Technical interviews in the biosciences field can be intimidating—but they don’t have to be. Whether you’re applying for a research internship, lab-based job, or postgraduate program, you’ll likely face a mix of questions that test your scientific understanding, problem-solving skills, and hands-on experience. Here’s how to prepare and confidently ace your next technical interview.
1. Understand the Role and Research Focus
Before anything else, do your homework. Read up on the lab, company, or research group you’re applying to. What are their current projects? What techniques do they use regularly? What kind of publications or grants have they produced recently? Tailor your preparation to match their focus—if they do a lot of cell culture, be ready to discuss aseptic technique, contamination control, and media prep. If the focus is molecular biology, revise PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing workflows.
Showing that you’ve taken the time to understand their work makes a strong impression—and it helps you anticipate what they might ask.
2. Review Core Techniques and Concepts
Even if you haven’t used a particular technique recently, make sure you can explain how it works and why it’s used. Key areas often include:
- Molecular techniques: PCR, qPCR, Western blotting, DNA/RNA extraction, restriction digestion.
- Cell biology methods: Microscopy, flow cytometry, transfection, viability assays.
- Lab safety and troubleshooting: How to handle unexpected results, contamination, or experimental errors.
Interviewers often ask how you would design or troubleshoot an experiment. Don’t just memorise protocols—understand the principles behind them. Why would you choose one buffer over another? What would you do if your negative control gave a positive result?
3. Prepare for Research Discussions
You may be asked to talk about a past research project, thesis, or even a course-based lab report. Practice summarising:
- The goal of the project
- The methods used
- Key results and their interpretation
- Any challenges and how you overcame them
Keep it clear and concise, as if you were explaining it to a peer from another field. Being able to reflect critically on your work is just as important as describing it.
4. Sharpen Your Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving is a big part of any technical role. You might be given a hypothetical research scenario or asked how you’d approach an unfamiliar task. Take a step-by-step approach:
- Clarify the question
- Identify what you know and what you’d need to find out
- Outline a logical plan or experimental design
It’s okay to think out loud—interviewers want to see your reasoning process. If you’re unsure, be honest, but suggest how you’d go about finding a solution (e.g., consulting a protocol, asking a supervisor, checking a paper).
5. Final Tips: Be Practical and Professional
- Bring examples: Keep mental (or physical) notes of real lab experiences—mistakes you learned from, teamwork scenarios, or times you had to adapt quickly.
- Ask thoughtful questions: Show genuine interest in the role and its challenges.
- Be yourself: Confidence and curiosity go a long way.
With the right preparation, technical interviews become opportunities to showcase your growth and enthusiasm—not just your knowledge. You’ve got this!