Question Overview: This is an important question to ask because you want to make sure that the lab assistant is available to work the hours that you need them to. The answer to this question also shows you how flexible the candidate is with their schedule.
Sample Answer: I am available to work from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. I am also available to work overtime on weekdays and weekends if needed.
Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of what the candidate considers to be their biggest weakness. You may want to choose a candidate who is aware of their weaknesses and has taken steps to improve them. Their answer may also reveal a weakness that you can help them with.
Sample Answer: I have a hard time keeping up with the latest technology. I have taken online courses to learn how to use new software and equipment.
Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of how the lab assistant views themselves. Their answer will give you a sense of their self-awareness and self-confidence. You may want to choose a candidate who is aware of their strengths and weaknesses and who can clearly articulate them to you.
Sample Answer: My strengths are my attention to detail and my ability to work independently. My weakness is that I am not very good at public speaking.
Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the candidate's career goals. You may want to choose a lab assistant who has a similar career path as you do. The answer to this question also shows how the candidate thinks about their future.
Sample Answer: I would like to move into a management position in the next five years.
Question Overview: This question is important to ask because it demonstrates the lab assistant's ability to stay focused and accurate while doing a repetitive task. The ideal candidate is able to maintain accuracy while performing repetitive tasks.
Sample Answer: I use a checklist to ensure that I have performed every step of the process.
Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's experience in a lab setting. The ideal candidate has at least one year of experience in a lab setting, and they should be able to explain what they did in their previous lab positions.
Sample Answer: I have worked in a lab for three years. I have performed a wide range of tests including PCR, ELISA, Western blotting and immunofluorescence.
Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's ability to work with others. You may want to choose a candidate who has experience working in a group setting. The answer to this question will also tell you the level of experience that the candidate has with group work.
Sample Answer: I have worked in groups for the past five years. I have found that I am most productive when I can work independently, but I also enjoy the camaraderie of working with my colleagues.
Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's career goals. You may want to choose a candidate who is interested in staying with your laboratory for the long term. The answer to this question will also tell you the level of commitment that the candidate has to your laboratory.
Sample Answer: I would like to stay with this laboratory for at least five years. I am interested in taking on more responsibility and eventually becoming a lab manager.
Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of how the candidate handles problems. The ideal candidate has experience with resolving issues in the lab and knows how to work through difficult situations. Their answer demonstrates their ability to think on their feet and come up with a solution to a problem.
Sample Answer: I was working on a project that required me to isolate DNA from a very small sample. I had to use a new technique and I ran into some problems with the DNA extraction. I consulted with my supervisor and we came up with a new method that worked much better.
Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of the candidate's personality and work ethic. The answer to this question tells you how they would describe themselves and how they are perceived by others.
Sample Answer: My friends would describe me as a hard worker who is always willing to help others.
Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of what the lab assistant values in their work environment. You may want to choose a candidate who is motivated by the same things that are important to you. The answer to this question will also tell you how the candidate will perform in your laboratory.
Sample Answer: I am motivated by working with a team of researchers who are dedicated to their work and who are always looking for ways to improve their research.
Question Overview: This is an essential question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's availability and their interest in the job. You may want to choose a candidate who can start right away so that you can begin working with them as soon as possible.
Sample Answer: I can start on Monday, and I will give you a week's notice if I need to reschedule my start date.
Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's career goals. If they are interested in a career in research, then they may be a good fit for your lab. Their answer also demonstrates their level of commitment to their career and their desire to continue learning.
Sample Answer: My goal is to become a lab manager in a research laboratory. I would like to learn how to use the latest technology and gain experience with new techniques.
Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of how the lab assistant handles unexpected situations. You want to choose a candidate who is able to think on their feet and make decisions in a timely manner. Their answer will also tell you how they handle mistakes and what they do to prevent them from happening again.
Sample Answer: I was working with a new type of sample and I accidentally added too much reagent. The sample became contaminated, but I was able to use a different method to get the same results.
Question Overview: This question gives you an idea of the lab assistant's ability to handle difficult situations in the laboratory. You want to choose a candidate who is able to work with students and other lab staff members in a professional manner. The answer to this question will also tell you how the candidate handles conflict resolution in the laboratory setting.
Sample Answer: I would first talk with the student about their behavior and expectations. If they continue to be disruptive, I would ask for help from a supervisor or other lab staff member.
Question Overview: You should ask this question because it gives you an idea of how the lab assistant will perform in the new position. The ideal candidate will be able to explain how their skills will help them to be successful in the new position.
Sample Answer: My experience with real-time PCR and antibody tests will help me to quickly learn how to run sedimentation rates and other tests in your laboratory.
Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's education level. You may want to choose a candidate who has a similar educational background to the other members of your research team. The answer to this question will also tell you the level of experience that the candidate has with different laboratory techniques and procedures.
Sample Answer: I have a bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of California, Berkeley. I have been working in a research lab for five years.
Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of how the lab assistant views their own skills and abilities. You may want to choose a candidate who is willing to admit their weaknesses and who has a plan for improving them.
Sample Answer: My strengths are my attention to detail and my ability to work independently. I am working on improving my ability to work in a team setting.
Question Overview: This is an important question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's experience with different techniques. You may want to choose a candidate who is familiar with the same techniques that are used in your research laboratory. The answer to this question will also tell you the level of experience that the candidate has with different techniques.
Sample Answer: I have used a variety of techniques including PCR, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and ELISA. I am comfortable using these techniques and have been trained in their use.
Question Overview: This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant's experience with different types of projects. You may want to choose a candidate who has experience with the type of projects that you do in your laboratory. The answer to this question will also tell you the level of experience that the candidate has with different types of projects.
Sample Answer: I have worked on several research projects in my career. I have worked on a project to develop a new vaccine for influenza A and another project to develop a new treatment for cancer.