answer to this question will provide you with an insight into the kind of role your candidate prefers to assume in a team environment and how that preference will fit with your needs.
What to listen for:
- Examples demonstrating the specific roles they’ve played in other research teams and how they contributed to their goals
- Ability to mix individual initiative with team consensus
- Comfort working in a group setting
Why this matters:
From logging research notes to contributing to journal articles to collaborating with the lab team, scientists must have clear and concise communication skills. Despite the technical nature of much of their work, they need to be able to communicate what happens in the laboratory to colleagues, peers, medical experts, and the world.
What to listen for:
- Different communication styles that can work well in different environments
- An emphasis on the importance of communication in the candidate’s work
Why this matters:
Research is all about the pursuit of knowledge; there’s always something new to learn. It’s important for researchers to continue to be curious and seek out new findings, especially since their field can change on a dime. An open mind and willingness to learn continuously are key soft skills for biotech researchers to possess.
What to listen for:
- An active interest in learning more about advances in biotechnology
- Examples of the candidate pursuing continuing education
Why this matters:
Today, STEM is about more than just technical skills. There’s not necessarily a wrong answer here, but a candidate who considers themselves partially creative can be an asset. Creativity can’t be taught, but a creative streak can enhance a biotech researcher’s ability to problem-solve and think on their feet.
What to listen for:
- Answers that align with your expectations and hopes for the role
- Specific examples of times the candidate has used their creativity to enhance a project
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