Biotech Job Interview Warm‑Up: 30 Real R&D & Project‑Design Questions

1. Why Biotech Interview Preparation Matters

Like any specialised field, biotechnology demands a blend of in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and interdisciplinary thinking. Below are a few reasons why structured interview prep is crucial:

1. Demonstrate Your Scientific Know-How
   Employers need to see that you grasp core scientific principles, regulatory guidelines, and lab techniques relevant to their research focus. Interview questions will quickly test whether you can apply this knowledge to real-world problems.

2. Showcase Adaptability
   The biotech industry evolves rapidly, with new breakthroughs regularly changing best practices. Knowing how to stay updated on emerging techniques or regulatory shifts will highlight your proactive mindset.

3. Highlight Problem-Solving Skills
   Whether you’re troubleshooting an experimental protocol or optimising a production pipeline, you’ll be expected to illustrate methodical thinking, data-driven decision-making, and a solutions-oriented approach.

4. Illustrate Project Management Abilities
   Many biotech roles involve managing complex projects with strict timelines—especially those tied to clinical trials, manufacturing, or product launches. Communicating your experience with planning, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration is key.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice
   Confidence in the interview setting often comes from repetition. The more you practise your answers and walk through potential scenarios, the better prepared you’ll be when the real questions come.

By honing both technical and organisational skills, you’ll present yourself as a well-rounded candidate able to contribute immediately to a biotech team.

2. 15 Real Scientific Interview Questions

Below are 15 commonly asked technical or scientific interview questions in the biotech industry. While they’re grouped together here, remember that each interviewer may approach these topics differently based on their company’s research focus or business model.

Scientific Question 1: Explain the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

Question: Can you outline the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, and discuss any exceptions or regulatory nuances?
What to focus on:

• Basic replication, transcription, and translation steps.

• Regulatory checkpoints such as alternative splicing or RNA interference.

• Real-world deviations (e.g., retroviruses using reverse transcriptase).

Scientific Question 2: Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Gene Expression

Question: How does gene expression differ in prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes?
What to focus on:

• Operons in prokaryotes.

• Introns, exons, and the complexity of eukaryotic regulation.

• Importance in drug targeting or biologic production (e.g., using E. coli vs. yeast vs. mammalian cells).

Scientific Question 3: CRISPR-Cas9 Mechanism

Question: Describe the CRISPR-Cas9 system and discuss potential applications and ethical concerns.
What to focus on:

• Mechanism of DNA cleavage guided by gRNA.

• Off-target effects and how to mitigate them.

• Therapeutic vs. research applications.

Scientific Question 4: Cell Culture Troubleshooting

Question: If a cell line isn’t growing as expected, how would you diagnose and fix the issue?
What to focus on:

• Media components, pH, contamination, passage number.

• Quality checks: contamination testing, verifying cell line authenticity (STR profiling).

• Sterility protocols and aseptic techniques.

Scientific Question 5: Pharmacokinetics vs. Pharmacodynamics

Question: Differentiate between pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD).
What to focus on:

• Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) for PK.

• Dose-response relationships for PD.

• Application in drug development and dosing studies.

Scientific Question 6: Bioreactor Design for Cell Cultures

Question: What factors do you consider when choosing or designing a bioreactor for a mammalian cell culture process?
What to focus on:

• Shear stress tolerance, oxygen transfer, pH monitoring.

• Scale-up considerations: from bench-top to pilot to commercial scale.

• Single-use vs. stainless steel bioreactors.

Scientific Question 7: Genomics & Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Question: Can you outline the basics of NGS workflows and mention the key data analysis challenges?
What to focus on:

• Library preparation, sequencing platforms (Illumina, PacBio, Nanopore).

• Data volume and computational bottlenecks.

• Bioinformatics pipelines (alignment, variant calling, annotation).

Scientific Question 8: ELISA vs. Western Blot

Question: Explain the differences between ELISA and Western blot for protein detection.
What to focus on:

• Sensitivity vs. specificity trade-offs.

• Quantitative vs. semi-quantitative analysis.

• Time, cost, and sample throughput considerations.

Scientific Question 9: GMP and Quality Control

Question: What does GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) entail, and how is it relevant to biotech product development?
What to focus on:

• Core principles of GMP (documentation, validation, quality systems).

• Compliance with regulatory agencies (MHRA in the UK, FDA in the US).

• Impact on process consistency and patient safety.

Scientific Question 10: Cell Line Development for Biologics

Question: Describe the process of creating a stable cell line for therapeutic protein production.
What to focus on:

• Vector design, selection markers, clone screening.

• Stability testing and scalability.

• Choosing between CHO cells, HEK293, or other host cells.

Scientific Question 11: Protein Purification Techniques

Question: Compare affinity chromatography, ion exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography.
What to focus on:

• Principle behind each technique.

• Typical applications in industrial vs. research labs.

• Key advantages and limitations (purity vs. yield).

Scientific Question 12: Enzyme Kinetics

Question: What do Km and Vmax represent, and why are they important?
What to focus on:

• Relationship to enzyme affinity and catalytic efficiency.

