17 Animal Scientist Interview Questions and Answers

Animal scientists conduct research to develop and improve methods of animal husbandry to optimize animal well-being and improve efficiency in animal production. They also work to develop new ways to use animals and animal products.

If you’re interested in becoming an animal scientist, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field. Once you’ve completed your degree, you can start applying for jobs. But before you can land your dream job, you’ll need to impress potential employers by acing your animal science interview.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of common animal science interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the anatomy of a cow?

This question is a test of your knowledge about the animals you’ll be working with. It’s important to show that you have a strong understanding of the animal’s anatomy and how it functions. You can answer this question by describing the different parts of a cow, including its stomach, heart, lungs and liver.

Example: “Cows are ruminants, which means they have four-chambered stomachs. The first chamber is called the rumen, where food ferments and bacteria breaks down plant matter. Then, the food moves into the reticulum, or second stomach, where water is removed from the food. After that, the food enters the omasum, or third stomach, where more water is removed. Finally, the food reaches the fourth stomach, known as the abomasum, where enzymes break down the food even further.”

What are the most important qualities of a good animal scientist?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want someone who is passionate, hardworking and dedicated to the job. When answering this question, think of a few qualities that are important to you and explain why they’re beneficial for an animal scientist.

Example: “The most important quality of a good animal scientist is passion. I believe it’s essential to be passionate about animals because it helps us do our best work. If we love what we do, we’ll put in the extra effort to make sure everything is done right. Another important quality is communication skills. Animal scientists need to communicate effectively with other people, including veterinarians, farmers and pet owners. It’s also important to have strong problem-solving skills since there are often challenges when working with animals.”

How would you use a research lab to study the behavior of animals?

This question can help interviewers understand your research skills and how you apply them to the job. Use examples from your experience to explain what you would do in a lab setting, including any specific tools or techniques you might use.

Example: “I have used a research lab before to study animal behavior. In my last position, I was tasked with studying the feeding habits of animals at a local zoo. To do this, I set up cameras around the exhibit to record the animals’ behaviors when they were eating. Then, I analyzed the footage to determine which foods each animal preferred. This helped me create a more nutritious diet for the animals.”

What is the most important thing you have learned about animal nutrition?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your knowledge about animal nutrition and how you apply it to your work. Use examples from your experience that show you understand the importance of proper nutrition for animals and how it affects their health and productivity.

Example: “The most important thing I’ve learned about animal nutrition is that it’s not just about what an animal eats, but when they eat it as well. For example, if a cow grazes on grass in the morning, then eats hay at night, this could lead to digestive issues because the grass has more nutrients than the hay. It’s also important to consider the environment where the animal lives, such as temperature or humidity, which may affect its nutritional needs.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your problem-solving skills to find a solution to an animal health issue.

This question can help the interviewer determine your critical thinking skills and how you apply them to solve problems. Use examples from your previous experience that highlight your ability to analyze a situation, gather information and make decisions based on facts rather than assumptions.

Example: “In my last role as an animal scientist, I was responsible for monitoring the health of animals in our care. One day, I noticed one of the dogs we were caring for had developed a rash. After examining the dog myself, I determined it was not contagious and would likely go away on its own. However, I wanted to be sure there wasn’t something more serious going on so I took some blood samples and sent them off for testing. The results showed no signs of illness or disease, but did show elevated levels of stress hormones. We then implemented additional training methods to reduce the dog’s anxiety.”

If you could study any animal in the world, what would it be and why?

This question is a great way to show your passion for animals and the field of animal science. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an animal you have studied in the past or one that you would like to study in the future.

Example: “If I could study any animal in the world, I would choose the giraffe. Giraffes are such unique creatures with so many interesting adaptations. They’re also very intelligent animals, which makes them fun to study. In my last job as an animal scientist, I worked on a project studying how well different types of hay work for feeding giraffes.”

What would you do if you were working on a research project and one of your test subjects escaped from its enclosure?

This question is a behavioral test that helps employers understand how you would react in an emergency situation. Your answer should show your ability to remain calm and think clearly when faced with unexpected challenges.

Example: “In this situation, I would first make sure everyone was safe by ensuring no one was near the animal’s enclosure. Then, I would assess the situation and determine if there were any other animals nearby who could be harmed or injured. If not, I would try to recapture the escaped animal as quickly as possible using non-lethal methods. If it became necessary, I would euthanize the animal only after exhausting all other options.”

How well do you work in a team environment?

Animal scientists often work in teams to solve problems and conduct research. Employers ask this question to make sure you can collaborate with others. In your answer, explain that you enjoy working as part of a team. Explain that you are willing to take on different roles depending on what the team needs.

