Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
If you are like many applying to become a research associate, you have dipped your toes into research while you were in college, perhaps even while earning a postgraduate degree. You are probably interested in a specific field of study, and you have found a potential opportunity to start working in that field.
You are extremely excited about the chance to start doing work you are passionate about, and when you are contacted for an interview, you want to make sure that you ace it.
To help you out, we have compiled a list of some interview questions to help you prepare.
Key Takeaways
As a job candidate, highlight your interpersonal skills in your research associate interview, and don't be afraid to go into detail about your research process.
As an interviewer, make sure your list of questions to ask in a research associate interview covers communication and problem-solving skills as well as technical experience and expertise.
Looking for a job? These positions are hiring now near you:
Here are a few questions that you may come across when interviewing for a research associate position and example answers to these questions.
Note that these questions are designed to apply to every kind of research associate, and you may be asked more specific questions about the sort of research you will be doing. For example, if you are applying to become a research associate with a pharmaceutical company, assume that they will be asking you specifics regarding medicine.
What makes a quality research associate, in your opinion?
This question is designed to find out what your values are as a research associate and what drives you. As you answer, be honest, but also point out how your values align with the company's values and job description.
Example Answer:
I believe a quality research associate has great attention to detail, can follow complicated instructions, and has excellent reading comprehension skills.
They should be able to understand complex concepts and explain those concepts to others. They should also be able to read academic papers, published experiments, and data sources and summarize the results of these works.
Above all, however, I believe the ideal research associate has a passion for what they are researching and is curious about the discoveries they can make.
What experience do you have working in a research capacity?
Interviewers ask questions like this to get a feel for your professional background, so give them the specifics on what relevant experience you have.
Example Answer:
As I listed on my resume, while I was in college, earning my bachelor’s degree, I was involved in several research projects, working directly with professors and faculty to run experiments, publish papers, and review data. As a post-grad student, I co-authored a few papers, which I have included in my portfolio.
Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you went about fixing it.
No one is perfect, so employers want to hire research associates who will own up to and fix their mistakes rather than denying they make any or passing the buck. Give a specific example of a mistake you made, remembering to focus most of your time on how you fixed the mistake rather than on what went wrong.
Example Answer:
When writing a report of an experiment’s results, I made an error in my statistical calculations, which affected the conclusion we came to.
Luckily, I noticed my mistake prior to submitting the work to my supervisor, and I had the opportunity to recalculate. I also made sure to double-check my work with a colleague to ensure that I was coming to the correct conclusion. Moving forward, I always double-check my calculations before submitting work.
What kind of research interests you?
This is an opportunity to tell interviewers what makes you tick. Be honest as you answer, but it's a good idea to keep it relevant to the job you're applying for as well.
Example Answer:
I am mostly interested in the sort of research that deals directly with human subjects. I enjoy interacting with people, and I would be honored to be a part of research that could better the lives of others and improve a person’s quality of life. As a result, I have long been interested in pharmaceutical studies and the development of medicines.
I also am interested in psychological and psychiatric studies, as the brain, one of the most complicated organs, is particularly interesting to me.
How do you stay up-to-date with the topics we are researching?
Most fields change regularly and rapidly, so it's important that, as a research associate, you're proactive about keeping up with these changes. Lay out the specific steps you take to do this when you answer this question.
Example Answer:
I stay up-to-date with the industry by subscribing to several scientific journals and remaining in contact with professors I researched under in the past.
Why do you want to work with us specifically?
Companies want to hire employees who are invested in their mission and values, not just workers who are waiting for their next paycheck. Explain what drew you to the company, or what interests you in them now that you've applied for the job.
Example Answer:
I was drawn to your company as I am very impressed with the work you have done and the results of experiments you have done. I believe you are on the cutting edge of the industry, and you have the potential to uncover something great. I am extremely excited that I could have the opportunity to work with your organization.
How would you describe the ideal colleague?
Research associates need to know how to work as a part of a team, and a large part of this is knowing how to be a good team member. So, don't be surprised that this question is often on the list of interview questions for a research associate role.
Example Answer:
To me, the ideal colleague is someone who is, first and foremost, accountable. They realize that others depend on them, and they complete their work accordingly, with accuracy and efficiency. They understand where they fit on a team and how their contribution to our work matters.
I also believe a good colleague has a passion for what they are doing and is curious and interested in the topic they are researching. There is no replacement for a passion for research and learning.
