Teva Pharmaceuticals Data Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Teva Pharmaceuticals is a global leader in the manufacture of generic medicines, dedicated to making good health more affordable and accessible across nearly 60 countries.

The Data Scientist role at Teva is integral for supporting the Data Science & Analytics team in executing key initiatives that align with the company's mission. As a Data Scientist, you will leverage advanced analytics, data science, and visualization techniques to drive data-driven insights and streamline complex workflows, particularly related to medical benefits and rebates. Key responsibilities include collaborating with business partners to develop data-driven decision-making solutions, managing cross-functional analytical projects, ensuring data integrity and accuracy, and implementing machine learning models.

A great fit for this role possesses a strong background in statistics, computer science, or a related quantitative discipline, along with proficiency in Python and SQL. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and possess strong analytical skills. Understanding the pharmaceutical landscape and being adaptable to changing priorities will further enhance your candidacy.

This guide aims to equip you with insights into the role's expectations and the skills emphasized during the interview process, ultimately helping you stand out as a strong candidate for the Data Scientist position at Teva Pharmaceuticals.

The interview process for a Data Scientist role at Teva Pharmaceuticals is structured and designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills. Candidates can expect a series of interviews that focus on their experience, technical expertise, and cultural fit within the organization.

1. Initial Screening

The process typically begins with an initial phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30-40 minutes and focuses on your background, education, and motivations for applying to Teva. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will have a technical interview with the hiring manager or a senior data scientist. This interview may include questions about your experience with statistical models, data analysis, and programming languages such as Python and SQL. You may also be asked to discuss specific projects you have worked on, demonstrating your ability to generate insights and solve complex problems.

3. Behavioral Interview

The next step often involves a behavioral interview, which may be conducted by HR or a panel of team members. This round assesses your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Expect questions that explore how you handle challenges, work with others, and fit into the company’s mission of making healthcare more accessible.

4. Onsite Interview

For candidates who progress past the initial rounds, an onsite interview is typically scheduled. This may involve multiple one-on-one interviews with various team members, including data scientists and managers. You may be asked to present a case study or a project you have worked on, showcasing your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex findings effectively.

5. Final Assessment

In some cases, candidates may be required to complete a final assessment, which could include a coding challenge or a practical test related to data analysis. This step is designed to evaluate your technical proficiency and problem-solving abilities in real-time.

Throughout the process, candidates should be prepared for a thorough evaluation of their technical skills, as well as their ability to collaborate and contribute to Teva's mission.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages.

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

Understand the Company Culture

Teva Pharmaceuticals values a collaborative and supportive work environment. During your interview, emphasize your ability to work well in teams and your commitment to the company's mission of making healthcare more accessible. Be prepared to share examples of how you've contributed to team success in previous roles, as the interviewers are keen to understand how you fit into their culture.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a focus on behavioral questions that explore your past experiences and how they have shaped your professional development. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses. Highlight specific projects where you demonstrated problem-solving skills, adaptability, and teamwork, particularly in data-driven contexts.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Given the emphasis on data science and analytics, be ready to discuss your technical expertise in statistics, Python, and SQL. Prepare to explain your experience with statistical models and machine learning algorithms, as well as how you've applied these skills to real-world problems. Consider bringing a portfolio of relevant projects or case studies to illustrate your capabilities.

Communicate Clearly and Effectively

Teva values the ability to communicate complex ideas to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Practice explaining your past projects in a way that is accessible to a lay audience. This will demonstrate your communication skills and your ability to bridge the gap between data analysis and business strategy.

Be Mindful of the Interview Format

The interview process may include multiple rounds, including HR and technical interviews. Be prepared for a mix of questions that assess both your technical skills and your fit within the company culture. If you have the opportunity, ask insightful questions about the team dynamics and the specific challenges the Data Science & Analytics team is currently facing.

Follow Up Professionally

After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and briefly mention how your skills align with Teva's goals. This not only shows professionalism but also keeps you top of mind as they make their decision.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great cultural fit for Teva Pharmaceuticals. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Scientist interview at Teva Pharmaceuticals. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you can contribute to the company's mission of providing accessible and affordable medicines. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences, technical knowledge, and how you approach complex data challenges.

