Pra Health Sciences Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Pra Health Sciences is a leader in clinical research, dedicated to advancing and improving patients' lives through innovative research solutions.

As a Research Scientist at Pra Health Sciences, you will play a critical role in the development and validation of immunoassays and various molecular assays. Key responsibilities include independently managing assay validations, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to support clinical trials. You will be expected to collaborate with inter-departmental teams, including IT and laboratory operations, to ensure the seamless execution of trials. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in cell culture and molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, NGS, IHC, and ELISA. You should embody the company’s core values of accountability, collaboration, partnership, and integrity, and be prepared to contribute to a culture focused on process improvement and client satisfaction.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by outlining essential skills and competencies relevant to the Research Scientist role, as well as providing insights into the company’s culture and expectations.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Pra Health Sciences is structured to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization. It typically consists of several stages designed to evaluate your qualifications, experience, and alignment with the company's values.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process begins with a phone screen conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, interests, and motivations for applying to Pra Health Sciences. The recruiter will also discuss the role's requirements and gauge your fit within the company culture. Expect questions about your previous experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Research Scientist.

2. Technical Interview

Following the phone screen, candidates usually participate in a technical interview, which may be conducted via video conferencing. This interview typically involves discussions with senior project managers or team leads who will assess your technical skills and knowledge relevant to the role. You may be asked to explain your experience with various laboratory techniques, such as PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry, as well as your approach to assay development and validation. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and the methodologies you employed.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step often includes a behavioral interview, where interviewers will ask situational questions to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership skills. This interview may involve the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to help you articulate your past experiences effectively. Questions may focus on how you've handled conflicts, managed tight deadlines, or contributed to process improvements in previous roles.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted with higher-level management or directors. This stage provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company's vision, culture, and expectations for the role. It also allows the interviewers to assess your long-term career goals and how they align with the company's objectives. Expect to discuss your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to the team.

5. Offer and Onboarding

If you successfully navigate the interview stages, you may receive a job offer. The onboarding process will follow, where you'll be introduced to the team and provided with the necessary training and resources to excel in your new position.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise during each stage of the process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Embrace the Company Culture

Understanding and embodying ICON's core values—Accountability & Delivery, Collaboration, Partnership, and Integrity—will be crucial during your interview. Be prepared to discuss how you have demonstrated these values in your previous roles. Show that you are not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture. This alignment will resonate well with the interviewers, as they are looking for candidates who can contribute positively to their team dynamics.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions, particularly those that utilize the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Reflect on your past experiences and prepare specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and leadership abilities. Given the emphasis on collaboration and conflict resolution in the interview experiences shared, be ready to discuss how you have successfully navigated challenging situations in the past.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Research Scientist, you will need to demonstrate your technical skills, particularly in areas like immunoassays, PCR, and ELISA. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these techniques and any relevant projects you have worked on. Additionally, since the role involves data analysis, be ready to explain how you approach data validation and presentation, ensuring accuracy and clarity.

Communicate Your Passion for Research

Express your enthusiasm for clinical research and how it aligns with ICON's mission to improve patients' lives. Share your motivations for pursuing a career in this field and how you see yourself contributing to the company's goals. This passion can set you apart from other candidates and show that you are genuinely invested in the work you will be doing.

Be Ready for a Multi-Stage Interview Process

The interview process at ICON can involve multiple stages, including phone screenings and video interviews with various team members. Approach each stage with the same level of professionalism and enthusiasm. Prepare questions for each interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. This will also help you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interviews, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This not only shows your professionalism but also reinforces your interest in the position. If you don’t hear back within the expected timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up politely to inquire about the status of your application.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Research Scientist role at ICON. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Research Scientist interview at Pra Health Sciences. The interview process will likely focus on your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with the company's values. Be prepared to discuss your experience with laboratory techniques, data analysis, and your approach to teamwork and leadership.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe your experience with immunoassays and the methods you have used?

