Nature has published an article based on a survey of some of the most common questions used in a scientific interviews and the best approaches to answering them. Looking at why they are asked and with things to remember.
Questions include
Technical knowledge or experience
Typical questions
• Tell me about one of your recent research projects.
• How would you tackle this [specific research question], and how does your background support your approach?
Curveball questions
• “I ask a basic maths question. You’d be surprised how often people can’t answer them.” — Academic group leader in the biological sciences in the United Kingdom.
• “Tell me a story about your best project so far, in five minutes.” — Associate professor in the biological sciences in Sweden.
Interest in the team or field
Typical questions
• What aspects of our group’s research do you find especially interesting, and why?
• What do you think has been the most important discovery in our field in the past five years?
Curveball questions
• “Having read our recent paper on [topic], what would you do next?” — Professor of medical science in Ireland.
• “Describe the thing that you are best at that you think would be a key contribution to our team.” — Research-group head in the biological sciences at a non-governmental organization in the United States.
Tackling challenges and conflicts
Typical questions
• Describe a situation in which you faced a major challenge at work and explain how you solved it.
• How would you handle a conflict with a colleague?
Curveball questions
• “Research has its ups and downs; what skills do you have that will enable you to get through the tough days?” — Chemistry professor, country unknown.
• “How would you manage work-related burn-out and health?” — Pharmaceutical lab head in Saudi Arabia.
Future ambitions and goals
Typical questions
• Can you describe your career aspirations for the next five years?
• How does this role align with your long-term goals?”
Curveball questions
• “If funding were unlimited, what research problem would you like to tackle?” — Biological sciences lab leader in the United States.
• “What is your plan if you are not employed in our organization?” — Academic medical researcher in Iran.