Experience and Background

1. Describe a data science project you have led. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?

Teva values candidates who can demonstrate leadership in their projects and effectively navigate challenges.

How to Answer

Discuss the project scope, your role, the challenges faced, and the strategies you employed to overcome them. Highlight any specific outcomes or insights gained.

Example

“I led a project analyzing patient data to identify trends in medication adherence. One major challenge was dealing with incomplete datasets. I implemented data imputation techniques and collaborated with the data engineering team to ensure data integrity, which ultimately led to actionable insights that improved patient outreach strategies.”

Technical Skills

2. What statistical methods do you commonly use in your analyses?

Understanding statistical methods is crucial for a Data Scientist role at Teva.

How to Answer

Mention specific statistical techniques you are familiar with, and provide examples of how you have applied them in your work.

Example

“I frequently use multivariate linear regression and logistic regression for predictive modeling. For instance, in a recent project, I used logistic regression to predict patient outcomes based on various demographic and clinical factors, which helped the team tailor interventions more effectively.”

3. Can you explain the difference between supervised and unsupervised learning?

This question assesses your foundational knowledge of machine learning concepts.

How to Answer

Clearly define both terms and provide examples of each.

Example

“Supervised learning involves training a model on labeled data, where the outcome is known, such as predicting sales based on historical data. In contrast, unsupervised learning deals with unlabeled data, where the model identifies patterns or groupings, like clustering customers based on purchasing behavior.”

4. How do you ensure data integrity and accuracy in your analyses?

Data integrity is critical in the pharmaceutical industry, and Teva will want to know your approach.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you use to validate and clean data before analysis.

Example

“I implement a multi-step data validation process that includes checking for duplicates, outliers, and missing values. I also use automated scripts to flag inconsistencies and regularly collaborate with data engineers to ensure the data pipeline is robust.”

5. Describe your experience with SQL and how you use it in your data analysis.

SQL skills are essential for data manipulation and analysis.

How to Answer

Share specific SQL functions you are proficient in and how you have used them in past projects.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, particularly in writing complex queries for data extraction and transformation. For example, I used SQL to aggregate patient data from multiple tables to create a comprehensive dataset for analysis, which improved the accuracy of our predictive models.”

Problem-Solving and Adaptability

6. How do you handle projects that shift in direction?

Teva seeks candidates who can adapt to changing priorities.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a project where you had to pivot and how you managed the change.

Example

“In a previous role, a project’s focus shifted from analyzing patient demographics to understanding treatment outcomes. I quickly reassessed our data sources and adjusted our analysis plan, ensuring we met the new objectives without significant delays.”

7. What do you do when you encounter a problem you cannot solve immediately?

This question evaluates your problem-solving approach and resilience.

How to Answer

Discuss your process for tackling difficult problems, including seeking help or conducting further research.

Example

“When faced with a challenging problem, I first break it down into smaller components to identify where I can make progress. If I’m still stuck, I consult with colleagues or refer to relevant literature to gain new insights. This approach has often led me to solutions I hadn’t initially considered.”

Company Fit and Motivation

8. Why do you want to work at Teva Pharmaceuticals?

Understanding your motivation for joining the company is important for cultural fit.

How to Answer

Express your alignment with Teva’s mission and how your skills can contribute to their goals.

Example

“I am passionate about using data science to improve healthcare outcomes, and Teva’s commitment to making medicines accessible resonates with me. I believe my analytical skills and experience in the pharmaceutical industry can help drive impactful data-driven strategies at Teva.”

9. How do you communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders?

Effective communication is key in a collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Describe your approach to simplifying complex information and ensuring understanding.

Example

“I focus on using clear visuals and straightforward language when presenting data insights. For instance, I created dashboards that highlighted key metrics and trends, allowing stakeholders to grasp the information quickly and make informed decisions.”

10. What qualities do you bring to this role, and what is an area you are looking to improve?

This question assesses self-awareness and personal development.

How to Answer

Highlight your strengths relevant to the role and mention a specific area for improvement along with your plan to address it.

Example

“I bring strong analytical skills and a collaborative spirit to the team. However, I am looking to improve my knowledge of cloud computing technologies, so I am currently taking online courses to enhance my skills in AWS and Azure.”