• How kinetics data guide drug design (e.g., inhibitors).

• Methods of measurement (Lineweaver-Burk vs. Michaelis-Menten plots).

Scientific Question 13: Real-Time PCR (qPCR) vs. Endpoint PCR

Question: When and why would you choose qPCR over traditional endpoint PCR?
What to focus on:

• Quantification of gene expression.

• Sensitivity, specificity, cycle threshold (Ct) values.

• Applications in diagnostics and viral load measurement.

Scientific Question 14: Role of Bioinformatics in Drug Discovery

Question: How does bioinformatics contribute to target identification and lead optimisation?
What to focus on:

• Data mining (genomic databases, proteomic studies).

• Molecular docking, in silico screening.

• Computational biology for personalised medicine strategies.

Scientific Question 15: Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance

Question: Outline how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics and potential strategies to combat this.
What to focus on:

• Mechanisms (target modification, efflux pumps, enzymatic degradation).

• Combination therapies, antibiotic stewardship.

• Relevance to drug discovery and public health.

The science-based portion of a biotech interview often zeroes in on your technical fundamentals, hands-on experience, and analytical thinking. While you don’t have to know every technique in detail, you should be comfortable discussing the rationale behind these methods and how they apply to real-world scenarios.

3. 15 Project Design & Management Questions

Beyond benchwork or data analysis, many biotech roles require you to design and manage complex projects—be it a clinical trial, a high-throughput screening experiment, or a large-scale manufacturing pipeline. Here are 15 questions commonly asked to evaluate your ability to plan, collaborate, and deliver results in biotech settings.

Project Design Question 1: Designing a Phase I Clinical Trial

Scenario: You need to design a Phase I clinical trial for a novel oncology drug.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Primary objectives (safety, dosage range).

• Sample size and inclusion/exclusion criteria.

• Regulatory considerations (MHRA, ethics committees).

• Managing adverse events tracking and reporting.

Project Design Question 2: Tech Transfer from R&D to Manufacturing

Scenario: You’re responsible for transferring a lab-scale protein production process to a pilot plant.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Documentation of critical parameters (pH, temperature, feed rates).

• Batch vs. continuous production.

• Validation steps to ensure consistency.

• Cross-functional communication (R&D, production, QC).

Project Design Question 3: Setting Up a Quality Management System (QMS)

Scenario: Your biotech start-up needs a QMS to comply with ISO 13485 for medical devices.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Framework for document control, audits, and supplier quality.

• Training staff on SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).

• Handling corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).

• Continuous improvement strategies.

Project Design Question 4: Biosafety and Containment Strategies

Scenario: You’re designing a new biosafety level (BSL) laboratory for pathogens.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Facility layout for BSL-2 vs. BSL-3.

• Containment equipment (biosafety cabinets, HEPA filtration).

• Waste disposal and decontamination protocols.

• Staff training and emergency response plans.

Project Design Question 5: High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Campaign

Scenario: Plan an HTS campaign to identify small-molecule hits against a novel protein target.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Assay development (robustness, reproducibility).

• Automation needs (liquid handling robots).

• Library selection (compound diversity).

• Data analysis and hit validation.

Project Design Question 6: Upstream and Downstream Process Integration

Scenario: Develop an integrated approach for manufacturing a monoclonal antibody.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Cell line selection (CHO, NS0).

• Feed strategies and cell culture modes (batch, fed-batch, perfusion).

• Downstream purification steps (protein A, ion exchange).

• Quality checks and yield optimisation.

Project Design Question 7: Software & Data Management in Bioinformatics

Scenario: Your company needs a bioinformatics pipeline to analyse large genomic datasets.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Data storage solutions (cloud vs. local HPC).

• Workflow automation (Snakemake, Nextflow).

• Quality control (fastQC) and versioning of analyses.

• Collaboration across wet lab and in silico teams.

Project Design Question 8: Product Lifecycle Management (PLM)

Scenario: You’re overseeing a biotech product from concept to post-market surveillance.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Stage-gate approach: concept, feasibility, development, launch.

• Coordination with regulatory for product approvals.

• Risk management and post-market vigilance.

• Cross-functional alignment (marketing, sales, support).

Project Design Question 9: Designing a Stability Study

Scenario: You need to establish shelf-life parameters for a new vaccine.
Key Points to Discuss:

• ICH guidelines (temperature, humidity).

• Long-term vs. accelerated stability conditions.

• Establishing expiry dates and storage instructions.

• Documentation for regulatory submissions.

Project Design Question 10: Lean Six Sigma in Biotech

Scenario: Your company wants to adopt Lean Six Sigma to streamline production.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Identify bottlenecks in the manufacturing process.

• Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control (DMAIC).

• Data-driven decision-making (reduction in waste).

• Maintaining quality while increasing throughput.

Project Design Question 11: Scale-Up of Fermentation Processes

Scenario: Transition from a 5L fermenter to a 2,000L bioreactor for enzyme production.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Oxygen transfer rate (OTR), agitation, and mixing times.

• Media composition and potential foaming issues.

