Pfizer Scientist Interview Questions
& Process
Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.
Based on 114 interview experiences · FREE TO READ
Candidate interview experiences
First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at Pfizer.
Pfizer
Principal Scientist
Staff Average Positive experience Accept offer 4 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Presentation Onsite
Interview formats
Behavioral Presentation
The interview process was pretty standard. First, I talked to HR and then the hiring manager. After that, there was an in-person seminar and more interviews with team members. Not much detail about the scientific programs was given, which is understandable without an NDA.
Confirmed questions3 questions
- Tell me about your experience.
- What motivates you?
- What are your interests?
Pfizer
Scientist
Mid Average Neutral experience No offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Presentation Panel Technical screen Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
I had several interviews with HR (at least two phone calls), and then with the hiring manager. After that, I presented some data and had a panel interview. Then, I had another chat with the principal scientist. After about 1-2 months of talking back and forth, the director decided to look at more candidates and put me on hold as their second choice. They hinted at an offer but it never came. It felt like a waste of time with a hiring team that couldn't make up its mind, so I looked elsewhere. The technical questions were pretty straightforward if you know your stuff. I wasn't expecting so many personal questions about hobbies or what I like to watch.
Confirmed questions2 questions
- Why did you choose to apply for this specific role?
- Can you discuss the technical aspects related to your presentation?
Pfizer
Senior Scientist
Senior Average Positive experience No offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Presentation Panel Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation
It started with a quick recruiter call on Day 1, just 8 minutes, asking about my interest, salary expectations ($11,000), and visa needs (none). They said I'd hear back within a week. Later on Day 1, the hiring manager/principal scientist reached out to set up a meeting for Day 2. Day 2 involved a 30-minute chat with the hiring manager, covering both technical and behavioral stuff; it went really well. By Day 6, I got an email requesting a title for a panel presentation. Day 7 brought the panel interview schedule. The panel interview and my presentation happened around Day 24. Unfortunately, my computer screen went black during the last 30 minutes, and while I was trying to switch to another computer, the hiring manager looked visibly disappointed. I later heard from my referral that the directors leaned towards another candidate with more experience, and my computer issue didn't help, even with the hiring manager's support. It doesn't look like I'll get the job.
Confirmed questions7 questions
- For what reason did you apply for this position?
- What are your salary expectations, at least how much?
- How do you explain complicated problems?
Pfizer Scientist Interview Questions
Quoted word for word from Pfizer interview reports.
“How would you rank the importance of communication, work ethic, and intelligence for a scientist?”
Read reports →“Could you detail your experiments, particularly regarding the mechanism of drug action and any mutational evidence supporting it, as presented?”
Read reports →“Can you describe any challenges encountered and how you troubleshooted them during protein purification?”
Read reports →“Regarding protein purification methods you've used, could you elaborate on your experience and explain the protocol?”
Read reports →“Since you’ll be a senior scientist, you’ll need to discipline your subordinates. If someone’s work is not satisfactory how would you talk to them?”
Read report →“Can you describe your proposed solution for a specific research project challenge related to multi-parameter optimization?”
Read report →“The industry is different than academia. Sometimes you need to switch your work fast. Have you had to stop working on a project suddenly and start a new one?”
Read report →“Regarding your current work, what's the split between working independently and collaborating, and what kind of split are you looking for in the future?”
Read report →“Why is this the right time for you to consider a new opportunity?”
Read report →Formats, difficulty and experience
Across all 114 Pfizer interview reports.