City of Hope Research Associate Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 19 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at City of Hope.
City of Hope
Research Associate
Mid Average Negative experience No offer 3 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical
My interview experience with a lab at City of Hope was pretty standard. It started with a phone interview with HR, and then I had an on-site interview with the PI and some other researchers. Even though the interviews themselves went well, I was really unhappy with how things went down afterwards. The PI called me about a week and a half after my on-site to say he'd talked to all my references and really liked me. He didn't officially offer me the job, but he said HR would contact me about the benefits. HR called the next day, and after explaining the benefits, they said they hadn't figured out the salary yet and would let me know. A week later, HR emailed to say they'd hired someone else. I was surprised and felt like they strung me along. I don't think HR should have discussed benefits or salary if they weren't sure about offering me the job. It also felt weird and unprofessional for the PI to call me and make it sound like he was going to offer me the job. I think both the PI and HR could have handled the whole thing better; I would have preferred they just waited until the end to tell me I didn't get the job.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What makes you want to work for a research institution like City of Hope, as opposed to a position in the industry?
City of Hope
Research Associate
Entry Average Neutral experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral
I applied for the role online and heard back in about two weeks. The interview was scheduled for a week later. I had a good conversation with the Principal Investigator, who also gave me a tour of the lab. We discussed my background and previous work. The interview focused more on my general approach to work rather than specific knowledge. They made me an offer, but I had to decide within 3 days, even though I asked for more time to explore other options. HR mentioned it was due to budget constraints.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What are your long-term career goals over the next five years?
City of Hope
Research Associate
Entry Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Onsite Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Presentation
The interview process started with a phone chat with the lab's Principal Investigator. After that, I had an in-person meeting with each lab member, which also included a tour of the lab. Overall, it was a really positive experience, and I enjoyed connecting with many interesting people.
Confirmed questions1 question
- What are your future career and academic aspirations?
City of Hope Research Associate Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from City of Hope interview reports.
“Can you explain what PCR is?”
Read reports →“Can you tell me about molecular biology?”
Read reports →“Could you list the classes you have taken?”
Read reports →“What motivates your interest in City of Hope?”
Read reports →“When would you be available to start?”
Read report →“What makes you want to work for a research institution like City of Hope, as opposed to a position in the industry?”
Read report →“What attracted you to our lab and this specific area of research?”
Read report →“What are your future career and academic aspirations?”
Read report →“What methods do you use for organization?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 19 City of Hope interview reports.