20 Novavax Interview Questions and Answers

Novavax is a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to delivering innovative vaccines to help prevent serious infectious diseases. Novavax is currently developing several vaccine candidates, including one for the prevention of COVID-19.

If you’re interested in working for Novavax, you can expect to be asked a range of questions about your qualifications, experience, and skills. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of sample Novavax interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Novavax Interview Process

The Novavax interview process can be long, difficult, and frustrating. It often takes multiple weeks to hear back from the company, and the interviewers can be unprepared or aggressive. However, the overall experience is generally positive, with friendly staff and interesting questions.

1. What is your experience in the pharmaceutical industry?

Novavax is a pharmaceutical company, so your experience in the industry can be beneficial. When answering this question, you can list any relevant work experiences and explain how they helped you develop skills that are useful for this role.

Example: “I have worked as a research scientist at my current job for five years now. My primary responsibility was to test new drugs and make sure they were safe for human use. I also had to ensure that our products met all of the FDA’s requirements. This experience has given me valuable insight into what it takes to create effective medications.”

2. Describe a time where you had to manage multiple projects at once, how did you do it?

Novavax is a large company that works on multiple projects at once. Your interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working in an environment like Novavax’s. Use your answer to explain how you manage multiple tasks and prioritize them effectively.

Example: “At my previous job, I had to work on multiple projects at the same time. For example, one day I would be working on a project for a client while also helping my team members with their own projects. To help me stay organized, I used a task management system where I could create different lists of tasks and assign them to myself or other team members. This helped me keep track of all the projects I was working on and ensured I didn’t forget any important tasks.”

3. How would you deal with an unhappy customer?

Novavax is a pharmaceutical company, so it’s likely that you’ll have to interact with unhappy customers at some point in your career. Interviewers want to know how you would handle this situation and if you’ve ever had to do so before. Use examples from previous jobs or describe what you would do in this situation.

Example: “I would first try to understand the customer’s problem and find out why they were upset. I would then apologize for their experience and offer them a solution. If they are unsatisfied with my response, I would ask them to give me 24 hours to solve the issue. If they’re still not satisfied after that time period, I would escalate the matter to my manager.”

4. Tell me about a time when you were able to build strong relationships with co-workers and customers.

Novavax is a global company that works with many different types of people. Your answer to this question can show the interviewer how you interact with others and your ability to work in a team environment.

Example: “I have always been passionate about customer service, so I volunteered for a call center when I was in college. The company I worked for had an online store where customers could buy products. When I started working there, I noticed that some customers were having trouble navigating the website or finding what they wanted to purchase. So, I offered to help them find what they needed and helped resolve their issues. This experience taught me how important it is to be helpful and kind to everyone.”

5. Do you have any experience working with biotech products?

Novavax is a biopharmaceutical company that develops vaccines and other products for the healthcare industry. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have any experience working with similar companies or developing products in your current role. Use examples from your past work history to highlight your skills, knowledge and expertise when it comes to working with biotech products.

Example: “I worked as an assistant scientist at a small biotech firm where I helped develop new drugs and treatments for patients. In my role, I was responsible for testing different compounds and making sure they were safe before we released them to the public. I also had to ensure our facilities met all safety standards so we could continue production.”

6. Why do you want to work at Novavax?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their company. Use your answer to highlight any personal or professional values that align with Novavax’s mission, vision or goals.

Example: “I want to work at Novavax because I am passionate about helping people stay healthy. In my last role as a nurse, I saw firsthand how vaccines helped prevent disease outbreaks in children. I would love to continue this important work by developing new vaccines that can protect more people from infectious diseases.”

7. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Employers want to know what you’re good at and how you can improve your weaknesses. When answering this question, try to focus on the skills that are most relevant to the position.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills. I’m also highly organized and detail-oriented, which helps me stay focused on my work. My weakness is that sometimes I get so caught up in my work that I forget to take breaks. This has led to some minor health issues in the past, but I’ve learned to balance my work with healthy habits.”

8. Why should we hire you over other candidates?

This question is a great opportunity to show your knowledge of the company and how you can contribute to its success. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your relevant skills and experience that make you an ideal candidate for Novavax.

Example: “I am passionate about science and medicine, which is why I chose to pursue a career in research. In my previous role as a lab technician, I was responsible for testing samples and ensuring they were safe for use. This job required me to be highly organized and detail-oriented, which are two skills I believe will help me succeed at Novavax.”

9. What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of this role?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your thought process and how you approach challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you faced a challenge at work and overcame it.

Example: “The most challenging aspect of this role may be the need to balance multiple projects at once. I have experience working on several projects at once, but sometimes that can lead to some stress. In my current position, I use project management software to help me stay organized and keep track of all of my tasks. This has helped me manage my workload effectively.”

10. What makes you passionate about science?

Novavax is a science-based company, so it’s important for the interviewer to know that you’re passionate about your field. Your answer should show that you enjoy learning and discovering new things. You can talk about what inspired you to pursue a career in science or how you’ve seen science make positive changes in people’s lives.

