Biomedical Scientist Interview Questions

Can you provide an example of a problem you encountered during a research project and how you approached solving it?

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

During a research project I conducted on the effects of a specific drug on cancer cells, I encountered a problem with the quality of the cell culture medium. The cells were not growing well, and the results were inconsistent. To solve this, I performed a thorough investigation and found that the medium was contaminated with bacteria. I immediately discarded the contaminated medium and prepared a fresh batch using sterile techniques. I also implemented stricter protocols to prevent contamination in the future. These measures ensured the reliability of the data and allowed me to continue with the experiments successfully.

Here is a more solid answer:

During a research project on the effects of a specific drug on cancer cells, I encountered a problem with the viability of the cells. The cell culture medium was not supporting their growth, leading to inconsistent results. I immediately investigated the issue and performed various tests to identify the cause. It turned out that the pH of the medium was too high, which affected the cells' physiology. To solve this, I adjusted the pH of the medium using the appropriate buffer and validated its effectiveness by performing viability assays. Additionally, I implemented a regular monitoring system to ensure the pH remained within the optimal range throughout the experiment. This proactive approach allowed me to obtain reliable and reproducible results and successfully complete the project.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides more specific details about the problem encountered during the research project and how it was approached. It highlights the candidate's skills in molecular biology by mentioning the pH adjustment and viability assays. It also demonstrates their problem-solving abilities and organizational skills by implementing a regular monitoring system. However, it could still be improved by including examples of managing multiple projects simultaneously.

An example of a exceptional answer:

During a research project on the effects of a specific drug on cancer cells, I encountered a problem with cell line contamination. The cells were exhibiting abnormal behavior and inconsistent results, indicating the presence of mycoplasma contamination. To address this, I immediately performed mycoplasma testing using PCR and confirmed the contamination. I then implemented a rigorous decontamination protocol to eradicate the mycoplasma, including antibiotic treatment and freezing down a new batch of cells from an authenticated stock. To prevent future contamination, I established a routine mycoplasma testing schedule for all cell lines and strict sterilization protocols for shared equipment. This experience taught me the importance of maintaining the integrity of cell cultures and upholding Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). By swiftly identifying and resolving the issue, I ensured the reliability and validity of my research findings, demonstrating my commitment to producing high-quality scientific work.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by highlighting a more complex problem - cell line contamination - and the candidate's extensive actions to address it. It showcases their technical skills in molecular biology by mentioning mycoplasma testing and decontamination protocols. It also demonstrates their commitment to ethical scientific research and integrity by emphasizing the importance of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). Additionally, it shows the candidate's ability to collaborate effectively with other researchers and implement strict protocols to prevent future contamination. This answer exemplifies the candidate's exemplary problem-solving abilities, technical expertise, and commitment to ensuring the reliability of research findings.

How to prepare for this question:

Review your past research projects and identify any problems or challenges you encountered. Consider those related to technical skills, problem-solving, organizational skills, and managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Be prepared to provide specific details about the problem, the steps you took to solve it, and the outcomes.

Highlight your technical skills in molecular biology, biochemistry, and data analysis by mentioning relevant techniques or assays you used.

Demonstrate your problem-solving abilities by explaining the strategies and approaches you employed to overcome the problem.

Emphasize your organizational skills by discussing how you managed your time and resources effectively while addressing the problem.

Provide examples of times when you successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously and how you prioritized tasks to ensure their timely completion.