What database and statistics software are you familiar with?
Research associates typically rely heavily on technology, so employers often ask which software and programs you've used. After you explain your experience, highlight your willingness and ability to learn new skills in this area.
Example Answer:
I am familiar with Stata, SPSS Statistics, and SAT. However, I pick up on new technology quickly and could easily learn another software.
How do you stay motivated during long tasks?
Working in research often involves long-term projects, so it's natural that interviewers will want to know if you can stay committed to these until they're completed. When you answer this question, be specific about the steps you take to accomplish these tasks.
Example Answer:
During long tasks, I try to stay motivated by keeping the goal in mind. Having a vision of what the results may look like helps me keep my energy and motivation high. I am also accustomed to working on longer tasks, as I have completed year-long research projects before.
However, I find the best way to stay motivated is to split a task up into more manageable sections, each with its own end goals. This helps me stay motivated and organized.
What, in your opinion, was the most important advancement in our field within the last ten years?
This question is designed to test your knowledge in the company's area of expertise. It also helps give interviewers a feel for where your interests lie within the field.
Example Answer:
The most important advancement in the past ten years has been the reduced costs of DNA tests. As we can test and process DNA samples at a lower cost, DNA tests have become more accessible and more common.
Not only has this allowed for the average person to have their DNA tested, say to discover ancestry or potential health risks, but it also allows for more research to be done using DNA, including altering DNA to prevent diseases in embryos, reviewing the DNA of viruses to examine how they mutate, et cetera.
This advancement has opened the door for much more scientific work to be done and more advancements to be made.
How well do you handle routine and monotonous work?
Not everything in the life of a research assistant is glamorous, and interviewers will want to know that you won't shy away from this work.
Example Answer:
As I mentioned before, I have worked on long-term projects before, and in these projects, I often repeated the same set of ten or fifteen steps daily. I find that I can get into a groove, for lack of a better term, with repetitive work, and this type of work is particularly relaxing for me, especially as I know what to expect when coming in for work every day.
Have you presented research before?
Most research roles will involve some level of presentation. After all, what good is the research if no one else hears about what you learned? When you answer this question, give examples of when you've presented in the past to assure interviewers that you're comfortable with this.
Example Answer:
Yes, as a post-graduate, I was tasked with presenting our findings to the environmental sciences department at my college.
I was responsible for developing and giving a presentation that accurately described and explained our research process and findings.
I then gave this presentation to a collection of professors and guests who included industry leaders and subject matter experts.
Where do you first look to find academic-level information?
This question aims to find out about your process as a research associate. Don't treat this as a trick question and overthink it -- answer it straightforwardly to show your confidence and training as a researcher.
Example Answer:
When I need to find information during my research, I look only to the most reputable publications and databases to find sources. I often search library databases, scientific journals, and other similar sources.
How do you handle tight deadlines?
Tight deadlines are a reality for research associates, so expect a question about this topic in your interview. Paint a picture of how you approach deadlines and ensure that your work gets done well and on time.
Example Answer:
I handle tight deadlines by remaining organized. Keeping a current planner is a habit I have maintained since high school, and it has helped me remain on track and focused.
The best way to manage tight deadlines is to split tasks up into more manageable pieces. Once you are approaching a task with a more structured approach, it is far less likely that you will get distracted or get sidetracked. This way, the task at hand always remains your primary focus.
How well do you work in teams? Do you work well with others?
Research associates virtually never work in a vacuum, so employers want to know that you can be a good team player and get along with your coworkers.
Example Answer:
I work very well on teams. Working with others is very rewarding, as we can help one another with problems that may arise, keep each other on task, and get a second opinion when we are unsure.
I believe working on teams is especially important when conducting research. As the old saying goes, “Two heads are better than one,” and this holds true when working on research, as team members can discover mistakes faster, collaborate to improve experiment processes, and come together to make more accurate conclusions.
When it comes to teams of researchers, I believe we have a natural propensity to work together and share ideas, so working on a team comes very easily to me.
Tell me about yourself.
This question offers you the opportunity to tell interviewers what sets you apart from other candidates. As you answer, you can talk about your relevant skills and experience, motivations, or anything else that makes you a great candidate.
Example Answer:
I am an experienced research associate with a significant academic background in chemistry. During my five years in research, I've been able to gain a wide range of experience, and now I'm wanting to narrow my expertise. I'm passionate about furthering a larger research goal, and I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to your research team.
