Cheeky Logo
Ready To Get Hired?
Apply To Book A Free Call With Our Transition Specialist Team

5 Tough But Common Interview Questions For Research-Based Jobs

“I can’t get hired because of my technical skills.”

“I’m nervous about the technical questions.”

This is what many PhDs obsess over before interviewing for a research role. 

The problem is that interviewers are rarely going to ask highly specific technical questions, even for research-based roles. 

I had a PhD who was up for an interview at Baxter and told me that they appreciated the advice, but because it’s Baxter they know the interview will be mostly technical. 

“Like what?” I asked.

“Do you think you’re going to have to create a buffer in front of them?”

“Are they going to quiz you on molarity?”

Still, this PhD went into the interview unpracticed in the realm of competency based questions meant to evaluate problem-solving and teamwork and was caught off guard. 

Two weeks went by. 

Then two more weeks. 

Then finally they were rejected. 

Understand – industry employers want to know that you can collaborate with key stakeholders and think through strategic research problems.

They’re not looking for the best pipette. They’re not going to quiz you technically. 

Instead, they’re going to ask broader questions designed to do 4 things: to assess your analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, research experience, and your ability to contribute meaningfully to the field. 

Competency Questions Will Be Asked, Not Technical Questions

According to a survey of 2,000 employers performed by Undercover Recruiter, 47% of employers believe the biggest mistake job candidates make is not researching the company beforehand.

In a similar and recent Accountemps survey of 2,200 CFOs, 27% said the most common mistake job candidates make during industry interviews is having little to no knowledge of the company.

In contrast, these reports found that only 22% of employers thought job candidates were unprepared to discuss their skills and experiences. 

The company you will interview for has problems, research-based or otherwise. They want to see how you might solve one of their current problems. 

This also allows them to test your problem-solving process and to evaluate whether or not you can communicate this process. Do you think collaboratively in terms of your process, or not. 

Collectively, these types of problem-solving assessing questions are called competency questions, which are 1 of 4 main types of questions you’ll face during any interview. 

5 Tough But Common Interview Questions For Research-Based Jobs

Competency questions do test your skills but specifically the application of your skills to a problem the company currently has. 

These questions are strategic. Just like your role will be at the company. 

Industry employers use advanced robotics and technicians for the majority of their “hands-on” research today. They need PhDs like you to think through problems in advance and design effective research methods. 

This is what you’re being tested on when employers ask you tough interview questions for research positions. 

The following questions are 5 of the toughest, but also most common competency questions you’ll face for research-based roles…

1. “Can you describe a time when your research project faced unexpected hurdles? How did you address these challenges?”

Here, like with every question on this list, you want to answer it using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. 

Discuss a specific research project, the challenges you encountered (e.g., experimental issues, data inconsistencies and so on), the actions you took to troubleshoot and overcome those challenges, and the positive outcomes or insights gained. 

Focus on your adaptability, problem-solving skills, communication, collaboration, and of course, perseverance. 

2. “What’s a recent breakthrough or significant development in your research field that you find interesting? And, how does it relate to your own work?”

Here, you want to choose a recent advancement that genuinely piques your interest. 

Explain how this breakthrough aligns with your research and how it has influenced your thinking or approach. 

Discuss any potential connections or implications for your own work, demonstrating your knowledge of current trends and your ability to integrate new ideas into your research.

3. “How do you approach designing experiments or studies to ensure robustness and reliability of results?”

To answer this question, make sure you describe your process for designing experiments, including defining research objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, addressing potential biases, and establishing control groups.

Emphasize your focus on proper controls, randomization, sample size considerations, and rigorous data analysis. Highlight your commitment to producing credible and reproducible results.

4. “Can you explain a complex research concept to someone without a background in your field?”

It’s vital here to choose a concept relevant to your research and break it down into simple, understandable terms. Start with a relatable analogy or real-world example, gradually introducing key ideas. 

Use concise language, avoid jargon, and provide visual aids if applicable. This showcases your communication skills and your ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.

5. “How do you manage and analyze large datasets efficiently? Can you provide an example from your previous research?”

Here, make sure you discuss your data management strategies, including data organization, cleaning, and transformation. 

Mention software or tools you’re proficient in (e.g., Python, R, Matlab and even Excel) for data manipulation and analysis. Provide a specific example of a project where you handled a substantial dataset, detailing how you managed, processed, and extracted meaningful insights from it. 

