McKesson Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

McKesson Corporation is a leading healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to improving healthcare through innovation and insights.

As a Research Scientist within McKesson's Real World Research team, you will play a pivotal role in conducting comparative effectiveness, pharmacoeconomic, and health outcomes research, particularly with a focus on hematology and oncology. Your key responsibilities will include managing multiple concurrent research studies, leading cross-functional teams, and serving as the primary point of contact for study sponsors throughout the research lifecycle. You will be expected to develop scientific content, design study protocols, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver high-quality research outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in health economics outcomes research, a strong background in oncology, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to excel in your interview, providing you with tailored questions and strategies that align with McKesson's values and the specific demands of the Research Scientist role.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at McKesson is structured to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization. It typically unfolds in several stages, allowing candidates to demonstrate their qualifications and alignment with the company's values.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts around 20-30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to McKesson. The recruiter will also gauge your understanding of the role and the company, as well as your ability to articulate how your skills align with the position.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This may be conducted via video conferencing and involves discussions around your technical skills, particularly in areas relevant to health economics outcomes research (HEOR), data analysis, and oncology. Expect to answer questions that assess your familiarity with real-world data sources, statistical analysis, and project management methodologies.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates will then move on to one or more behavioral interviews. These interviews are often conducted by team members or managers and focus on your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Research Scientist role. You may be asked to provide examples of how you've handled multiple projects, collaborated with cross-functional teams, or communicated complex research findings to stakeholders.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may be invited to a panel interview, which involves meeting with several team members simultaneously. This format allows the interviewers to assess your fit within the team dynamic and your ability to engage with multiple stakeholders. Questions may cover a range of topics, including your approach to problem-solving, leadership experiences, and how you manage project timelines and deliverables.

5. Final Interview

The final stage often includes a conversation with senior leadership or the hiring manager. This interview may delve deeper into your strategic vision for the role and how you plan to contribute to the company's goals. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and future projects.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experiences in detail, particularly those that demonstrate their ability to lead research projects and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Next, let’s explore the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during their interviews at McKesson.

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

Understand the Company’s Mission and Values

McKesson is deeply committed to improving patient care and outcomes, particularly in oncology. Familiarize yourself with their mission, especially how Ontada aims to transform cancer care through real-world data and insights. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with this mission and how your experience can contribute to their goals.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a variety of behavioral questions that assess your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Highlight your leadership in managing research projects, your ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams, and your experience with regulatory compliance and data analysis.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

As a Research Scientist, you will be expected to have a strong foundation in health economics outcomes research (HEOR) and experience with real-world data sources. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you utilized electronic health records (EHR), claims data, or patient-reported outcomes. Demonstrating your technical knowledge and how you applied it in practical scenarios will set you apart.

Be Ready for Project Management Discussions

Given the role's emphasis on managing multiple concurrent research studies, be prepared to discuss your project management skills. Share examples of how you have successfully led projects from inception to completion, including how you managed timelines, budgets, and stakeholder communications. Highlight any tools or methodologies you used to keep projects on track.

Prepare for Questions on Communication Skills

Strong oral and written communication skills are crucial for this role, as you will be interacting with study sponsors and multidisciplinary teams. Be prepared to discuss how you have effectively communicated complex research findings to various audiences, including non-technical stakeholders. Consider sharing examples of reports or presentations you have created.

Anticipate Questions About Company Culture

McKesson values personality and cultural fit, so be ready to discuss how you would contribute to their team dynamics. Reflect on your previous experiences working in team settings and how you foster collaboration and inclusivity. Show enthusiasm for being part of a company that prioritizes patient care and community well-being.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how success is measured in the Research Scientist role. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Follow Up Professionally

After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly mention how your skills align with the company's goals. This small gesture can leave a positive impression and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate who is ready to contribute to McKesson's mission in the fight against cancer. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Research Scientist interview at McKesson. The interview process will likely focus on your experience in health economics outcomes research, project management, and your ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team. Be prepared to discuss your technical skills, particularly in relation to real-world data sources, as well as your approach to managing research studies.

Experience and Background

1. Why do you want to work for McKesson, and how do you see your experience contributing to our mission?

This question aims to assess your motivation for joining the company and how your background aligns with their goals.

How to Answer

Discuss your passion for oncology and how your previous experiences have prepared you to contribute to McKesson's mission of transforming cancer care.

Example

“I am drawn to McKesson because of its commitment to improving patient outcomes through innovative research. My background in health economics and my experience managing oncology studies have equipped me with the skills to contribute effectively to your mission of delivering precise insights that can save lives.”

Project Management

2. Describe a time when you managed multiple research studies simultaneously. How did you ensure they stayed on track?

This question evaluates your project management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to outline the situation, the tasks you were responsible for, the actions you took to manage the studies, and the results achieved.

Example

“In my previous role, I managed three concurrent studies on cancer therapies. I established clear timelines and regular check-ins with my team to monitor progress. By using project management tools, I was able to keep everyone aligned, which resulted in all studies being completed on time and within budget.”

3. Can you give an example of a challenging project you led and how you overcame obstacles?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

How to Answer

Highlight a specific project, the challenges faced, and the strategies you implemented to overcome them.

Example

“I led a project that faced significant delays due to data access issues. I organized a meeting with stakeholders to address the concerns and worked collaboratively to find alternative data sources. This proactive approach allowed us to resume the project and ultimately meet our deadlines.”

Technical Skills

4. What experience do you have with real-world data sources, such as electronic health records and claims data?

This question gauges your familiarity with essential data sources used in health outcomes research.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with specific data sources, the types of analyses you performed, and how this experience is relevant to the role.

Example

“I have extensive experience working with electronic health records and claims data in my previous roles. I utilized these data sources to conduct comparative effectiveness research, which involved analyzing treatment outcomes and cost-effectiveness for various oncology therapies.”

5. How do you approach the development of scientific protocols and statistical analysis plans?

This question evaluates your understanding of research design and methodology.

How to Answer

Explain your process for developing protocols and analysis plans, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders and adherence to regulatory standards.

Example

“When developing scientific protocols, I start by collaborating with the research team to define the study objectives and endpoints. I then draft the protocol, ensuring it aligns with regulatory requirements and incorporates feedback from stakeholders. For statistical analysis plans, I focus on selecting appropriate methodologies that will yield valid and reliable results.”

Communication and Collaboration

6. Describe a situation where you had to communicate complex research findings to a non-technical audience.

This question assesses your communication skills and ability to convey information effectively.

How to Answer

Provide an example of how you simplified complex information and the impact it had on your audience.

Example

“I once presented research findings on a new cancer treatment to a group of healthcare providers. I used visual aids and avoided technical jargon to explain the results clearly. This approach helped the audience understand the implications of the research, leading to increased interest in the treatment options discussed.”

7. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements within a cross-functional team?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and ability to navigate team dynamics.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing collaboration and open communication.

Example

“When conflicts arise, I believe in addressing them directly and constructively. I encourage open dialogue among team members to understand different perspectives and work towards a common solution. This approach has helped me maintain a positive team environment and achieve project goals.”