Example: “I’m passionate about science because I love learning new things. When I was younger, my parents took me on a trip to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History where I saw dinosaur bones and fossils. It was amazing to see these creatures that were millions of years old. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to be a paleontologist. Now, I work with scientists who are making discoveries every day.”

11. Are you comfortable working on a team?

Novavax is a collaborative company, and they want to make sure you’re comfortable working with others. This question helps them determine if you can work well in a team setting. Use this opportunity to show that you enjoy collaborating with your colleagues. Explain how you like to share ideas and opinions with others.

Example: “I love working on teams because it allows me to collaborate with other professionals. I find that when we all contribute our thoughts and ideas, we can create better solutions. In my last role, I was part of a large project team. We had weekly meetings where we discussed the progress of our work. During these meetings, I would offer suggestions for improving our processes. My teammates appreciated my input, and we were able to complete the project ahead of schedule.”

12. What are your career goals?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your career aspirations and how they align with Novavax’s goals. Your answer should include information about what you hope to achieve in your career, as well as any steps you’ve taken to make those goals a reality.

Example: “My primary goal is to work for a company that values innovation and collaboration. I believe Novavax has an excellent reputation for both, which is why I applied here. In my previous role, I worked on a team that developed a new vaccine delivery system. This experience helped me realize that I want to continue working in this field, so I’m hoping to use it as a springboard into a more senior position.”

13. What type of environment do you work best in?

Novavax is a fast-paced company that requires its employees to work quickly and efficiently. The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you are comfortable working in an environment like Novavax’s. When answering, consider the type of workplace you have worked in before and what your experience was like. If you have not had much experience with different types of workplaces, think about what kind of environment you would prefer.

Example: “I am used to working in a very busy environment where I need to multitask and prioritize my tasks. In my last position, we were always under tight deadlines and needed to work quickly to meet those deadlines. I enjoy being able to work quickly because it helps me feel productive throughout the day.”

14. When was the last time you worked in a fast paced environment?

Novavax is a fast-paced company that works on multiple projects at once. Your interviewer may ask this question to see if you are comfortable working in such an environment. Use your answer to highlight any skills or experiences that make you well suited for the position.

Example: “In my last job, I worked with a team of researchers who were developing new vaccines. We had several deadlines throughout the year where we needed to present our findings and results to the public. This was a great experience because it taught me how to work under pressure while still maintaining quality work.”

15. If hired, what would your approach be to managing a team of scientists?

Novavax is a large company that employs many scientists. Your answer to this question can help the interviewer understand how you would approach managing your team and working with others in the organization. Use examples from past experiences where you managed a team of people or led a group project to show the interviewer that you have these skills.

Example: “I’ve worked on teams before, and I find it’s important to be open and honest about what we’re doing and why. When I was studying for my master’s degree, I had a professor who always encouraged us to ask questions and speak up if we didn’t understand something. I think that’s an important part of leading a team because it helps everyone feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their ideas.”

16. Have you ever managed interns before?

Novavax is a large company that hires many interns. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience managing interns and how well you can mentor them. Use your answer to highlight any skills or qualities you possess that make you an effective manager.

Example: “I’ve had several internships throughout my college career, so I have plenty of experience working with interns. In fact, I find it quite easy to work with interns because they are eager to learn and usually very passionate about their field of study. As someone who has worked as an intern myself, I know what it’s like to be in their position and understand what they need from me as a mentor.”

17. What are your thoughts on vaccines?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of vaccines and how you feel about them. It’s important to show that you understand the importance of vaccines, but also that you’re willing to work with them as part of a team.

Example: “I believe in the power of vaccines. I know they can save lives and prevent diseases from spreading. However, I think it’s important to remember that not everyone can be vaccinated. Some people are allergic to certain ingredients or have other medical conditions that make vaccination dangerous. For this reason, I think it’s important to continue researching new ways to create effective vaccines.”

18. What do you know about our company?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to see how much you know about their company and what it does. It also shows them that you have done your research before coming in for the interview. When answering this question, make sure to include information from the job description as well as any other details you found online or through talking with someone who works there.

Example: “I read through the job description thoroughly and was impressed by Novavax’s mission statement. I also did some research on the company itself and learned that it has been around since 2008. I noticed that it has won several awards for its work in developing vaccines and antivirals.”

19. Give us an example of a time when you had to convince someone to try something new or different.

This question is a great way to show your communication skills and how you can persuade others. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight the steps you took to convince someone and what the outcome was.

Example: “When I first started working at my current company, there were many employees who didn’t like using our new software program. They preferred the old system because they knew exactly where everything was and didn’t have to spend time learning something new. I decided to hold a meeting with all of the employees who had concerns about the new software. During the meeting, I explained why we needed to use the new software and showed them some of its features. After that meeting, most of the employees agreed to give the new software a try.”

20. Describe a time when you had to make decisions without consulting your direct manager.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you make decisions and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities and ability to work independently.

Example: “When I first started working at Novavax, my manager was on vacation for a week. During that time, I had to make several important decisions regarding our marketing campaign. My team members were able to rely on me during this time because they knew I would always do what’s best for the company. They trusted my judgment and decision-making process.”