Example: “I have worked in a lab setting for several years now, so I am used to collaborating with my colleagues. When we need to come up with solutions or ideas, I am happy to contribute any thoughts or suggestions I may have. However, I also understand that sometimes it is best to let the experts lead when conducting experiments or research. I am always ready to take on whatever role is needed.”

Do you have experience writing grant proposals?

This question can help interviewers understand your writing skills and how you might approach a project that requires extensive research. When answering, consider describing the process of writing a grant proposal and what steps you took to complete it.

Example: “In my last role as an animal scientist, I helped write several grant proposals for our department. We had to apply for funding from different sources in order to purchase new equipment and supplies for our lab. Grant proposals are important because they show donors or sponsors why their money is being used effectively. In this situation, we needed to provide evidence of our team’s work and explain how additional funds would be spent.”

When is it appropriate to use humane methods to conduct research?

This question can help interviewers determine your understanding of animal welfare and the ethical treatment of animals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example from your experience as an animal scientist.

Example: “I believe that humane methods should always be used when conducting research on animals. In my last position, I was working with a team of researchers who were trying to find ways to reduce stress in livestock. We decided to use non-invasive methods such as infrared cameras to monitor the behavior of cattle while they were being transported. This allowed us to see how the cattle reacted to different stimuli without causing them any harm.”

We want to improve the living conditions of livestock. What changes would you make to our facilities?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of the industry and how you would improve conditions for livestock. In your answer, try to highlight specific changes that could be made to improve living conditions while also maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Example: “I think it’s important to consider both animal welfare and economic factors when making facility improvements. For example, I would recommend installing more windows in barns so animals have a view of the outside world. This change may increase construction costs but could make the animals happier. Another improvement I would suggest is adding more space between pens so animals have more room to move around. This change may reduce overcrowding but will likely increase operational costs.”

Describe your research project from last year and how it contributed to your field of study.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your research skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering, try to describe what your project was about and why it was important to your field of study. If possible, mention any publications or presentations that resulted from your work.

Example: “My senior thesis was on the effects of a certain type of food dye on mice behavior. I chose this topic because there is very little information available about the long-term effects of these dyes on animals. My research helped me discover that these dyes can cause hyperactivity in mice after prolonged exposure. This finding could help scientists develop safer alternatives for coloring foods.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel they make you the best candidate for their open position. Before your interview, review the job description thoroughly and highlight any skills or experience that you have that match what the employer is looking for in a new hire. When answering this question, try to emphasize these skills and explain why they are important to animal science.

Example: “I am passionate about animals and believe I would be an excellent fit for this role because of my extensive knowledge of animal behavior and communication. Throughout my education, I learned many different methods of communicating with animals and how to interpret their body language and vocalizations. This skill set makes me confident that I can help solve behavioral issues at the zoo.”

Which industries do you hope to work with in the future and why?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the animal science industry. It also allows you to demonstrate that you have goals and aspirations beyond this job interview. When answering, it can be helpful to mention specific companies or organizations where you would like to work. This shows that you’ve done research on the company and are familiar with their mission.

Example: “I hope to continue working in the agricultural industry. I love helping farmers develop new ways to care for their livestock. In my last position, I worked with a local farmer who was having trouble getting his chickens to lay eggs. After some testing, we discovered that he needed to adjust the lighting in the coop. He implemented our recommendations and now has one of the most productive chicken farms in the area.”

What do you think the future of animal science looks like?

Employers ask this question to see if you are passionate about your career and how you plan to grow it. They want someone who is excited about the future of animal science and has ideas for how they can help advance the field. When answering this question, make sure to show that you have a strong interest in the industry and what you would like to see change or develop.

Example: “I think the future of animal science looks very bright. I am excited to be part of an industry that is growing so quickly. In my opinion, we need more people working on developing new ways to treat disease and improve animal health. I would love to work with a team of other scientists to create new technology that makes our lives easier as well as helps animals live longer and healthier lives.”

How often should you check on animals in a research lab?

This question can help interviewers understand how you prioritize your work and ensure the safety of animals in a research lab. Your answer should show that you value animal welfare and are willing to take responsibility for monitoring their well-being.

Example: “I believe it’s important to check on animals at least once every hour, especially when they’re first introduced into a new environment. This allows me to monitor their behavior and make sure they have enough food and water. I also like to check on them more frequently if there is any unusual activity or change in their health. For example, if an animal seems lethargic or unusually active, I would want to check on them right away to see if there was anything I could do to help.”

There is a disease outbreak in your animal lab. What is your process for containing the situation?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to contain the outbreak and minimize its impact on the animals in the lab.

Example: “If there was an outbreak in my animal lab, I would first quarantine all of the infected animals from the rest of the population. Then, I would contact the proper authorities to alert them of the situation and request assistance with containing the disease. After that, I would begin testing the remaining animals for signs of infection. If any of the remaining animals were found to have the disease, I would also quarantine them.”