Preparing thoughtful responses to these 5 tough research-based interview questions, and all questions you encounter during an interview, all while showcasing your research expertise, problem-solving abilities, and ability to work with others, will help you get the job offer. Remember, overall, employers are looking to evaluate your analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, research experience, and your ability to contribute meaningfully to the field. They want to know that you can think through problems in advance and design effective research methods, not merely work with your hands.

Book a Transition Call
Get Free Job Search Content Weekly

ABOUT ISAIAH HANKEL, PHD

CEO, CHEEKY SCIENTIST & CAREER SUCCESS MENTOR

Dr. Isaiah Hankel is the Founder and CEO of Cheeky Scientist. His articles, podcasts and trainings are consumed annually by millions of PhDs and other professionals in hundreds of different countries. He has helped professionals transition into top companies like Pfizer, Tesla, Amazon, Pearson, Google, Apple, Intel, Dow Chemical, BASF, Merck, Genentech, Home Depot, Nestle, Hilton, SpaceX, Syngenta, the CDC, UN and Ford Foundation.

Dr. Hankel has published 3X bestselling books and his latest book, The Power of a PhD, debuted on the Barnes & Noble bestseller list. His methods for getting PhDs hired have been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Nature, Forbes, The Guardian, Fast Company, Entrepreneur Magazine and Success Magazine.

Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Here's What Others Are Saying

"I'm excited to announce that I have accepted a position as an Innovations Analyst at Cleveland Clinic. Looking forward to using my background to help commercialize healthcare innovations!"

Joe Thomas

Joe Thomas

Innovations Analyst

at Cleveland Clinic

Similar Articles

5 Interview Questions PhDs Always Get (and 5 Questions They Should Ask Employers)

5 Interview Questions PhDs Always Get (and 5 Questions They Should Ask Employers)

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

By the time I started my industry job search, I was desperate. I was nearing the end of my PhD and my proverbial plate had never felt so full. Between final experiments, last drafts, and defense presentations, I had dedicated virtually no time to my job search. The little effort and time I was able put into it felt very arbitrary and unfocused I wasn’t even sure what job I wanted. All I knew was that I needed a job – and fast. Needless to say, when I finally did find myself seated in front of a hiring manager, I…

How PhDs Can Avoid The Overqualified Label To Get Hired

How PhDs Can Avoid The Overqualified Label To Get Hired

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“We regret to inform you that we will not be moving forward with your application due to concerns that your qualifications exceed those required for the role.  We feel it would not be a good fit. Thank you for applying.”  Oof, that’s part of a rejection email a PhD sent me. An employer had sent it to them after the first interview.  Another PhD told me this recently… “I feel like I’m both overqualified and underqualified for the jobs I apply to Isaiah.”  Which do you feel is more of a problem for you? I asked.  “At first I thought…

How To Answer “Why Are You Leaving Academia?” (& 4 Scientific Ways To Convince Employers To Hire You) 

How To Answer “Why Are You Leaving Academia?” (& 4 Scientific Ways To Convince Employers To Hire You) 

By: Isaiah Hankel, PhD

“‘Why do you want to work here more than anywhere else? And why are you leaving academia?’ Those are the questions I got stuck on, Isaiah.  I told them why I liked their company, mainly because it was aligned with my values, but I also wanted to be fair and ethical so I told them that I was considering other companies. Then I explained that academia was no longer a good fit because I wanted to do more than write grants all day.”  “Okay, I replied, anything else? What did you say after that?” “I asked them a few clarifying…

Our Members Get Hired At Top Industry Companies

Top Industry Career eBooks

63 Best Industry Positions For PhDs

63 Best Industry Positions For PhDs

Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Learn about the best 63 industry careers for PhDs (regardless of your academic background). In this eBook, you will gain insight into the most popular, highest-paying jobs for PhDs – all of which will allow you to do meaningful work AND get paid well for it.

Industry Resume Guide for PhDs

Industry Resume Guide for PhDs

Isaiah Hankel, PhD

Learn how to craft the perfect industry resume to attract employers. In this eBook for PhDs, you will get access to proven resume templates, learn how to structure your bullet points, and discover which keywords industry employers want to see most on PhD resumes.

AI & ATS Resume Filters

AI & ATS Resume Filters

Isaiah Hankel, PhD

In today's competitive job market, understanding the impact of AI is crucial for career success. This involves ensuring your resume stands out in the digital realm, mastering your online presence, and being aware of how AI assigns reputation scores. Discovering how to leverage AI to your advantage is essential, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping professional opportunities.