WYSS Institute Interview Questions
& Process

It was a long interview process. I had 4 separate interviews with over 15 people over 4 different days that spanned several weeks. I spent at least 5 hours interviewing in total. The interviewers asked the same questions every time. Most interviewers didn't seem ready for the interview and looked like they were reading my resume and cover letter for the first time during the interview. Also, at least 3 people were completely disengaged and didn't speak at all during the interview, which was strange. They seemed lifeless and clearly didn't want to be there. Throughout the process, I thought I would get an offer, but in the end, I didn't get one and they didn't explain why, even though I asked for multiple supervisor references. This is fine, and no explanation is required, but it would have been nice given the time and effort I put into the interviews. The interview process and the impressions I got from the interviewers made me doubt whether I would accept an offer if one was given. Something for anyone applying to consider.

I applied in September and was first contacted in October by HR saying my application was received. I had a phone screen in November and then the interview process began. I spoke with 6 different people and had to put together a 45min pitch presentation with limited information. Then I had to submit a handful of references. I was told I'd get feedback on the presentation. I didn't hear anything for a few weeks after finishing the process, then got a copy/paste rejection email. I followed up for general feedback and/or the presentation feedback I was told I would receive, but didn't hear anything back.

I was contacted by a staff scientist for a brief 15-minute phone call where we discussed my prior experience and suitability for the position. Subsequently, I received an email from the postdocs on the team, and we had a 30-minute phone interview two days later, covering my background, experience, the role, and ongoing projects. Following that, HR conducted a phone interview to ask some HR-related questions. A few days later, I was invited for an in-person meeting with the hiring manager, postdocs, and the head of operations. This final interview involved basic questions about myself, my future aspirations, and previous work, along with discussions about the projects I'd be involved in.

Got referred by a friend who is a postdoc at Wyss. First, I had an informal meeting with the staff scientists I would be working with. Then, about two weeks later, I had a formal interview. This consisted of four 30-minute interviews, each with a pair of lab personnel. After that, I met with the staff scientists again for a final wrap-up. I got the official job offer the following week. Salary and other details came the week before I was supposed to start.