Pacific Biosciences Scientist Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 8 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Pacific Biosciences.
Pacific Biosciences
Scientist
Entry Average Positive experience Decline offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Technical screen Presentation Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
The interview process was pretty standard. It started with a 30-minute phone screening with the hiring manager, followed by a 15-minute chat with HR. Then, there was a second round, a 45-minute video panel interview. Finally, I was invited for a virtual on-site interview which included a research presentation and some good technique questions. I really enjoyed the process. HR did a great job speeding things up due to my other pending offers with expiration dates.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- What sparks your interest in this role and what are your five-year career aspirations?
- Describe your approach to managing conflict situations.
Pacific Biosciences
Senior Scientist
Senior Average Neutral experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Technical screen Presentation
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
The interview process started with a roughly 40-minute initial phone screening. After that, there was a full-day Zoom interview, which included about 10 separate 30-minute meetings with different people, and I also had to give a 40-minute technical presentation. I really liked the initial phone screening and the full-day interview. Everyone I met was nice and helpful. They asked a mix of technical and behavioral questions. The work culture seemed pretty good, but the company itself is super unorganized. It took them 5 weeks and several emails to get back to me after the first phone screening. It's really disappointing to not get any response about the interview after spending a whole day on it, especially after emailing the recruiter a couple of times. Candidates should at least get an automated response.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Why did you decide to apply for this role?
Pacific Biosciences
Scientist
Mid Average Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Phone screen Presentation Onsite
Interview formats
Technical Presentation
The interview process was well organized. HR staffs are friendly, professional and helpful. I had an initial phone screen followed by a full day interview. I gave a presentation and talked with the entire team 1:1. All the staffs seem friendly, professional and talented. My impression is that the company has a culture of collaboration and the team members work well together. Even though PacBio is an essential business during Covid, all the interviews were done via video conference, this indicated to me that the management is taking good care of both employees and interviewee.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Tell me about your technical background and experience.
Pacific Biosciences Scientist Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Pacific Biosciences interview reports.
“Could you tell me what you know about Pacbio?”
Read reports →“What is the least enjoyable aspect of your current job?”
Read reports →“What is the most enjoyable aspect of your current job?”
Read reports →“Tell me about your experience with NGS.”
Read reports →“Describe your approach to managing conflict situations.”
Read report →“What sparks your interest in this role and what are your five-year career aspirations?”
Read report →“How did you overcome those challenges?”
Read report →“Can you tell me about your previous NGS experience?”
Read report →“Why did you decide to apply for this role?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 8 Pacific Biosciences interview reports.