This question assesses your hands-on experience with key laboratory techniques relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Discuss specific immunoassays you have developed or validated, the methodologies you employed, and any challenges you faced during the process.

Example

“I have extensive experience with ELISA and PCR techniques. In my previous role, I developed an ELISA assay for a novel biomarker, which involved optimizing the antibody concentrations and validating the assay's sensitivity and specificity. This project not only improved our testing capabilities but also contributed to a successful clinical trial.”

2. How do you ensure the accuracy and clarity of data presentations before sharing them with sponsors?

This question evaluates your attention to detail and communication skills.

How to Answer

Explain your process for reviewing data, including any tools or methods you use to verify accuracy and clarity.

Example

“I typically cross-reference the data with raw results and use visualization tools to ensure clarity. I also involve a peer review process where a colleague checks the data presentation for any discrepancies, which helps maintain high standards before sharing with sponsors.”

3. Describe your experience with flow cytometry and its applications in your previous work.

This question focuses on your technical expertise in a specific laboratory technique.

How to Answer

Detail your experience with flow cytometry, including the types of analyses you performed and the outcomes of those analyses.

Example

“I have utilized flow cytometry for cell population analysis in various projects, including assessing immune cell responses in clinical samples. I am proficient in setting up the cytometer, running samples, and analyzing the data using software like FlowJo.”

4. Can you explain a time when you had to troubleshoot an assay that was not performing as expected?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a troubleshooting scenario, detailing the steps you took to identify and resolve the issue.

Example

“During a validation of a new PCR assay, I noticed inconsistent results. I systematically reviewed each step, from sample preparation to amplification conditions, and discovered that the issue was due to suboptimal primer design. After redesigning the primers, I was able to achieve consistent and reliable results.”

5. How do you approach collaboration with IT and Lab Operations teams when setting up new assays?

This question evaluates your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams and how you ensure effective collaboration.

Example

“I believe in maintaining open lines of communication with IT and Lab Operations. For instance, when setting up a new assay, I schedule regular meetings to discuss requirements and timelines, ensuring everyone is aligned. This collaborative approach has led to smoother implementations and fewer delays.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a situation where you had to lead a project or a team. What was your approach?

This question assesses your leadership skills and ability to manage projects.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a project you led, focusing on your leadership style and the outcomes.

Example

“I led a team of researchers in a project aimed at developing a new diagnostic assay. I encouraged open communication and set clear goals for each team member. By fostering a collaborative environment, we completed the project ahead of schedule and received positive feedback from our stakeholders.”

2. How do you handle tight deadlines and demanding clients?

This question evaluates your time management and stress management skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for prioritizing tasks and managing stress in high-pressure situations.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, often using project management tools to keep track of deadlines. When faced with demanding clients, I maintain transparency about timelines and progress, which helps manage expectations and build trust.”

3. Can you provide an example of a time you made a mistake in your work? How did you handle it?

This question assesses your accountability and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Be honest about a mistake, focusing on what you learned and how you rectified the situation.

Example

“I once miscalculated a reagent concentration for an assay, which led to inconsistent results. I immediately informed my supervisor, corrected the mistake, and implemented a double-check system for future calculations. This experience taught me the importance of diligence in laboratory work.”

4. What are your main values, and how do they align with ICON's values?

This question evaluates your cultural fit within the organization.

How to Answer

Reflect on your personal values and how they resonate with the company's mission and values.

Example

“I value integrity and collaboration, which align closely with ICON's commitment to accountability and partnership. I believe that fostering a supportive team environment is essential for achieving our goals and delivering quality results to clients.”

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question assesses your career aspirations and alignment with the company's growth.

How to Answer

Discuss your professional goals and how they relate to the opportunities at ICON.

Example

“In five years, I see myself taking on more leadership responsibilities within the research team, possibly leading larger projects or mentoring junior scientists. I am excited about the potential for growth at ICON and contributing to innovative research that advances patient care.”