17 Biological Scientist Interview Questions and Answers

Biological scientists conduct research on all aspects of living organisms, from the smallest viruses to the largest mammals. They use their findings to develop new medicines and treatments, improve agricultural productivity, and preserve the environment.

Most biological scientists have a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, such as chemistry or physics. Some jobs may require a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in biology or a related field.

If you’re interested in a career as a biological scientist, you’ll need to ace your job interview. Here are some sample questions and answers to help you prepare.

Are you familiar with the scientific method?

The scientific method is a process that scientists use to conduct experiments and test hypotheses. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience using the scientific method in your work. Use your answer to explain what the scientific method is and how you apply it to your own research.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the scientific method. In my previous role as a biologist, I used the scientific method on a daily basis. The scientific method involves conducting an experiment or study, forming a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis through experimentation and then analyzing the results of the experiment. Throughout my career, I’ve applied the scientific method to all of my projects. I find that it’s important to follow this process because it helps me ensure that I’m collecting accurate data.”

What are the most important qualities for a successful biological scientist?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want to know that you have the right attitude for a job in science, so they can decide if you are someone who will be successful in their company. When answering this question, think of qualities that you possess or ones that you admire in others. Try to choose traits that show you are hardworking, dedicated and passionate about your work.

Example: “I believe that the most important quality for a successful biological scientist is passion. I am passionate about my work because I love learning new things and solving problems. I also think it’s important to be organized and detail-oriented. These skills help me keep track of all the information I gather during experiments.”

How do you organize and prioritize your work?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and whether you are organized enough to succeed in this role. Use examples from past experience that show you have strong time management skills, such as prioritizing tasks based on deadlines or using a planner to organize your schedule.

Example: “I use my calendar to keep track of all my appointments and due dates for projects. I find it helpful to color-code each task so I know which ones need immediate attention and which ones can wait until later. This helps me stay focused on what’s most important at any given moment. In my last position, I also used a project management software program to collaborate with other team members and assign tasks.”

What is the most interesting project you’ve worked on in your career?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your personality and what you find most interesting in your work. You can answer this question by describing a project that was challenging, but rewarding.

Example: “The most interesting project I’ve worked on so far is my current research on how to make crops more resistant to disease. This project has been very challenging because there are many factors that affect plant health, but it’s also very rewarding when we discover new ways to help farmers produce healthy crops.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your critical thinking skills to solve a problem.

This question can help the interviewer determine your problem-solving skills and how you use them to solve problems. Use examples from previous jobs or academic experiences that highlight your critical thinking abilities.

Example: “In my last job, I was tasked with finding a way to increase crop yields by 20%. This seemed like an impossible task at first, but after some research, I found out that we could achieve this goal if we used certain fertilizers in combination with other elements. After testing several combinations of fertilizer and soil, I determined which ones would produce the best results for our crops. We were able to reach our yield goals within two years.”

If given the opportunity, what area of biology would you like to focus your research on?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your interests and goals. It also helps them understand if you have any specific areas of expertise that would be beneficial to their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention an area of biology that is interesting to you or one that you are passionate about.

Example: “I am very interested in researching infectious diseases and how they spread. I find it fascinating that there are so many different ways for diseases to spread from person to person. If given the opportunity, I would love to research new methods for preventing the spread of disease.”

What would you do if you were assigned to a project you were unfamiliar with?

This question can help interviewers determine how you approach new projects and whether you are willing to learn. Use your answer to highlight your ability to adapt to new situations, collaborate with others and ask for help when needed.

Example: “When I am assigned to a project that is unfamiliar to me, I first try to understand the goals of the project and what my role in it is. Then, I look at similar projects or research papers to see if there are any similarities between them and the current project. If I still have questions about the project, I would reach out to my supervisor or other colleagues who may be able to provide more information.”

How well do you communicate your findings in writing?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your writing skills and how well you can communicate complex information in a clear, concise manner. Use examples from past experiences where you had to write reports or other documents that required you to explain scientific concepts to others.

Example: “In my previous role as a biologist, I was responsible for creating monthly reports on the progress of our research projects. These reports were highly technical, so I had to be very thorough when explaining each aspect of our experiments. In one instance, I noticed that some of the staff members who read my reports didn’t understand certain aspects of our work. So, I started holding weekly meetings with these employees to answer any questions they had about the reports.”

