Boyce Thompson Institute Interview Questions
& Process

The interview process was good, professional, and well-managed. The organization may check references to confirm qualifications and character. Finally, they extend a job offer, and you can negotiate things like salary, benefits, or when you start.

The job was posted on the research lab's website. We had a Zoom meeting to discuss my prior research and experiences, as well as my education and long-term career aspirations. The whole process from the interview to the job offer took about two to three weeks.

I was first contacted by the lab PI for a quick phone chat. Then, I had an in-person interview where they reimbursed my travel to Ithaca. I was there for about 3 hours, which included having lunch with other lab members. During the interview, they asked some personal questions to get to know me and shared some stories. It felt pretty relaxed, but they still asked standard questions about my resume and work ethic. I got a tour of the main lab and saw the equipment. Since this was a new field for me and I had just graduated from college in a different area, I asked some basic questions to get involved in the research. They were really nice, patient, and polite when I asked things. It's important to be willing to promote yourself but also to be honest and humble about what you know. I shared an example of a time when I was young and naive and admitted the mistakes I made. This showed them I'm ready to take ownership of my work and can learn from reflecting on my experiences. Because it's a research institute, your interview experience really depends on the PI and their team. Generally, though, non-profit research places are usually pretty welcoming during interviews. The whole Cornell campus has a really great vibe. About a week later, I got an email asking if I wanted the job, followed by a formal offer letter in the mail. I moved up there two weeks after that.