by Admin KBI

Your hard work has paid off, and now you're ready to embark on a thrilling journey in the field of biotechnology. As you gear up for job interviews, we've compiled a guide to help you navigate through frequently asked questions. These insights will not only boost your confidence but also enhance your chances of landing that dream job in the biotech industry.

The world of biotechnology, with its potential to develop cancer cures and create eco-friendly clothing, awaits your contribution. Before you set out to make a difference, let's ensure you're well-prepared to ace those interviews. This article is your key to understanding the unique expectations of the biotech sector and presenting your skills effectively.

Let's dive into the 7 frequently asked questions that can make or break your biotech job interview success.

1. Tell me about your experience in using various laboratory equipment and techniques

This question aims to find out how proficient you are in using laboratory equipment and techniques that are commonly used in biotechnology. You should show that you have enough knowledge and skills to do the expected work.

Example answer for you who have no work experience:

I have experience in using various laboratory equipment and techniques during my education in the biotechnology major. I have learned and practiced using equipment and techniques such as PCR, DNA extraction, cloning, sequencing, spectrophotometry, and microscopy. I have also worked on some academic projects and final assignments that involved experiments and testing using these equipment and techniques. I can show you certificates and reports that prove my experience.

Tips:

• Mention the equipment and techniques that are relevant to the position you are applying for. If you are not sure, you can look for information about the company or organization you are applying to and the type of work they offer.
• Explain briefly and clearly what you did with the equipment and techniques, such as the purpose, process, and results. Avoid using technical terms that are too complicated or uncommon, unless you are asked to explain further.
• Provide evidence that can support your experience, such as certificates, reports, portfolios, or publications. You can bring these documents during the interview or send them online beforehand

2. How do you design and implement a research project?

This question aims to find out how well you can design and implement a research project related to biotechnology. You should show that you have the ability to think critically, analytically, and systematically in doing research.

Here's an example on how you can answer the question

I design and implement research projects based on the scientific method, which I learned during my studies in the biotechnology major. I start by identifying the problem or question that I want to answer, then I do a literature review to find out the current state of knowledge and the gap in the field. Next, I formulate a hypothesis and design an experiment or test to test the hypothesis. Then, I collect and analyze data, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Finally, I report and present my findings and recommendations to my supervisor or peers. I have applied this method in some academic projects and final assignments.

3. How do you ensure the accuracy and precision of your experimental results?

This question aims to find out how careful and meticulous you are in conducting experiments and producing valid and reliable data. You should show that you have high standards and procedures in maintaining the quality and integrity of data.

Example answer for fresh graduates who have no work experience:

I ensure the accuracy and precision of my experimental results by following the standard operating procedures (SOP) and good laboratory practices (GLP) that I was taught in the biotechnology major. I use the appropriate equipment and techniques according to the experimental protocol, calibrate and validate the instruments before and after use, perform quality control checks on the samples and reagents, record and document data neatly and honestly, and repeat the experiment or test if necessary. I also use statistical methods and tools to analyze data and reduce errors or biases that may occur.

4. Do you have experience using bioinformatics applications and databases?

This question aims to find out how skilled you are in using bioinformatics applications and databases, which are related to bioinformatics, a branch of biotechnology that uses information technology to manage and analyze biological data. You should show that you have enough knowledge and skills to use applications and databases that are commonly used in biotechnology.

You can compose your answer using below answer as reference:

 I am familiar with some bioinformatics software and databases that I learned and used during my studies in the biotechnology major. For example, I use R, Python, SQL, and Excel to perform data analysis and visualization. I have also used BLAST, GenBank, and NCBI to access and search for sequences and biological information. I have also used Clustal, MEGA, and Phylo to perform sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis. I can show you certificates and reports that prove my experience.

5. Tell me about a problem you faced in the laboratory and how you solved it

This question aims to find out how well you can solve problems that may occur in the laboratory, such as broken equipment, contaminated samples, or inconsistent results. You should show that you have the ability to think logically, creatively, and collaboratively in solving problems.

Tell your experience using this structure

I faced a problem when I was doing a PCR procedure in the school laboratory, where the PCR machine was not working properly with fluctuating temperatures. I checked the manual and found that the machine needed to be cleaned and maintained. I followed the instructions and cleaned the machine and replaced the damaged components. I also did a trial run to make sure that the machine was working properly. After that, I was able to continue my experiment and get the expected results.

6. Do you have experience publishing research papers?

This question aims to find out how productive and accomplished you are in doing research in the biotechnology field. You should show that you have experience and quality enough to publish research papers in reputable and high-impact scientific journals.

Here's an example on how you can answer the question:

I have experience publishing research papers in peer-reviewed journals. I have published one paper as the first author, which discussed [research topic]. The paper was published in [journal name], which is a reputable and high-impact journal in the biotechnology field. I am also in the process of publishing another paper as a co-author, which discussed [research topic]. I can show you my portfolio and publications that prove my experience.

What if you have not published a research paper? You can use the following template:

I have not yet published any research papers in peer-reviewed journals, but I have a high interest and motivation to do research in the biotechnology field. I have written some reports and academic papers during my studies in the biotechnology major, which discussed [research topics]. I have also presented some posters at scientific conferences or seminars, which discussed [research topics]. I can show you certificates and reports that prove my experience. I hope to learn and grow more in research under your guidance

7. If you were given the freedom to determine the company’s expansion strategy, what new product or service would you develop?

This question aims to find out how creative and innovative you are in developing new products or services in the biotechnology field. You should show that you have a vision and mission that match the company or organization you are applying to, as well as the ability to analyze the market and customer needs.

Here's the template that you can use:

If I were given the freedom to determine the company’s expansion strategy, I would develop a new product that is a biodegradable plastic made from plant-based materials. This product is based on biotechnology techniques, such as fermentation and polymerization, that can convert plant sugars into bioplastics. This product can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste, as well as provide a renewable and cost-effective alternative to petroleum-based plastics. This product can also help customers, such as manufacturers, retailers, or consumers, to adopt more eco-friendly practices and products.

Before we wrap up, we would like to give you some general tips that you can apply to any biotech job interview question, regardless of the topic or difficulty. These tips are based on our research and experience, and they can help you make a good impression and stand out from the crowd. Here are the 4 general tips that you should follow:

• Be honest and confident. Don’t lie or exaggerate about your experience, skills, or achievements. Instead, focus on your strengths and potential, and show that you are eager to learn and grow in the biotech field.
• Be specific and relevant. Give concrete examples and details that demonstrate your knowledge and skills in biotechnology. Avoid vague or general statements that don’t relate to the position or the company. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your accomplishments.
• Be prepared and enthusiastic. Research the company and the position before the interview, and prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. Show your interest and passion for biotechnology, and explain why you want to work for the company and what you can contribute to it.
• Be professional and courteous. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and greet the interviewer with a smile and a handshake. Listen attentively, speak clearly, and avoid interrupting or arguing. Thank the interviewer for their time and follow up with a thank-you note.

If you find our article useful and informative, please share it with your friends and colleagues who might be interested in biotechnology. You can also follow our social media channels, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, to get the latest updates and news on biotechnology.

We would love to hear your feedback, suggestions, or input on our article. Please feel free to write them in the comment section below.

25 Biotechnologist Interview Questions and Answers
https://climbtheladder.com/biotechnologist-interview-questions/