National Academy of Sciences Research Associate Interview Questions
& Process

I had a typical interview for the position. First, they asked me what I knew and thought about the role. Then, they asked some common questions about my weaknesses and how I deal with them. They also asked about my past research experience and my future career aspirations.

This was a really long interview process. About two weeks after applying online, I had a quick recruiter call to go over salary and my understanding of the job. The next day, I got an email inviting me for an interview scheduled a week later. I went in and met the hiring manager. Everyone was really friendly and the work seemed interesting. I felt the interview went well, so I got invited for a second interview a week and a half later. This interview was scheduled for the very next day with short notice and little flexibility to reschedule. I met with four people, including the hiring manager again. Each interview felt great, and I was pretty sure I had a good chance. They told me it was between me and one other person and a decision would be made the next day, but I wouldn't hear for a week or two. After two weeks, I followed up and found out I wasn't selected. Then, they told me about a second position opening and asked me to apply since I made a good impression and they could see me at IOM in the future. I applied and was asked to wait a week. After a week, they said no decision was made but asked me to come in on short notice to meet three more people for two other possible RA positions. I rearranged my schedule and met the other team members. After a lot of delays and waiting, I didn't get 2/3 of the jobs I was being considered for, and the third was pending funding. As you can see, it was quite a lot, requiring a lot of waiting and patience. I asked for feedback to learn from this experience, specifically what experience I was lacking or why I wasn't selected. I've now been offered a job elsewhere, but wanted to share my experience for others who might be waiting for replies. It was nice meeting the staff; they are smart and driven. I feel I invested a lot of time with positive feedback, followed by disappointment. The interviews themselves were pleasant, but ultimately, I felt my time wasn't valued, making the overall experience feel negative.

Getting the interview was the tough part. The actual interview was okay, but the job descriptions can be kinda vague about what you'll do. I think it'd be easier to find good candidates if the postings weren't so generic. A lot of people I know with the same title do different things; it really depends on your specific working group.