Where do you see yourself in five years?
The interviewer would like you to describe your short-term and long-term goals. The scientific field is very competitive, and employers are looking for candidates who show an interest in longevity with the company.
If you have goals of moving to a higher-level position, this is when you should elaborate on that. If you are interested in being part of a specific research or experimental project, mention that as well. Avoid giving brief answers, such as, 'I want to grow within a company.' Go into detail about the goals you have and why they are your goals.
"I am looking for longevity in my next position. I would like to begin working for a company I can grow with. I think that I have a lot of valuable knowledge, and with the right company, I would like to be in a leadership role within the next five years."
