In your opinion, what has been the biggest development in biotechnology in the past three years?
This question tests your view of a specific aspect of the industry and is also designed to trip you up. They want to know if you shared the wealth of your scope in question #4 or can you go deeper and have more to offer, and more resources to draw from. In question 4, they tested you on your broad scope of knowledge. In question 5, they ask about your sources. This question will test how specific and current your knowledge is, and how frequently you tap into the resources of information.
"There have been so many developments in biotechnology the past three years, but I felt that the biggest was the development in gene editing. It's a controversial and intriguing practice."
"There is a multitude of biotech developments from which to choose! I was reading about these new methods of manipulating human cells to beat a range of diseases. According to Fortune magazine, Chinese scientists have launched the first CRISPR gene-editing trial to treat cancer. It's all pretty incredible, isn't it?"
The term 'biotechnology' refers to the use of cells and molecules to create a product within medicine, genetic testing, or even agriculture. Offer your opinion on what you foresee as the most significant development that has happened in the past few years. If there are significant developments Pfizer has made, include those.
Don't list off all the accomplishments of your previous employer. This will come across as a limited scope of your knowledge.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
In the last decade, the advent of biotechnologies with the ability to convert any blood type into the universal donor type O, 3D printers capable of printing human organs, non-invasive techniques for monitoring fetal genetic abnormalities, and the now infamous CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique have inspired a serious influx of interested investors into biotechnologies.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are all fascinating developments, indeed! At the end of your response, I recommend adding some knowledge regarding Pfizer's involvement in any of these topics, just to tie it all together.
Anonymous Answer
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are becoming a vital part of the ability to make groundbreaking biotechnological discoveries at a much higher rate than ever before. AI and ML are being used to great effect in diagnostics, as de facto lab assistants, and to discover new drugs.
Rachelle's Feedback
Terrific response! It's evident that you have a firm grasp of the biotech/pharma/biopharmaceutical industry. Next, be sure to showcase your knowledge of how Pfizer has contributed to developments in AI and ML for new drug discoveries.
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