Why should we hire you?
Many people feel a little uncomfortable answering this question, as it's one of the only times in life you're encouraged to brag about yourself. Don't be afraid to brag, though -- just remember to be factual and relate your qualifications to the job description.
Example Answer:
You should hire me because my technical expertise, research skills, and passion for bettering people's lives align well with this role. I've worked in pharmaceuticals for the past four years, and during that time, I've developed skills that I believe will allow me to contribute in a significant way to this organization.
Can you discuss any experience you have with intellectual property protection or patenting in research?
Conducting research also usually involves a lot of information that needs to be protected, so interviewers want to get an idea of your experience in this area.
Example Answer:
I've worked on multiple projects where I was closely involved with the drafting and submitting of patent applications for inventions that my team and I identified as potentially patentable. My last role also taught me how important proper documentation is for protecting intellectual property, so I'm comfortable with that process as well.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
This isn't a question asking you to predict the future -- it's designed to give interviewers an idea of your professional goals and dedication to growth. Explain your commitment to the organization as well as your professional goals in your answer.
Example Answer:
In five years, I see myself making even more meaningful contributions to your company's research. I aim to intentionally grow my skills so that I can take on more responsibilities such as leading projects or mentoring younger researchers.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
When you talk about your strengths, use data to back up your claims whenever you can. When you talk about your weaknesses, be honest, but focus most of your answer on what you're doing to overcome or compensate for those weaknesses.
Example Answer:
My greatest strengths are my analytical skills and communication skills. My analytical skills allow me to look at and interpret data so I can use it to inform future experiments and research. My communication skills allow me to share my data analysis with others in a clear and effective way.
At the same time, my greatest weakness is that I tend to try to do everything myself rather than delegating tasks. To combat this, I make sure I delegate at least one task and ask for help at least once per project. Once I start doing this, I'm usually much more willing to continue to delegate and ask for help.
Can you tell me about your research experience and how it relates to this role?
What specific research techniques or methodologies are you proficient in?
Can you describe a challenging research project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles?
How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your research data?
Have you presented your research findings at conferences or published any papers? If so, can you share some details?
How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple research projects simultaneously?
How do you handle unexpected setbacks or failures in your research?
Can you provide an example of a situation where you collaborated effectively with a diverse team of researchers?
How do you approach problem-solving in a research setting?
What steps do you take to ensure compliance with ethical guidelines and regulations in research?
Can you describe your experience with grant writing or securing research funding?
How do you communicate complex research findings to non-experts or stakeholders?
Have you supervised or mentored junior researchers or students before? If so, how did you approach that role?
How do you manage and organize your research data, including storage, analysis, and retrieval?
How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within a research team?
Can you share an example of a time when your research contributed to practical applications or real-world impact?
How do you adapt to new research technologies or methodologies?
What are your long-term career goals in the field of research?
As a Candidate:
Showcase your problem-solving skills. Whether you have the exact technical expertise for the position or not, strong problem-solving skills are key to being an effective research associate. Look for opportunities to show off these skills in your interview.
Be ready to talk about the details of your research processes. Many interviewers will ask you for details about how you go about finding information, interpreting data, or presenting your findings. Prepare for this so that you can have your processes fresh in your mind when they ask.
Highlight your communication and interpersonal skills. You may not initially think of these skills as vital for a research associate to have, but effective researchers are able to work well with a team and communicate their findings. Because of this, questions along this line are often on the list of common research associate interview questions.
As an Interviewer:
Assess candidates' problem-solving skills. Successful research associates have strong problem-solving skills. Research associate behavioral interview questions are a great way to find out about a candidate's abilities in this area.
Ask detailed questions about candidates' research experience and abilities. Sure, a candidate might say they have six years of experience, but what did they do during that time? Asking questions about how they find information, how they stay up-to-date on industry trends, and what software they use is a great way to see if they're a good fit for your organization or not.
Evaluate candidates' communication skills. You'll probably be able to tell quite a bit about an applicant in this area just by listening to them answer questions, but it doesn't hurt to ask direct questions about their presentation, teamwork, and writing skills as well.
Becoming a professional researcher can be an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to learn and discover. Aside from the job application, the interview is your first chance to prove to your potential employer why you are perfect for the position.
By practicing answering these sample questions, you will find yourself as prepared as you can be for your interview.