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The Broad Institute Research Associate Interview Questions
& Process

Real candidates share what happened, how many rounds they had,
and how the experience turned out.

Based on 51 interview experiences · FREE TO READ

2.6 Rounds average
Average Typical difficulty
76.5% Positive experience

Candidate interview experiences

First-hand accounts from people who interviewed at The Broad Institute.

Showing 3 of 51
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Research Associate

Research · more than a year ago

Mid Average Neutral experience No offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call
Interview formats
Behavioral

It was a friendly interview, and they asked relevant questions. They mentioned they were really interested in me, but then I heard nothing back, so take those kinds of comments with a grain of salt.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • What are your salary expectations?
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The Broad Institute

Research Associate

Research · more than a year ago

Entry Easy Positive experience Accept offer 5 rounds
Interview process
Recruiter call Phone screen Technical screen Onsite Panel Background check Offer
Interview formats
Behavioral Technical Presentation

The interview process is super smooth and efficient (~1 week). It generally has three rounds. First, an HR calls for a 15-minute phone screen, asking basic questions and explaining benefits. Then, they match you with an interested lab. A PI from the lab reaches out for a 30-minute screening interview. If they're still interested, they set up a 2-3h panel interview with you, which for me was 5 rounds of interviews, each lasting 30 minutes with 2-3 interviewers. I met multiple lab members, including current research associates. Everyone was nice and friendly. The decision can be made almost immediately if they really like you.

Confirmed questions2 questions
  • Can you tell us why you chose our lab and what your future career goals are?
  • What are your future career goals and why did you choose our lab?
The Broad Institute logo
The Broad Institute

Research Associate

Research

Entry Easy Positive experience Decline offer 1 round
Interview process
Recruiter call
Interview formats
Behavioral

The interview consisted of a standard personality assessment and a review of previous experience. It was a very pleasant phone interview, and the recruiter was genuinely helpful, actively trying to connect me with suitable opportunities. Getting past the initial screening at Broad can be tough, but once you're through, the first phone interview isn't too daunting. The staff are friendly, and if you're well-prepared, it should be a positive experience.

Confirmed questions1 question
  • Tell me about a past project that you were particularly enthusiastic about and explain your reasons.

The Broad Institute Research Associate Interview Questions

Quoted word for word from The Broad Institute interview reports.

Could you describe the structure of a specific amino acid?

Read reports

If your cells became contaminated, what would be your standard procedure for dealing with the samples?

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Regarding cell culture, can you explain your process for passaging cells?

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Regarding the lab's recently developed technology, how would you propose applying it to enhance disease comprehension?

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What research areas pique your interest the most, and which Broad labs are you most keen on joining?

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If you were given a job offer, what would be your earliest possible start date?

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What are your research interests that led you to apply to the Broad Institute?

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Are you interested in applying to other research roles at The Broad Institute?

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Formats, difficulty and experience

Across all 51 The Broad Institute interview reports.

Interview formats

Behavioral 50%
Technical 34.7%
Presentation 7.1%
Coding 3.1%
Group 2%

Interview difficulty

Easy 13.7%
Average 70.6%
Difficult 15.7%

Candidate experience

Neutral 19.6%
Positive 76.5%
Negative 3.9%