Oregon Health & Science University Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a leading academic health center known for its pioneering work in personalized cancer medicine and its commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative research and education.

As a Research Scientist at OHSU, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team focused on translational cancer research aimed at early detection and treatment of cancer. Your primary responsibilities will include designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with diverse professionals, including biologists, engineers, and clinicians. This role requires a strong understanding of cancer biology, as well as expertise in experimental design and data analysis. Ideal candidates will have experience with laboratory techniques, proficiency in relevant software tools, and a commitment to the guiding principles of boldness, support, and collaboration that define OHSU's culture.

Preparing for your interview using this guide will provide you with insights into the expectations and values of OHSU, helping you articulate your experiences and fit for the role in a way that resonates with the interviewers.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Oregon Health & Science University 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 university's mission.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial screening, which is often conducted via a phone interview with a recruiter or HR representative. This conversation typically lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, relevant experience, and understanding of the role. The recruiter will also gauge your interest in the position and the organization, as well as discuss logistical details such as your willingness to relocate if necessary.

2. Panel Interview

Following a successful initial screening, candidates are invited to participate in a panel interview. This stage usually involves a group of three professionals from the department, including potential team members and supervisors. The panel will ask questions that assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience in research. Expect to discuss your previous projects, methodologies, and how you approach challenges in a collaborative environment. Questions may also touch on your commitment to social justice and health advocacy, reflecting the university's values.

3. In-Person or Virtual Interview

The next step is often an in-person or virtual interview with senior leadership or a director. This interview is more in-depth and may last up to an hour. Here, you will be expected to elaborate on your technical expertise, particularly in areas relevant to the position, such as experimental design, data analysis, and integration with multidisciplinary teams. You may also be asked to provide examples of how you have managed competing priorities or resolved conflicts in a professional setting.

4. Final Assessment

In some cases, a final assessment may be required, which could involve a practical component or a presentation of your previous work. This is an opportunity to showcase your technical skills and how they align with the goals of the research team. Candidates may be asked to discuss specific methodologies or technologies they have used in their research, particularly those related to cancer biology or biomedical engineering.

5. Offer and Negotiation

If you successfully navigate the interview stages, you will receive a formal job offer. This stage may involve discussions about salary, benefits, and other employment terms. The university is known for its supportive environment, so be prepared to discuss how your career goals align with the opportunities available at OHSU.

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

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

Embrace the Collaborative Spirit

OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute emphasizes teamwork and collaboration. During your interview, highlight your experiences working in multidisciplinary teams. Be prepared to discuss how you have effectively communicated and collaborated with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, as this aligns with the institute's commitment to leveraging collective brainpower to tackle cancer.

Showcase Your Passion for Cancer Research

Given the institute's mission to end cancer as we know it, it’s crucial to convey your passion for cancer research and health advocacy. Share personal stories or experiences that have motivated you to pursue a career in this field. This will resonate with the interviewers, who are looking for candidates that embody the institute's values and mission.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. For example, you might be asked to describe a time you diffused a confrontation or managed competing priorities. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your analytical and organizational skills, as well as your ability to learn and adapt quickly.

Understand the Technical Requirements

Familiarize yourself with the technical skills relevant to the role, such as LabVIEW software competency, micro/nanofabrication principles, and molecular biology. Be ready to discuss your experience with these technologies and how you have applied them in previous projects. This will show your technical proficiency and readiness to contribute to the team.

Be Ready to Discuss Social Justice and Health Advocacy

Given the emphasis on social justice and health advocacy in the interview process, be prepared to discuss your views and experiences related to these topics. Reflect on how your work can contribute to equitable health outcomes and how you can support the institute's mission in this regard.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask your interviewers. This not only demonstrates your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the organization aligns with your values. Consider asking about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the institute supports professional development and innovation.

