Survice Engineering Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Survice Engineering is dedicated to supporting and enhancing the capabilities of those who defend the United States, providing innovative solutions across various sectors, including defense, homeland security, and advanced technologies.

The Research Scientist role at Survice Engineering is pivotal in advancing the company's mission, focusing on conducting high-level research, particularly in biological sciences related to military applications. Key responsibilities include conducting animal surgeries and experiments, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. A successful candidate will possess a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences and have 3-5 years of relevant experience, particularly in managing biological laboratories and executing animal use protocols. Knowledge of directed energy biological effects, pharmacology, and neuroscience is highly desirable, as well as experience with immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, adherence to regulatory compliance, and strong communication skills for preparing and presenting research findings.

This guide is designed to equip you with the insights needed to excel in your interview, emphasizing the critical skills and experiences that align with Survice Engineering's core values and mission.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Survice Engineering is designed to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Screening

The first step usually involves a brief phone call with a recruiter or hiring manager. This conversation focuses on your resume and relevant experience, as well as your understanding of the military context in which Survice operates. Candidates may be asked to provide transcripts or other documentation to verify their educational background and qualifications.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates may participate in a technical interview, which can be conducted via video call. This interview often includes discussions about specific projects you have worked on, particularly those related to biomedical research, animal protocols, and laboratory management. You may also be asked to present personal code projects or other relevant work to demonstrate your technical capabilities.

3. Behavioral Interview

Candidates can expect a behavioral interview that delves into their past experiences and how they align with Survice's mission and values. Questions may focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and your approach to conducting research in a regulated environment. This stage is crucial for assessing how well you would integrate into the existing team and contribute to the company's goals.

4. Final Interview

In some cases, a final interview may be conducted with senior management or team leads. This round often emphasizes your long-term career aspirations, your understanding of the defense sector, and your ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. It may also include discussions about compliance with regulatory standards and the quality assurance processes you would implement in your work.

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

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

Understand the Military Context

Given that Survice Engineering operates closely with the Department of Defense, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with military terminology, operations, and the specific challenges faced by military personnel. Be prepared to discuss how your research can contribute to enhancing the capabilities of those who defend the nation. Demonstrating a genuine interest in military applications of your work will resonate well with the interviewers.

Highlight Relevant Experience

When discussing your background, focus on experiences that align with the responsibilities of a Research Scientist. Be ready to elaborate on any previous work involving animal surgeries, laboratory management, or experimental protocols. If you have experience with directed energy biological effects or pharmacology, make sure to emphasize these areas, as they are particularly relevant to the role.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect to be asked about your technical skills and methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of molecular techniques and immunohistochemistry, as these are essential for the position. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you applied these skills, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Providing concrete examples will help illustrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Research Scientist, you will need to prepare and present findings clearly and effectively. During the interview, practice articulating your thoughts in a structured manner. You may be asked to summarize complex research or explain your methodologies, so clarity and confidence in your communication will be key. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a past project to demonstrate your ability to convey technical information.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Survice Engineering values a collaborative and supportive work environment. Expect behavioral questions that assess your teamwork and adaptability. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, focusing on how you contributed to team success and handled challenges in previous roles. This will help you convey your fit within the company culture.

Follow Up with Your Code Projects

If you have personal code projects or relevant research work, be proactive in sharing these with your interviewers. This not only showcases your technical skills but also your initiative and passion for the field. Make sure to explain the significance of these projects and how they relate to the work you would be doing at Survice Engineering.

Embrace the Company Culture

Survice Engineering prides itself on its supportive and welcoming environment. During your interview, reflect this culture by being personable and engaging. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the mission of supporting the defense community. Your attitude and approachability can leave a lasting impression on the interviewers.

By following these tailored tips, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Research Scientist role at Survice Engineering. 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 Survice Engineering. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their technical expertise, understanding of military applications, and ability to conduct research in a regulated environment. Be prepared to discuss your experience with laboratory protocols, animal research, and any relevant military knowledge.

