20 Genentech Interview Questions and Answers

As a leading biotechnology company, Genentech is always looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join their team. If you’re hoping to land a job at Genentech, you can expect to be asked some tough interview questions.

In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of the types of questions you can expect to be asked in a Genentech interview. We’ll also provide sample answers to help you prepare for your own interview.

Genentech Interview Process

The interview process at Genentech 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 Genentech 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. Tell me about a time when you had to explain scientific information to someone who wasn’t familiar with your area of expertise.

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of how you communicate complex information to others and whether you have experience doing so. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills, ability to simplify scientific concepts and willingness to teach others about your field.

Example: “When I was working as an intern at my university’s genetics lab, I had to explain some of our research findings to a group of students who were taking a class on human development. The students asked me questions about what we found in our study and how it related to their coursework. I simplified the terms that they may not have been familiar with and explained the results of our study clearly so that everyone could understand them.”

2. What is the most important thing that makes a good scientist?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the scientific field and how you can apply it. When answering this question, make sure that you are able to explain what makes a good scientist in an easy-to-understand manner.

Example: “The most important thing that makes a good scientist is their ability to be curious. A scientist should always want to learn more about their subject matter and find new ways to improve upon their work. Another quality I think is essential for a scientist is their ability to communicate with others. Scientists need to be able to clearly explain their findings so that other people can understand them.”

3. How would you market Genentech’s products and services to potential clients?

Marketing is an important part of any business, and Genentech wants to know how you would help them market their products and services. Use your answer to highlight your marketing skills and knowledge by describing a specific strategy or tactic that you would use to promote the company’s offerings.

Example: “I believe in using multiple channels to reach as many potential customers as possible. I would create targeted ads on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where people are more likely to be looking for information about genetic testing. I would also develop content for blogs and websites that target similar audiences. I think it’s important to have a presence at industry conferences and events so that we can meet with current clients and make new connections.”

4. What are some examples of ways to improve our medical equipment sales process?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the company’s sales process and how you can improve it. You can answer this question by providing examples from your previous experience that highlight your ability to think critically, analyze data and develop solutions for problems.

Example: “I’ve noticed that many medical equipment companies have a similar sales process, which includes cold calling, setting up meetings with doctors and then following up on those meetings. I believe there are more effective ways to sell our products because these methods aren’t always successful. For example, in my last role as a sales representative, I found that emailing marketing materials to potential clients was much more effective than cold calling. This strategy helped me reach more qualified leads and increased my sales by 20%.”

5. Explain how a protein functions in a cell.

This question is a basic knowledge test that the interviewer may ask to see if you have enough scientific background to work in their company. Your answer should include a definition of a protein and how it functions within a cell.

Example: “Proteins are large molecules made up of amino acids. They function by binding with other proteins, DNA or RNA. Proteins can also bind with carbohydrates or lipids. This allows them to perform many different tasks within a cell, such as transporting substances through the bloodstream.”

6. Do you have experience working on cross-functional teams?

Genentech is a large company that requires employees to work together. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills and how you contribute to a team. Use your answer to explain what it means to work on a cross-functional team and share an example of when you’ve done so in the past.

Example: “In my current role, I am part of a cross-functional team where we meet once a week to discuss our progress and any challenges we’re facing. We also use these meetings as a way to celebrate each other’s successes. In my previous position, I was part of a smaller team that met daily to discuss our tasks for the day and provide updates on our progress.”

7. Describe a change management project that you worked on, what was your role in it?

This question is a great way to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work in teams. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the challenges you faced during the project and how you overcame them.

Example: “In my last role as a senior manager, I was tasked with leading a change management project that involved changing our entire sales process. This meant we had to train all of our employees on new software and processes for selling our products. The challenge here was training everyone at once, so I split up the team into smaller groups based on their department. We then trained each group separately before bringing everyone back together to practice using the new system.”

8. What do you think are the main differences between chemistry and biology?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the two subjects and how they differ. It also allows you to show that you can apply what you know about chemistry to biology, which is an important skill for this role.

Example: “Chemistry and biology are both sciences, but I think there are some key differences between them. Chemistry is more quantitative in nature, while biology is more qualitative. In my experience, chemistry is often used to solve problems by creating new compounds or elements, while biology focuses on understanding life processes and organisms. Another difference is that chemistry uses math and formulas to explain things, while biology relies on observation.”

9. How do you feel about working around chemicals?

Genentech is a pharmaceutical company that produces drugs. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have any concerns about working in an environment where chemicals are present. Your answer should show the interviewer that you understand what working with chemicals entails and that you’re willing to do so.

Example: “I am aware of the risks involved when working around chemicals, but I feel confident in my ability to work safely. In fact, I took a class on chemical safety during my undergraduate studies, which taught me how to handle hazardous materials. I also volunteered at a hospital for two summers, where I learned how to use many different types of chemicals.”

10. When did you last take a genetics course?

Employers ask this question to see if you are up-to-date on the latest developments in genetics. They want to know that you have a passion for learning and staying current with your field. When answering, be honest about when you took the course and what you learned. If you haven’t taken a genetics class recently, explain how you stay informed about new developments in the industry.

