Can you describe a laboratory experiment you conducted that did not go as planned? What did you learn from that experience?
Behavioral
Problem-solving
Critical Thinking
Adaptability
This question is crucial for evaluating your problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of scientific challenges, which are essential qualities for a junior biochemist.
How to answer
- Use the STAR method to structure your response: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Clearly explain the experiment's objective and the specific issues that arose.
- Discuss the steps you took to troubleshoot the problem.
- Reflect on the lessons learned and how you applied them to future experiments.
- Emphasize the importance of adaptability and perseverance in scientific research.
What not to say
- Blaming external factors without acknowledging your role in the outcome.
- Focusing solely on the negative aspects without highlighting any positive takeaways.
- Avoiding technical details that demonstrate your understanding of the experiment.
- Failing to mention how you communicated the issue with your team or supervisor.
Sample answer
“During my internship at Bayer, I was working on an enzyme assay that unexpectedly failed to show activity. After analyzing the protocol, I realized I had used an outdated buffer solution. I quickly adjusted the experiment, re-ran it, and successfully obtained results. This taught me the importance of verifying materials and the value of flexibility when things go wrong. I now double-check all components before starting experiments.”