Do you have experience working in a team environment?

Working in a team environment is an important skill for biological scientists. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to work well with others and collaborate on projects. Use your answer to explain that you enjoy working as part of a team. Explain how you are able to communicate effectively with other members of a team.

Example: “I’ve always enjoyed working in a team environment. In my previous position, I was one of three people who worked together to complete our research project. We each had different strengths, which allowed us to cover all aspects of the project. I am very good at communicating with my teammates. If I ever need help or advice from my coworkers, I am always willing to ask questions and provide feedback when they need it.”

When was the last time you had to learn something new in order to complete a project?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you approach new challenges and whether you’re willing to learn from your colleagues. Use examples from previous work experiences where you had to learn something new or adapt to a new technology, process or software program.

Example: “At my last job, I was tasked with creating an algorithm that would predict customer behavior based on their online activity. In order to do this, I needed to learn about machine learning algorithms and neural networks. It took me some time to understand these concepts, but eventually I created an algorithm that could predict customer behavior within 10% accuracy.”

We want our employees to be well-rounded individuals. Tell me about something outside of work that interests you.

Employers ask this question to see if you have any hobbies or interests that might be a good fit for their company. They want employees who are passionate about what they do and enjoy spending time outside of work. When answering this question, think of something that is relevant to your career as a biologist.

Example: “I love animals, so I volunteer at my local animal shelter once a week. It’s rewarding to help the animals there get adopted into loving homes. I also like to spend some time in nature when I can. My favorite thing to do is go on hikes with my dog.”

Describe your process for analyzing data.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and abilities necessary for this role. Use examples from previous projects or experiences to describe how you would approach analyzing data in a new environment.

Example: “I typically start by reviewing all of my notes, including lab results and observations. Then I organize the data into categories based on what I’m looking for. Next, I use software programs to analyze the data and look for patterns. Finally, I summarize the information and present it to my team.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. To answer this question, think of a skill or quality that makes you unique from other candidates. You can also mention any certifications you have or awards you’ve won in the past.

Example: “I am passionate about biology and always strive to learn new things. I recently took an online course on microbiology and learned some interesting facts about bacteria. In my last job, I was able to use these skills to help solve a problem with our bacterial cultures. This helped us save time and money while improving our research methods.”

Which computer programs do you use most often in your work?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your computer skills and how you use them in your work. If you are applying for a position that requires using specific programs, it’s important to mention those programs when answering this question.

Example: “I have experience with several different types of software, including Microsoft Office, LabView and MATLAB. I find these programs helpful in my work because they allow me to organize data, create graphs and perform calculations on large sets of information. These tools make my job much easier than if I had to do all of these tasks manually.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of good lab safety practices?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your awareness of safety practices in the lab and how you apply them. They want to know that you understand what’s important when it comes to keeping yourself and others safe while working in a lab environment. In your answer, try to explain why each element is important and give an example of how you’ve applied these principles in your own work.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of good lab safety practices is having a well-trained team. When everyone knows their role and follows proper procedures, it can help prevent accidents from happening. I have worked with many different teams over my career, so I am familiar with the importance of communication and collaboration. If someone notices something out of place or unsafe, they should speak up right away so we can address the issue before anyone gets hurt.”

How often do you perform maintenance on lab equipment?

This question can help interviewers understand your technical skills and how often you perform maintenance on lab equipment. If you have experience maintaining lab equipment, describe the frequency of your maintenance tasks and what type of equipment you worked with.

Example: “In my previous role as a biologist, I performed regular maintenance on all lab equipment to ensure it was functioning properly. I typically checked equipment once per week for any issues or malfunctions. When I found an issue, I would troubleshoot the problem and repair or replace the malfunctioning equipment. This helped me maintain a safe work environment for myself and other employees.”

There is a bug in the lab. How do you handle it?

This question is a behavioral one, which means it’s asking you to describe a past situation and how you handled it. This can be an effective way for employers to learn more about your problem-solving skills and ability to work in teams. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to take action when needed and that you enjoy working with others.

Example: “I once had a spider crawl into my workspace while I was alone in the lab. I didn’t want to startle anyone by screaming or running out of the room, so I calmly walked over to the spider and picked it up with a tissue. Then I took it outside and released it back into the wild.”