Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Research Associate Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 16 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Research Associate
Entry Average Negative experience No offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Presentation Background check Offer
Interview formats
Presentation Behavioral
I would not recommend this interview process to anyone. I was asked to a formal interview three weeks after my initial interview. Both were virtual. The formal interview was 3.5 hours long, which included a presentation. I waited 9 weeks for them to notify me of their decision. Within that 9-week period, I followed up with the hiring manager a couple of times to request an update on my status. Their rejection email neither provided feedback on my performance as a candidate, nor did it explain why it took them so long to make a decision. The job market is already stressful for applicants. It is inexcusable to string your candidates along like this, especially when they have invested hours into your recruitment process. It simply should not take 9 weeks to select a candidate after they've gone through their final rounds of interviews. This process is something I might expect for a senior-level management position, not a masters-level research associate position. Because of this experience with PNNL, I will never apply to a position with them again. If you value your time and want to feel respected as a candidate, I suggest you apply elsewhere.
Confirmed questions1 question
- Could you prepare and deliver a presentation detailing your research background?
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Research Associate
Entry Easy Positive experience Accept offer 2 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Presentation Onsite Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
About 3 months after applying online, I got a call to set up a phone interview. The phone interview was with my two mentors, lasted about 45 minutes, and took place a week before I was invited for an in-person interview. PNNL covered all travel expenses, and I stayed at the Guest House on campus. The in-person interview was a full day. I had individual 30-minute meetings with my two mentors, the group manager, some colleagues, and an HR person. I also gave a 30-minute presentation on my master's research and toured some facilities. The entire process was easygoing and relaxed. Everyone was friendly, and the interviews didn't feel stressful or tough at all.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Could you tell us about your past research experience?
- Would you be able to perform the specific duties required for this role?
- What makes you want to take on this role?
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Research Associate
Mid Average Positive experience Accept offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen
Interview formats
Technical Behavioral
The interview process started with a phone interview. They asked a lot of detailed questions about the job responsibilities. First, we talked about the skills needed for the job. Then, they asked some technical questions based on my resume. They also asked about my working style, whether I'm more of a silent type or a communication type.
Confirmed questions4 questions
- What do you consider your three greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- Could you describe your key strengths relevant to this role?
- I'd like to ask some technical questions concerning your resume.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Research Associate Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory interview reports.
“In 5 years, where do you envision yourself?”
Read reports →“Are you open to traveling for the role?”
Read reports →“Would you be comfortable working with radioactive materials?”
Read reports →“How do your colleagues perceive your strong and weak points, and what are your own views on them?”
Read reports →“What's your strategy when you encounter something you don't know how to do?”
Read report →“Regarding your work style, do you tend to be more of a silent type or a communication-focused type?”
Read report →“Could you elaborate on the analytical methods you employ?”
Read report →“Could you prepare and deliver a presentation detailing your research background?”
Read report →“What's your reason for leaving your last job?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 16 Pacific Northwest National Laboratory interview reports.