Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group (MAPMG) is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare and conducting innovative research that improves patient outcomes, particularly in the realm of cancer care delivery.

As a Research Scientist, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of health services and cancer epidemiology research. Your responsibilities will include designing and implementing applied research projects, securing extramural funding, and disseminating findings through publications and presentations. You will be expected to lead independent research initiatives, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and provide expert consultation on study design and data analysis. A strong background in epidemiology, a proven track record of securing grant funding, and a commitment to advancing cancer healthcare are essential for success in this role. Additionally, embracing MAPMG’s dedication to equity, inclusion, and diversity will be fundamental in your approach to research and collaboration.

This guide is designed to equip you with the insights and strategies needed to excel in your interview for the Research Scientist role at MAPMG, helping you to articulate your qualifications and align them with the organization's mission and values.

The interview process for the Research Scientist role at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates are well-suited for the demands of the position. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step involves a screening interview conducted by a member of the HR team, typically via Microsoft Teams. This initial conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, motivations for applying, and understanding of the role. The recruiter will also assess your fit within the company culture and discuss the logistics of the position, including the hybrid work model.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are required to complete a take-home assessment that tests their SQL skills. This assessment is designed to evaluate your ability to manipulate and analyze data, which is crucial for the research projects you will be involved in. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities through this exercise.

3. Hiring Manager Interview

The next round involves a more in-depth interview with the hiring manager. This session typically includes behavioral questions and case studies, where you may be asked to solve calculation problems relevant to the role. The focus here is on your research experience, your approach to study design, and your ability to lead projects effectively.

4. Final Take-Home Assignment

Candidates who progress past the hiring manager interview will receive a final take-home data analysis assignment. This task is designed to assess your practical skills in data analysis and your ability to present findings clearly and effectively. You will be expected to submit your analysis and prepare to discuss it in a subsequent interview.

5. Presentation and Wrap-Up Interview

The final stage of the interview process involves a presentation based on your take-home assignment. During this session, you will present your findings to a panel, which may include the hiring manager and other team members. Additionally, you will discuss your future career goals, provide a self-introduction, and elaborate on your past experiences and teamwork capabilities.

As you prepare for the interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and collaborative experiences.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for the Research Scientist role at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their expertise in cancer epidemiology, health services research, and their ability to lead research projects and secure funding. Be prepared to discuss your past research experiences, methodologies, and how you can contribute to the organization's goals.

Research Methodology

1. Can you describe your experience with designing and implementing research studies in cancer epidemiology?

This question aims to assess your practical experience in research design and execution.

How to Answer

Discuss specific studies you have led or contributed to, emphasizing your role in the design, methodology, and outcomes. Highlight any innovative approaches you used.

Example

“In my previous role, I led a study examining the impact of socioeconomic factors on cancer outcomes. I designed the study to include a diverse population and utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather comprehensive data. The findings were published in a peer-reviewed journal, contributing to the understanding of health disparities in cancer care.”

2. What statistical methods do you typically use in your research, and why?

This question evaluates your statistical knowledge and its application in research.

How to Answer

Mention specific statistical techniques you are proficient in and explain how they apply to your research. Provide examples of how these methods have helped you draw meaningful conclusions.

Example

“I frequently use regression analysis and survival analysis in my research to assess the relationship between various risk factors and cancer outcomes. For instance, in a recent project, I employed Cox proportional hazards models to analyze survival data, which allowed us to identify significant predictors of patient outcomes.”

3. How do you ensure compliance with ethical standards in your research?

This question assesses your understanding of research ethics and compliance.

How to Answer

Discuss your familiarity with ethical guidelines and how you implement them in your research. Mention any training or certifications you have received.

Example

“I am well-versed in the ethical guidelines set forth by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). In my previous studies, I ensured that all protocols were reviewed and approved by the IRB, and I prioritized informed consent and confidentiality for all participants.”

4. Describe a challenging research project you led and how you overcame obstacles.

This question seeks to understand your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Share a specific example of a project that faced significant challenges, detailing the obstacles and the strategies you employed to overcome them.

Example

“I led a project that aimed to assess the effectiveness of a new cancer treatment. Midway through, we faced recruitment challenges due to strict eligibility criteria. I collaborated with local clinics to broaden our outreach and adjusted our criteria slightly, which ultimately allowed us to meet our recruitment goals and complete the study successfully.”

Grant Writing and Funding

5. Can you walk us through your process for preparing a grant proposal?

This question evaluates your experience and strategy in securing funding.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you take in preparing a grant proposal, including research, collaboration, and writing. Highlight any successful grants you have secured.

Example

“When preparing a grant proposal, I start by conducting thorough background research to identify funding opportunities that align with my project. I collaborate with colleagues to refine the research question and methodology, ensuring it meets the funder’s criteria. My last proposal secured $500,000 in funding for a study on cancer care delivery, which was a significant achievement.”

6. What strategies do you use to build collaborations with external partners?

This question assesses your networking and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to establishing and maintaining professional relationships, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in research.

Example

“I prioritize building relationships by attending conferences and engaging with researchers in my field. I also reach out to potential collaborators with shared interests to discuss possible joint projects. For instance, I partnered with a local university to enhance our research capabilities, which led to a successful joint grant application.”

Data Analysis and Interpretation

7. How do you approach data analysis in your research projects?

This question evaluates your analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.

How to Answer

Describe your data analysis process, including the tools and software you use, and how you interpret the results.

Example

“I typically use R and Python for data analysis, employing various statistical techniques to ensure robust results. I start by cleaning and preprocessing the data, followed by exploratory data analysis to identify trends. I then apply appropriate statistical tests and interpret the findings in the context of existing literature.”

8. Can you provide an example of how you communicated complex data findings to a non-technical audience?

This question assesses your ability to convey research findings effectively.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you simplified complex data for a non-technical audience, focusing on your communication strategies.

Example

“I once presented research findings to a community health board. To make the data accessible, I used visual aids like graphs and charts, and I focused on the implications of the findings rather than the technical details. This approach helped the board understand the significance of our research and its impact on community health initiatives.”