Medical Scientist Interview Questions & Answers

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

• Communication skills
• Decision-making skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Data-analysis skills
• Observation skills

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Medical Scientist positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Communication is critical because medical scientists must be able to explain their conclusions. In addition, medical scientists write grant proposals because grants often are required to fund their research.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Critical thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical thinking skills:

Medical scientists must use their expertise to determine the best method for solving a specific research question.

Learn more about critical thinking interview questions and how to answer them!

Data-analysis skills

Why interviewers are interested in your data analysis skills:

Medical scientists use statistical techniques so that they can properly quantify and analyze health research questions.

Related: What Does a Bioinformatician Do?

Decision-making skills

Why interviewers are interested in your decision-making skills:

Medical scientists must determine what research questions to ask, how best to investigate the questions, and what data will best answer them.

Observation skills

Why interviewers are interested in your observation skills:

Medical scientists conduct experiments that require precise observation of samples and other health-related data. Any mistake could lead to inconclusive or misleading results.

(source: bls.gov)

Medical Scientist Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

• Employment history
• Skills and abilities
• Accomplishments
• Job qualifications
• Educational background
• Career goals
• Personality

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Medical Scientist Interview Questions

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself?
3. Why do you want to work here?
4. What interests you about this position?
5. Walk me through your resume.
6. What motivates you?
7. Why are you leaving your current job?
8. Describe your work ethic.
9. What is your greatest strength?
10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
11. What is your greatest weakness?
12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
14. What are your expectations for this position?
15. What are your career goals?
16. Why should we hire you?
17. What did you like most about your last position?
18. What did you like least about your last position?
19. How do you handle stress?
20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Medical Scientist Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

1. Give me an example of how you quantify and analyze health research questions.
2. Tell me about a time you made a mistake. What happened, and how did you fix it? What did you learn from the situation?
3. Describe a time you implemented a change to a process in your work. What was changed, and how did it affect the outcome?
4. Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult colleague. What happened? How did you deal with it?
5. Do you consider yourself a team player? Give a recent example of a successful teamwork experience.
6. Describe a time you had to adapt to a challenging situation. What happened, and how did you adapt?
7. How would you rate your critical-thinking skills? Can you give me a work-related example that demonstrates you successfully using this skill?
8. Describe a time you had a conflict in the workplace. What happened, and how did you resolve it?
9. How do you deal with criticism? Can you give me an example?
10. Tell me about a time you faced an obstacle. What did you to get past the situation and find a solution to the problem?

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.