Overview
In a structured interview, all of the questions asked are predetermined. Each applicant for the job will be asked the same questions during the interview process. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a structured interview is used when “maximum consistency across interviews and interviewees is needed.” When going on a structured interview for a research scientist position, expect the interview to be formal and to the point. The interviewer is looking to gain information about your abilities and experience and how they will benefit the company. As for any type of job, the interview is your chance to put your best foot forward. For research scientist jobs, employers want to see that you are knowledgeable in their particular area of research. While you may not know the exact questions that you will be asked, knowing what interviewers are looking for will help you to prepare your answers.
Education
The interviewers already know your education from your resume, so why do they ask about your education background? They are trying to see how your area of education matches with the company’s particular area of research. If the majority of your education is in the field of pharmaceuticals, how does that apply to cancer research? This is where you would provide details about your particular areas of study--for instance, your study of chemotherapy agents.
Experience
Just as with your education, the interviewers know your work history. They are looking for you to show them how your past job experience pertains to their company’s field of research. If the majority of your work experience has been studying the human immune system and you are applying for a cancer research job, you can point out your knowledge of how the immune system reacts to cancer antigens.
Knowledge of Area of Research
The interviewers want to know how much you understand about the research job you’ve applied for. If you are applying for a research job in the field of tissue engineering, you may be asked about your view on using autologous cells for tissue-engineered bladders.
Your Contribution
Interviewers want to know what you can contribute to their research team. Highlight your areas of expertise and experience that are relative to their field of research. If you are applying for a position on a research team that studies the effects of air pollution on the human respiratory system and you have 10 years of experience working for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Air and Radiation, you could talk about your in-depth knowledge of pollutants that threaten human health.
Team Work
How well do you work in a team environment? In the field of research, a team of great minds must work together to find a solution. So when asked about your relationship with past research team members, follow your answer with a description of a scenario where you contributed as part of a team to complete a research project.
Problem Solving
Research scientists hit plenty of brick walls when studying data and conducting studies. How do you use your problem-solving skills to find a solution to a problem? To determine your problem-solving skills, the interviewers may present you with a scenario. Example: “You are conducting a study on the effectiveness of a mood stabilizer on women in their thirties for one of our pharmaceutical clients. Early results of the study show that the mood stabilizer is effective at reducing depression symptoms in only five percent of the participants. What do you do?” The interviewers are looking for you to give them a logical solution to the scenario. Do you review the data to see if increasing the dosages of the mood stabilizer is appropriate?
