30 Clinical Research Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

Have you ever been part of a clinical investigation led by the FDA due to non-compliance? How familiar are you with GCP standards and practices?

The interviewer would like to know how closely you follow Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the extent of your knowledge on the subject. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is a uniform standard enforced by the FDA. It must be followed by all clinical trials involving human participants. Because every clinic will have their internal procedures, in addition to the GCP standards, the interviewer would like to know more about the extent of your knowledge when it comes to good clinical practice.

Rachelle's Answer

"The company I currently work for has an incredibly high standard when it comes to good clinical practice. Fortunately, I have never worked for an employer that has been in non-compliance with FDA standards. In my current position, I train new researchers on our GCP standards so I would rate my knowledge as expert level."

Rachelle's Answer

"My experience with GCP / ICH standards has been in following guidelines on the ethical aspects of my clinical studies and comprehensive documentation for the clinical protocol. I learned a great deal about GCP while completing my Bachelor's degree in Life Science."

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2.

What is the most fascinating experience you have had during a clinical trial?

The interviewer would like to know about a clinical trial that has excited you. The best way to answer this question is to tell an exciting story from a previous study. Be prepared to lay out the setting, the goal, what the findings were and why you found it so fascinating. The primary goal here is to show the interviewer that you have a passion for what you do.

Rachelle's Answer

"In my previous position I was working a clinical trial for a new sleep aid drug. Our trial group was to determine the level of the drugs of effectiveness in assisting adult insomnia. About halfway through the trial, we found that our subjects were not only experiencing better sleep patterns but their skin problems were also clearing up. It's always fascinating when you discover an alternate use or solution during a clinical trial."

Rachelle's Answer

"As a grad student, I was asked to participate in a cancer research program that was on the brink of discovering a new treatment in pediatric oncology. In this role, I was able to partner with some of the most advanced and recognized professionals in research. It was thrilling to be a part of the team that advanced the study, which is now in trial across the country."

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3.

What steps do you take to ensure the safety of your participants during a clinical trial?

TThis answer is best to be given in a more factual manner. You can certainly refer to previous projects while answering this question.

Rachelle's Answer

"The method of control I would use in order to ensure patient safety may depend on the phase of the trial we are in. For example, if we are in Phase I of the clinical trial I would keep a very close eye on the participants and watch for any serious side effects. Documentation is incredibly important as well. Also, if there are any instructions for the research patients, I always ensure that they understand those instructions explicitly. I check in regularly."

Rachelle's Answer

"I have learned while completing my Bachelor in Life Sciences, that participant safety must come before all other factors. This includes taking proper documentation, ensuring participants understand their instructions and the risk of participation. Also, a keen eye for all patients is imperative."

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4.

How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?

The interviewer would like to know if you are satisfied with your interview performance. Be honest and open about your feelings regarding your interview performance and be confident in asking for a re-do if you feel that you stumbled on an important answer.

Rachelle's Answer

"I feel confident about our discussion today and am looking forward to the next steps in the interview process."

Rachelle's Answer

"If you feel that your performance in the interview is not going well: "I am not sure if I have been able to portray myself 100% accurately in this interview; although, I am trying my best. If there is anything more that I can clarify for you I would be happy to do so."

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5.

What type of data analysis are you most familiar with?

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Clinical Research Interview Questions

Have you ever been part of a clinical investigation led by the FDA due to non-compliance? How familiar are you with GCP standards and practices?

Clinical Research Interview Questions

Have you ever been part of a clinical investigation led by the FDA due to non-compliance? How familiar are you with GCP standards and practices?

What is the most fascinating experience you have had during a clinical trial?

What steps do you take to ensure the safety of your participants during a clinical trial?

How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?

What type of data analysis are you most familiar with?

In your career, which research projects have you taken the most initiative on?

Which industry related current event interests you the most?

Tell me about your experience in grant writing and fundraising for clinical research.

Being a researcher can be really stressful. How do you handle the stress that comes with this line of work?

What questions do you have for me?

When would you be available to start?

What is your strongest skill as a Clinical Researcher?

Are you more interested in the statistics in research or do you prefer to get straight to the answer?

In your opinion, what is the most important factor in each phase of a clinical trial?

Have you ever faced an ethical dilemma in your clinical work? How did you handle it?

What does the term, clinical research, mean to you?

Tell me about a study that you dream of participating in, one day.

Describe your experience creating and writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).

How do you handle a larger than average workload?

How do you manage your time, even on the busiest days?

Can you talk to me about your GPA during graduate school?

How many days were you absent from work last year?

What are your salary expectations?

We use a variety of robust internal software programs. What types of clinical trial management software have you used?

Would you like to be a Site Director in the future?

Which laboratory techniques are you familiar with?

Tell me about a time when you needed to seek advice. What did you learn from the situation? Do you find it easy to ask for help?

How do you feel about working in a multidisciplinary team (MDT)? In your opinion, what qualities do members of an MDT need to bring?

What are the benefits in leaving your current job for this position?

We receive a great deal of private funding which requires us to keep very close track or our spending. Outline your experience in budget management and resource allocation.