Atrium Health Research Scientist interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions reflect the technical and behavioral expectations for a Research Fellow. While specific inquiries will depend on the focus of the laboratory (e.g., virology vs. tissue engineering), you should be prepared to discuss both your specialized skillset and your ability to work within a team-oriented academic setting.

Technical Proficiency and Methodology

• Describe your experience with CRISPR/Cas9 or other gene-editing technologies in a research setting.
• How have you approached antigen presentation and T/B cell activation in your previous research?
• Explain your process for optimizing 3D bioprinting or tissue construct viability.

Preparation for this role requires balancing your deep technical expertise with a clear understanding of the academic and clinical mission of Atrium Health. Your interviewers will look for evidence that you can translate complex scientific concepts into actionable research outcomes.

Role-related Knowledge – You must demonstrate mastery of the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, such as cell culture, molecular biology, or biofabrication. Be ready to explain not just the "how" of your past experiments, but the "why" behind your choice of protocols.

Problem-solving Ability – Research is inherently unpredictable. Interviewers will assess your ability to troubleshoot, adapt to unexpected data, and maintain attention to detail when working with complex biological systems.

Collaboration and Communication – As part of the Wake Forest University Health Sciences ecosystem, you will work in an open-lab environment. You must demonstrate that you can communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and contribute to a team-based culture.

The interview process at Atrium Health for research positions is designed to assess both your technical competency and your fit for an academic, mission-driven environment. You will likely engage with a mix of principal investigators, lab managers, and occasionally other research fellows. The process is rigorous, focusing on your past contributions, your technical methodology, and your potential to contribute to the lab's ongoing research pipeline.

This timeline outlines the progression from your initial screening to potential technical deep-dives and final discussions with laboratory leadership. Candidates should use this structure to prepare detailed presentations on their previous work, as you will likely be asked to present your research to the team.

Technical Methodology

This area evaluates your hands-on experience and theoretical understanding of the lab’s core technologies. You will be tested on your ability to handle complex biological models, ranging from mouse models of HBV/HDV to biomimetic tissue constructs.

Be ready to go over:

• Protocol Optimization: How you validate assays and improve experimental reproducibility.
• Data Management: Your experience with organizing and analyzing large datasets using bioinformatics or statistical software.

As a Research Fellow, your primary responsibility is the execution of high-quality research that advances the laboratory’s specific goals. In the WFIRM context, this involves the development and testing of tissue-engineered constructs, which requires a blend of bioengineering and cell biology. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of experiments, from the initial setup and cell culture expansion to the collection and analysis of functional data.

Collaboration is a pillar of this role. You will work within an interdisciplinary, open-lab concept, which requires you to be transparent about your data and supportive of your colleagues. You will also participate in the administrative and educational aspects of the lab, including training new personnel and potentially assisting with classroom instructions or laboratory lectures. This holistic approach ensures that the research not only produces data but also contributes to the academic growth of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

A strong candidate for this role possesses a PhD in a relevant field and a proven track record of laboratory excellence. While technical skills vary by specific lab, a strong foundation in molecular biology or biomedical engineering is essential.

• Must-have skills: Proficiency in cell culture, experimental design, and documentation.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with bioprinting, islet isolation, or disease modeling.
• Soft skills: Excellent time management, attention to detail, and the ability to articulate research goals during public speaking or presentations.

Q: How much preparation is typical for this interview? A: Candidates should set aside at least a week to review their own research history and the lab’s recent publications. Being able to explain your past work clearly is just as important as knowing the lab's current projects.

Q: Is the interview process mostly technical? A: It is a hybrid. You will spend significant time discussing your technical skills, but you will also be evaluated on your ability to work within a team and your alignment with the academic goals of Atrium Health.

Q: Are there remote work options? A: Given the nature of laboratory research involving cell culture and biofabrication, this role is primarily on-site in Winston-Salem, NC.

The provided range reflects base compensation, which is determined by your specific experience, qualifications, and the requirements of the specific research project. Use these figures as a baseline for your expectations, keeping in mind that total rewards at Advocate Health include comprehensive benefits and retirement programs.

• Know the PI's work: Before your interview, read the most recent papers from the laboratory you are interviewing with. Being able to ask informed questions about their current research shows genuine interest.
• Prepare a research summary: Have a concise, 5-minute summary of your PhD work ready. Focus on the problem, your methodology, and the key findings.
• Highlight your adaptability: If you are moving from one field (e.g., immunology) to another (e.g., regenerative medicine), emphasize the transferable skills that make you an asset.
• Be ready to train others: The role explicitly mentions training new personnel. Be prepared to share your philosophy on mentorship and lab safety.

The Research Fellow position at Atrium Health is a prestigious opportunity to conduct high-impact research within one of the nation's leading integrated health systems. By focusing on your technical methodology, your ability to collaborate in an interdisciplinary setting, and your commitment to the academic mission of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, you will position yourself as a top-tier candidate.

Your preparation should prioritize clear communication of your past research and a thorough understanding of the lab’s objectives. Stay focused, remain curious about the science, and be prepared to demonstrate how your unique background will drive the next generation of medical breakthroughs. You have the skills to excel; now, focus on articulating that value with confidence.