Technical Expertise

1. Describe your experience with animal surgeries and the protocols you followed.

This question assesses your hands-on experience and adherence to ethical standards in research.

How to Answer

Discuss specific types of surgeries you have performed, the protocols you followed, and how you ensured compliance with ethical guidelines.

Example

“I have conducted various animal surgeries, including laparotomies and tissue sampling. I always ensure that I follow the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols, including pre-operative assessments and post-operative care to minimize pain and distress.”

2. What molecular techniques are you familiar with, and how have you applied them in your research?

This question evaluates your technical skills in molecular biology.

How to Answer

Mention specific techniques you have used, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, or cloning, and provide examples of how they contributed to your research outcomes.

Example

“I am proficient in PCR and gel electrophoresis, which I used to amplify and analyze gene sequences in my previous projects. This allowed me to identify genetic markers associated with specific traits in animal models.”

3. Can you explain your experience with immunohistochemistry?

This question focuses on your familiarity with a key laboratory technique.

How to Answer

Describe your experience with immunohistochemistry, including the types of samples you worked with and the results you obtained.

Example

“I have performed immunohistochemistry on brain tissue samples to study the expression of specific proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases. This technique helped me visualize the localization of these proteins, providing insights into their roles in disease progression.”

4. How do you ensure the quality and compliance of your experimental data?

This question assesses your attention to detail and understanding of regulatory requirements.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate your data and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Example

“I implement rigorous quality control measures, including regular calibration of equipment and participation in inter-laboratory comparisons. Additionally, I maintain detailed records of all experiments to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.”

5. Describe a challenging research project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills and resilience in research.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example of a project, the challenges faced, and the strategies you employed to overcome them.

Example

“In a project studying the effects of a new drug on animal models, we encountered unexpected side effects. I collaborated with my team to adjust the dosage and conducted additional trials, which ultimately led to a successful outcome and valuable insights into the drug's mechanism of action.”

Military Knowledge

1. What is your understanding of directed energy biological effects?

This question gauges your knowledge of a specific area relevant to the company's focus.

How to Answer

Discuss your understanding of directed energy and its potential impacts on biological systems, referencing any relevant research or experience.

Example

“I understand that directed energy can cause various biological effects, including thermal and non-thermal interactions. My research has included studying the physiological responses of tissues exposed to different energy levels, which is crucial for developing safety protocols in military applications.”

2. Have you ever worked with the Department of Defense (DoD)? If so, describe your experience.

This question assesses your familiarity with the DoD and its operational context.

How to Answer

Share any relevant experiences you have had with the DoD, emphasizing your understanding of their mission and requirements.

Example

“I worked on a project funded by the DoD that focused on developing protective measures against chemical agents. This experience taught me the importance of aligning research objectives with military needs and regulatory standards.”

3. How do you stay updated on advancements in biomedical research related to military applications?

This question evaluates your commitment to continuous learning and relevance in your field.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to stay informed, such as journals, conferences, or professional organizations.

Example

“I regularly read journals like the Journal of Military Medicine and attend conferences focused on military biomedical research. Networking with professionals in the field also helps me stay informed about the latest advancements and best practices.”

4. Can you discuss any experience you have with pharmacology and neuroscience in the context of medical chemical defense?

This question assesses your specialized knowledge in a critical area for the role.

How to Answer

Provide examples of your experience in pharmacology and neuroscience, particularly as they relate to military applications.

Example

“I have conducted research on neuroprotective agents that could mitigate the effects of chemical exposure. This involved studying the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various compounds in animal models, which is essential for developing effective countermeasures.”

5. How would you approach designing an experiment to test a new medical countermeasure for military use?

This question evaluates your experimental design skills and understanding of military needs.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you would take in designing the experiment, including considerations for safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance.

Example

“I would start by conducting a thorough literature review to identify existing research gaps. Then, I would design a controlled study with appropriate animal models, ensuring that all ethical guidelines are followed. I would also collaborate with military stakeholders to align the research objectives with operational needs.”