• Sterilisation protocols and CIP (Cleaning in Place).

• Maintaining consistent yields at large scale.

Project Design Question 12: Supply Chain Management for Clinical Trials

Scenario: You’re running a global Phase III trial for a cell therapy product.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Cold chain logistics (cryopreservation, liquid nitrogen shipments).

• Compliance with import/export regulations.

• Label integrity and chain of custody.

• Real-time monitoring of shipping conditions.

Project Design Question 13: Risk Assessment in Gene Therapy

Scenario: Plan a gene therapy project targeting a rare genetic disorder.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Vector selection (AAV, lentivirus) & potential immunogenicity.

• Patient safety vs. potential efficacy.

• Regulatory frameworks for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).

• Long-term follow-up in clinical trials.

Project Design Question 14: Managing a Cross-Functional Team

Scenario: You’re leading a project with scientists, engineers, and regulatory experts.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Establishing clear communication channels.

• Conflict resolution and aligning differing priorities.

• Task delegation based on skill sets.

• Tracking milestones and ensuring accountability.

Project Design Question 15: Environmental Sustainability in Biotech

Scenario: Your company wants to reduce waste and carbon footprint in manufacturing.
Key Points to Discuss:

• Green chemistry principles (reducing solvents, energy usage).

• Single-use technologies vs. traditional equipment.

• Lifecycle analysis of materials.

• Balancing cost with environmental targets.

In these project design and management questions, interviewers gauge your capacity to plan effectively, mitigate risks, adhere to regulations, and collaborate across diverse teams. Demonstrating clarity of thought and an ability to prioritise tasks can set you apart as someone capable of handling high-stakes biotech projects.

4. Tips for Conquering Biotech Job Interviews

Biotech interviews can be multi-layered, testing not just your scientific or analytical prowess but also your ability to navigate a highly regulated, fast-moving environment. Below are some strategies to help you shine:

1. Stay Current with Industry Trends

   • Follow breakthrough publications in Nature, Science, and leading journals relevant to your niche.

   • Keep track of emerging fields (e.g., synthetic biology, mRNA vaccines).

2. Understand the Regulatory Landscape

   • Familiarise yourself with MHRA, EMA, and FDA guidelines—particularly if the role involves clinical trials or manufacturing.

   • Explain how compliance efforts shape the R&D process and timelines.

3. Showcase Practical Lab or Data Skills

   • If you’re from a wet lab background, highlight your experience with cell culture, PCR, ELISAs, or other relevant protocols.

   • For more computational roles, discuss bioinformatics pipelines, statistical analysis, and proficiency with tools like Python or R.

4. Focus on Transferable Skills

   • Biotech environments rely heavily on teamwork—mention experiences where you collaborated effectively.

   • Highlight project management experiences, even if they were smaller-scale or academic.

5. Prepare Concrete Examples

   • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers about past experiences or achievements.

   • Be detailed about quantifiable outcomes (e.g., “We reduced contamination rates by 25% through process changes.”).

6. Ask Informed Questions

   • Show genuine interest by asking about pipeline projects, team structure, or long-term research directions.

   • This also demonstrates that you’ve done your homework on the company’s focus area.

7. Practice Whiteboard or Chalk-Talk Skills

   • Some biotech roles, especially in bioinformatics or process optimisation, might require on-the-spot diagramming or problem-solving.

   • Practise explaining experimental designs or data flows in a concise, visual manner.

8. Emphasise Ethical and Safety Considerations

   • Biotechnology often involves experiments with living organisms or patient samples—never neglect the ethical and biosafety aspects.

   • Show you’re mindful of human and environmental impact.

9. Be Ready for Behavioural Questions

   • “Tell me about a time you handled conflict in a team” or “Describe a failed experiment and what you learned” are common.

   • Use these to highlight adaptability, resilience, and growth.

10. Polish Your Communication Style

• Clarity is paramount—especially if you’ll be conveying complex data to non-technical stakeholders.

• Let your passion for science shine through without losing the interviewer in jargon.

Mastering these soft skills, alongside technical expertise, can make you a standout candidate in biotech—a field where collaboration and innovation go hand in hand.

5. Final Thoughts

Securing a job in biotechnology means stepping into a dynamic environment at the cutting edge of science and healthcare. By drilling into the 30 real interview questions provided here—15 focused on scientific fundamentals and 15 on project design & management—you’ll be better prepared to demonstrate not just what you know, but how you’ll apply it to solve pressing global challenges.

As you refine your answers, keep in mind that biotech interviews are a two-way street. While companies evaluate your fit, it’s your chance to see if their research goals, work culture, and growth opportunities align with your career aspirations. Conduct thorough research, prepare informed questions, and let your enthusiasm and expertise shine through.

If you’re exploring new biotech roles in the UK, visit www.biotechnologyjobs.co.uk to discover openings across diverse subfields—from immunotherapy and vaccine development to environmental biotech and diagnostics. With the right preparation, you’ll be equipped to step confidently into your next biotech interview and prove you’re the ideal candidate for the job.

Good luck, and here’s to advancing life-changing innovations in the world of biotechnology!