Society for Neuroscience Manager Interview Questions
& Process

I got an initial interview request via email, likely from an outsourced HR company. It took them three weeks to reply to my response to schedule a phone interview. After I finally set up my in-person interview, it took them almost a month to get back to me with a rejection. While rejection is expected, their lack of response to emails asking for updates was unprofessional.

I was contacted by a recruiter and scheduled a phone screening which was cancelled last minute due to a pop-up meeting they had. I rescheduled and less than 24 hours before the new time, I got the names of my interviewers and was asked to take a personality screening. After that went well, I went in for the in-person interview. The interviewers were very direct about the company culture and expectations, stating they don't offer flexible or limited telework. Their questions focused on ensuring I wasn't someone who would offer new ideas or disrupt the status quo. The vibe I got was they want structured, less creative thinkers. Two of the three interviewers had been with the company less than two years. They were upfront about their company culture and looking for people who fit that mold. It seems like a place for someone focused on getting the job done without generating new ideas, and possibly better for younger people without family commitments due to the lack of flexible work options.

I applied online and had a phone interview with HR. Then, I had onsite interviews with the team and the Director. I also completed a personality test. The assessment results go to your supervisor, and they'll share them with you. The results are taken seriously. The good reviews are from younger staff who don't know any better or have been asked to write them or are trying to get into the very limited crowd. BELIEVE the bad reviews. There's no job security; over 20 people were laid off before I started, and people quit every other week. There's no autonomy and salaries are lower than the Director level. Many people are unhappy. Management plays favorites and if they don't like you, they'll make you quit. I've never seen such poor treatment. Staff who stay have good supervisors who protect them, depending on the department. I saw several people mistreated. Competent people were put on performance improvement plans to make them quit. I saw closed-door tears. I saw one happy person there, and it was their first job. Steer clear.