20 Amgen Interview Questions and Answers

As one of the world’s largest biotechnology companies, Amgen is always looking for talented individuals to join their team. If you’re lucky enough to score an interview with this company, you can expect to be asked some tough questions.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample Amgen interview questions and answers. These questions will focus on your technical skills as well as your ability to think critically and solve problems. By preparing for these questions, you’ll increase your chances of impressing the interviewer and landing the job.

Amgen Interview Process

The interview process at Amgen can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screen and one in-person interview. The phone screen is typically conducted by a recruiter and lasts about 30 minutes. During this call, the recruiter will ask you questions about your experience and qualifications. If you pass the phone screen, you will be invited to an in-person interview.

The in-person interview is usually conducted by a panel of interviewers. This interview can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. During this time, the panel will ask you questions about your experience and qualifications. They may also give you a case study to assess your problem-solving skills. Overall, the interview process at Amgen is fairly lengthy and can be quite challenging. However, it is a great way to learn more about the company and see if it is the right fit for you.

1. What are your thoughts on the future of biology and bioinformatics?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the industry and how you can contribute to it. Your answer should include a few examples of what excites you about biology and bioinformatics, as well as some predictions for future advancements in the field.

Example: “I’m excited to see more collaboration between different fields of science. For example, I think that we will start seeing more collaborations between biologists and computer scientists. As computers become more advanced, they are able to process large amounts of data much faster than humans. This means that there’s a lot of information that we could be collecting from our experiments that we aren’t currently capturing. By combining these two fields, we may be able to create new insights into the way living organisms function.”

2. Tell me about an accomplishment that you achieved at work in which you felt great pride.

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s work ethic and how they feel pride in their accomplishments. This can be an excellent indicator of how well they will fit into your company culture, as it shows that they are motivated by success and want to do their best at all times.

Example: “When I first started working for my current employer, I was tasked with creating a new marketing campaign for one of our products. It was a big project, but I felt confident in my abilities and excited to get started. After several weeks of hard work, I presented my ideas to my team and my manager. They were impressed with my ideas and gave me positive feedback on my presentation. My hard work paid off, and we implemented many of my ideas into our marketing strategy.”

3. Talk about a time when you had to make a decision without sufficient data, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to assess your critical thinking skills and how you make decisions. It also allows the interviewer to see if you have any experience with making important decisions without all of the information.

Example: “At my previous job, I was in charge of hiring new employees for our team. One day, one of our sales representatives called out sick, leaving us short-staffed. I had two applicants who were equally qualified for the position, but I didn’t have enough time to thoroughly review their resumes before having to hire someone. I decided to go with the applicant who seemed more eager to work at our company.”

4. If hired, what would be your approach to designing software for an assembly line?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of software development and how you apply it in the workplace. When answering this question, consider what type of assembly line Amgen uses and describe how you would design software for that specific process.

Example: “I would first determine which pieces of equipment are used on the assembly line and then create software that can communicate with those machines. For example, if I were designing software for an assembly line at Amgen, I would use Ethernet communication to connect computers to the machinery they control. This allows me to monitor the status of each machine and ensure that all systems are functioning properly.”

5. What is your experience with managing teams?

Amgen is a large company that requires employees to work in teams. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you’ve managed teams in the past. Use your answer to highlight your communication, collaboration and delegation skills.

Example: “In my current role as an accountant, I manage a team of five other accountants who assist me with financial reporting for our clients. In this position, I have learned how to delegate tasks effectively so that everyone on my team can complete their assignments by deadlines. I also use effective communication techniques to ensure that my team understands all aspects of their projects. This has helped me build strong relationships with my team members.”

6. We want our research associates to be able to work independently. Do you think you would be a good fit for that type of environment?

Amgen wants to know that you can work independently and are comfortable with the level of responsibility they offer. This question is your chance to show them how independent you are, as well as how much you value independence in others.

Example: “I am a very self-motivated person who thrives on working independently. I find that when I have my own projects, I’m able to focus more on getting things done than if I were waiting for direction from someone else. In fact, I’ve found that I often come up with better solutions when I’m left to my own devices.”

7. Describe your experience working with mechanical components.

Amgen is a pharmaceutical company that produces biologic drugs. Mechanical components are an important part of the production process, so interviewers may ask this question to make sure you have experience working with mechanical equipment and understand how it can impact your work. In your answer, explain what mechanical components are and describe one or two experiences you’ve had using them in your previous roles.

Example: “Mechanical components are machines used for manufacturing purposes. I worked at a factory where we assembled parts into finished products. The assembly line was made up of several mechanical components including conveyor belts, robotic arms and automated welding tools. My job was to test each component before starting my shift and then monitor the entire assembly line throughout the day.”

8. How often do you like to be in contact with your team when working on a project?

Amgen is a large company that requires employees to work in teams. The interviewer wants to know how you will interact with your team members and whether you prefer face-to-face or digital communication. Your answer should show the interviewer that you are comfortable working with others and can communicate effectively.

Example: “I like to be in contact with my team as much as possible, but I understand that sometimes it’s necessary to focus on a task without interruption. At my last job, we used Slack for instant messaging and scheduled weekly meetings where everyone could discuss their progress and ask questions. This allowed us to stay connected while also giving each person time to complete their tasks.”

9. Amgen emphasizes innovation. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when trying to be innovative?

Amgen wants to know that you understand the importance of innovation and how it can help their company. Your answer should show that you have a strong understanding of what makes an idea innovative, as well as how to implement new ideas into your work.

