International Medication Systems Scientist Interview Questions
& Process

The entire interview process lasted about 2 to 3 hours. After parking on the street, a security guard directed me to the entrance. The receptionist was expecting me and administered a general chemistry test, similar to high school level, and a weighing test. Passing the chemistry test is a requirement for hiring, although I'm unsure of the exact pass mark. The weighing test was quite simple and took me around 20 minutes. Following these tests, I had an interview with three supervisors from the chemistry department. The HR representative was not present because they were conducting group interviews elsewhere. They had my resume and application and asked questions based on those documents. These were basic interview questions.

The whole thing took about 2.5 to 3 hours. First, I went inside and the front desk had me fill out an application in a room. Then, I was given a chemistry test with 9 free-response questions, lots of math and chemistry equations. You really need to know your stoichiometry and practice limiting reagent problems. After that, I did the weighing test. You get a manual scale and 32 vials of different chemicals. You have to write down the vial number, its color, if it's a liquid or solid, and its mass to the hundredth decimal. It's timed, and most people finish in 20-30 minutes. The numbers usually follow a pattern, but some are different. This is to check how accurately you process and record info when rushed. Apparently, your handwriting matters, so they want to see legible numbers. Finally, I had the interview with 3 people who explained the position. They said they'd grade the test and I'd hear back in a week.

I applied on craigslist and got a call the next day for an interview. They gave me a short general chemistry test covering empirical formulas, product yield (requiring knowledge of limiting reactants), the PV=nRT formula (including unit conversions like torr to atm), balancing chemical equations, calculating moles from molarity and volume, explaining water's amphoteric nature, and nitrogen's reactivity. Then, there was a timed practical involving weighing about 30-40 containers of minerals and fluids to the second decimal place using a balance. Following that, I interviewed with HR and chemistry staff who discussed SOPs, cGMPs, and the required bunny suit with a respirator. They asked about shift flexibility, noting irregular schedules, and emphasized strong communication skills and the ability to train lab techs, as the role involves being part of one of three groups. They repeatedly asked if I had questions, suggesting I prepare some. They also stressed neat handwriting for exams and applications. Additionally, they mentioned a required lung test, working in an enclosed vacuum hood, and a background and drug test. The HR person mentioned exams would be graded and the process might take 1-2 weeks. I followed up via email after two weeks and received a response.