Stay Authentic and Relaxed

Interviews at OHSU are described as comfortable and supportive. Approach the interview with a relaxed demeanor, and be yourself. Authenticity can help you connect with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression. Remember, they are looking for candidates who not only have the right skills but also fit well within their culture of support and collaboration.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a strong candidate who is not only technically proficient but also aligned with the values and mission of the Oregon Health & Science University. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Research Scientist position at Oregon Health & Science University. The interview process will likely focus on your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and your commitment to the mission of the Knight Cancer Institute. Be prepared to discuss your experience in cancer research, your technical skills, and how you can contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Technical Expertise

1. Can you describe your experience with single-cell sequencing technologies?

This question aims to assess your familiarity with cutting-edge techniques in cancer research.

How to Answer

Discuss specific projects where you utilized single-cell sequencing, highlighting your role and the outcomes of the research.

Example

“I worked on a project that involved single-cell RNA sequencing to identify tumor heterogeneity in breast cancer samples. My role included designing the experiment, analyzing the data, and collaborating with biologists to interpret the results, which led to new insights into treatment resistance.”

2. What is your experience with LabVIEW and how have you used it in your previous roles?

This question evaluates your software engineering skills and your ability to automate processes.

How to Answer

Provide examples of how you have used LabVIEW for automation in laboratory settings, emphasizing the impact on efficiency and data collection.

Example

“In my previous position, I developed a LabVIEW program to automate the data acquisition process for a microscopy setup. This reduced the time spent on manual data collection by 40%, allowing the team to focus on analysis and interpretation.”

3. Describe a project where you had to optimize a system or process. What was your approach?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and ability to improve existing systems.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you took to identify issues, implement changes, and measure the results.

Example

“I led a project to optimize the acoustic transducer used in our imaging system. I conducted a series of experiments to test different configurations, analyzed the data to identify the most effective setup, and implemented changes that improved image clarity by 30%.”

4. How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your experimental data?

This question focuses on your attention to detail and understanding of scientific rigor.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for validating data, including controls, replicates, and statistical analysis.

Example

“I always include appropriate controls and replicate my experiments to ensure reliability. Additionally, I use statistical software to analyze the data, which helps in identifying any anomalies and confirming the validity of the results.”

5. Can you explain your understanding of micro/nanofabrication techniques?

This question evaluates your technical knowledge relevant to the role.

How to Answer

Discuss your experience with specific techniques and how they apply to cancer research.

Example

“I have hands-on experience with microfabrication techniques, including photolithography and etching, which I used to create biomedical chips for drug delivery systems. Understanding these techniques is crucial for developing devices that can detect cancer at early stages.”

Team Collaboration and Communication

1. Describe a time when you had to work with a multidisciplinary team. What was your role?

This question assesses your ability to collaborate effectively with diverse professionals.

How to Answer

Highlight your role in the team, how you contributed, and the outcome of the collaboration.

Example

“I was part of a multidisciplinary team that included biologists, chemists, and engineers working on a project to develop a new diagnostic tool. My role was to bridge the gap between engineering and biology, ensuring that our designs met the biological requirements. This collaboration resulted in a prototype that is currently undergoing clinical trials.”

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and conflict resolution strategies.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a conflict you faced and how you resolved it while maintaining team cohesion.

Example

“In a previous project, there was a disagreement about the direction of our research. I facilitated a meeting where each team member could express their views. By encouraging open communication, we were able to find common ground and agree on a modified approach that incorporated everyone’s ideas.”

3. Can you give an example of how you communicated complex scientific concepts to a non-technical audience?

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

How to Answer

Discuss a specific instance where you simplified complex information for a lay audience.

Example

“I presented our research findings to a group of stakeholders, many of whom were not scientists. I used analogies and visual aids to explain our methodology and results, which helped them understand the significance of our work and secure funding for future projects.”

4. What strategies do you use to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced research environment?

This question evaluates your organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization and time management in a research setting.

Example

“I use a combination of project management tools and regular check-ins with my team to prioritize tasks. I assess deadlines, the impact of each task on our overall goals, and adjust priorities as needed to ensure we stay on track.”

5. How do you stay current with advancements in cancer research and technology?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to keep up with the latest research and technologies.

Example

“I regularly read journals such as Cancer Research and attend conferences related to cancer biology and technology. I also participate in online forums and webinars to engage with other professionals in the field and share insights.”