Example: “I think one of the most important things when trying to be innovative is to remember that not all ideas are good ones. It’s important to take time to evaluate each idea before moving forward with it. This helps ensure that we’re only working on projects that will benefit our company in some way.”

10. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Amgen is a large company that often has many projects going on at once. The interviewer wants to know how you handle working with others and resolving conflict when it arises. Use examples from your previous experience where you were able to resolve conflict in a positive way.

Example: “At my last job, I was part of a team that worked together to create a new marketing campaign for one of our clients. We had several meetings throughout the week to discuss ideas and develop them into something we could present to the client. During one meeting, another member of the team suggested an idea that I disagreed with. Instead of arguing with him, I presented my own idea and explained why I thought it would be better than his suggestion. He agreed with me and we used my idea instead.”

11. Give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills. It’s important for employees at all levels of the organization to be able to solve problems, so this question can help the interviewer determine how you might approach a challenge in your role.

Example: “At my previous job, I had to find a way to increase sales without increasing our marketing budget. We were already spending more than we should on advertising, and I knew that if I asked for more money, it would take months to get approval. So instead, I looked for ways to cut costs elsewhere. I found that by changing some aspects of our website, we could save thousands of dollars per month. This allowed us to spend more on other areas of our business where we needed it.”

12. Tell us why you want to work at Amgen.

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in their company. They want to know what you like about Amgen and why you’re excited to work there. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest and specific. You can talk about how much you enjoy the products they make or how impressed you are with the company culture.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in science, so I decided to pursue a degree in biology. After working as a lab assistant for several years, I realized that I wanted to work at a larger scale. That’s when I learned about Amgen and all of the amazing things they do. I’m really inspired by the research they conduct and would love to be part of such an innovative team.”

13. Have you ever worked in a fast-paced environment before?

Amgen is a fast-paced company that requires its employees to work quickly and efficiently. Employers ask this question to make sure you are prepared for the pace of their workplace. In your answer, explain how you handle working in a high-pressure environment. Share an example of a time when you were able to complete tasks under pressure.

Example: “I have worked in a fast-paced environment before, and I am used to it. At my previous job, we had to meet deadlines every day. We also had to work on multiple projects at once. I learned how to manage my time well so I could get everything done by the deadline. I can do the same thing here if needed.”

14. What are your career goals and how will this position help you achieve them?

Amgen is a large company that offers many career opportunities. This question helps the interviewer determine if you are looking for a long-term position with this company or just a job to pay the bills. Use your answer to show how you plan to grow in your career and what steps you have taken to prepare yourself for advancement.

Example: “I am currently working on my MBA, which I hope will help me advance into a management role at Amgen. My goal is to work here for five years before moving up to a managerial position. In my current role as an accountant, I have learned valuable skills that will help me succeed in this position.”

15. What is your favorite part about being a scientist?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and interests. It also helps you understand what they value in their work. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something that relates to your personal life or background.

Example: “My favorite part of being a scientist is when I get to see my research come to fruition. For example, I once worked on a project where we were trying to find a cure for cancer. After months of hard work, we finally found a solution. That moment was so rewarding because I knew our research would help many people.”

16. Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel they align with the job description. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight any specific skills or experience that directly relate to the role.

Example: “I have five years of experience in customer service, which has helped me develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. I am also very familiar with the pharmaceutical industry, having worked at two different companies in this field. In my previous position, I was promoted to supervisor after only one year on the job, so I know I am capable of taking on leadership roles.”

17. Who do you look up to in the field of science and why?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your passion for science and how you developed a career in this field. Your answer should show that you have a deep respect for those who came before you, as well as those who are currently working in the same field.

Example: “I look up to my high school biology teacher because she was one of the first people to inspire me to pursue a career in science. She always made class fun and interesting by showing us videos about real-life scientists and their work. I remember being so inspired after watching her videos that I decided to become a scientist myself.”

18. Are you comfortable working with blood samples and other bodily fluids (urine, saliva)?

Amgen is a biopharmaceutical company that develops therapies for blood disorders, cancer and other diseases. The interviewer wants to know if you have any reservations about working with bodily fluids or blood samples. Your answer should show your willingness to work in this type of environment.

Example: “I am comfortable working with blood and other bodily fluids because I worked as an emergency medical technician before going to college. In my EMT training, we had to draw blood from patients on many occasions. It was always important to me to be gentle when drawing blood so the patient didn’t feel pain. I also learned how to handle bodily fluids safely so I wouldn’t contaminate myself or others.”

19. What kind of supervision have you received in the past?

Amgen is a large company that offers many opportunities for advancement. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your work history and how you’ve progressed in your career so far. In your answer, describe the type of supervision you’ve had in previous roles and what kind of supervisor you would like to have in your next role.

Example: “In my last position as an accountant at a small firm, I worked under a CPA who was very knowledgeable and helpful when I needed it. She also gave me plenty of freedom to make decisions on my own and trusted that I knew what I was doing. At my current job, I’m part of a team where we all share responsibilities and provide feedback to each other.”

20. Tell me about a time that you disagreed with management, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you’re willing to voice your opinion. It’s important to show that you can disagree respectfully, but also support your team or company when needed.

Example: “When I first started working at my previous job, I disagreed with a manager about an idea for a new project. Instead of voicing my disagreement in front of everyone, I waited until we were alone to speak with her privately. I explained why I thought our current plan wouldn’t work and offered some alternatives. She was grateful for my input and took my suggestions into consideration.”