Example: “I last took a genetics course in college. I was fascinated by the subject matter and enjoyed it so much that I decided to major in biology. Since then, I’ve read many articles online about recent discoveries in genetics. I also subscribe to several newsletters from leading geneticists.”

11. In your opinion, which type of research has more importance clinical or basic science?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the two types of research and how they relate to each other. You can answer this question by explaining which type you think is more important, or you can explain why both are equally important.

Example: “In my opinion, basic science has more importance because it’s what leads to clinical discoveries. Basic scientists study cells and molecules in order to understand them better, while clinical researchers apply that information to help patients. Both types of research are essential for scientific progress.”

12. Can you tell us about an innovative idea you had for improving a product or service?

This question is a great way to show your creativity and problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the idea in detail and explain how you implemented it.

Example: “At my previous job, I noticed that our customer service team was receiving many calls from customers who were having trouble using our website. This led me to create an online tutorial for new users of our product. The tutorial included step-by-step instructions on how to use our product and also answered common questions about its usage. After creating the tutorial, we saw a significant decrease in call volume from customers.”

13. Are you comfortable working with patients and other healthcare professionals?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to work with others. Your answer should include a specific example of how you worked well with patients or healthcare professionals in the past.

Example: “I have experience working with patients and other medical professionals, including doctors and nurses. In my last role as a nurse practitioner, I was responsible for diagnosing and treating patients who came into our urgent care center. One day, I had a patient come in with symptoms that could be related to several different conditions. I asked them questions about their health history and performed some diagnostic tests to determine what they were experiencing. After reviewing all of the information, I determined that the patient’s condition was not life-threatening and prescribed medication to treat it.”

14. Walk me through a typical day at work as a research associate with Genentech.

This question is a great way to show the interviewer that you understand what it’s like to work at Genentech. It also gives them an idea of how your daily responsibilities align with their expectations for this role.

Example: “My typical day starts by checking my email and responding to any urgent messages. I then review my calendar to see which projects I need to complete today, along with any meetings or presentations I have scheduled. Throughout the day, I’ll meet with other research associates to discuss our progress on various projects. I may also attend internal seminars or training sessions to learn more about new technologies or processes.”

15. What is the best way to communicate results from a study?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you will communicate with your team and other stakeholders. Use examples from past projects to show that you are a strong communicator who is able to clearly explain complex information in an easy-to-understand way.

Example: “I find it helpful to use visuals when communicating results from a study. For example, I once worked on a project where we were trying to develop a new drug for cancer patients. At our weekly meetings, I would present my findings using graphs and charts so everyone could understand the data. This helped me build rapport with my team members because they knew I was always willing to answer questions about the data.”

16. Give me an example of when you were able to provide excellent customer service to a patient or client.

Genentech is a pharmaceutical company that focuses on developing treatments for patients. As such, the company wants to know how you can help them provide excellent customer service to their clients and patients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight your communication skills or interpersonal skills.

Example: “When I worked as an assistant in my doctor’s office, we had a patient who was very anxious about her upcoming surgery. She called our office multiple times asking questions about what she could expect during her procedure. I scheduled a time to meet with her so I could answer all of her questions and calm her nerves. By meeting with her one-on-one, I was able to put her mind at ease and make sure she felt comfortable before her surgery.”

17. Have you ever taught a class before? If so, describe one of your lesson plans.

Genentech is a large company that employs many professionals with different skill sets. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teaching experience and how you might fit into the team if hired. If you have never taught a class, describe any other training or mentoring experiences you’ve had in the past.

Example: “I haven’t ever taught a class before, but I did volunteer as an assistant teacher for my daughter’s science fair last year. My daughter was assigned a project on the human body, so she decided to do her research on cancer cells. She asked me to help her find information online and then assist her with organizing her data and creating graphs and charts.”

18. As a manufacturing technician, you will be expected to handle hazardous materials. Is this something you are comfortable handling?

The interviewer will want to know that you are comfortable working with hazardous materials and understand the safety procedures for handling them. You can answer this question by explaining your experience in handling hazardous materials, or if you have no experience, you can explain how you would learn to handle them.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with hazardous materials because I have been doing it for several years now. In my previous position, I was responsible for cleaning up spills of hazardous materials and disposing of waste properly. I also had to wear protective gear when handling these materials, so I am familiar with all the proper protocols.”

19. Which software applications are you proficient in using?

Genentech uses a variety of software applications, so the interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using similar programs. List any software application that you are proficient in using and explain why it is easy for you to use.

Example: “I am very familiar with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. I also know how to use Google Docs, which I find helpful when collaborating on projects with my team members. In my previous role as an administrative assistant, I used Filemaker Pro to organize client information.”

20. What qualities should you look for when hiring a new staff member?

This question is a great way to assess the values of an organization. It also allows you to show your own leadership qualities by explaining what you would look for in new hires. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific skills or traits that are important to the role you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities I look for when hiring someone new is their ability to work well with others. In my last position, I hired several people at once and was able to see how they interacted with each other. I noticed that those who were more open-minded and willing to learn from others had a much easier time adjusting to the company culture. Another quality I look for is initiative. I like to hire people who take charge and have ideas about how to improve processes.”