As a Research Scientist at Hologic, your daily activities will bridge the gap between early-stage scientific discovery and commercial product launch. You will be responsible for leading and executing laboratory experiments that define the next generation of diagnostic assays.

On a day-to-day basis, you will design and execute complex wet lab experiments, analyze high-dimensional data, and maintain meticulous records of your findings. You will spend a significant portion of your time at the bench, optimizing reaction conditions, testing clinical specimens, and validating assay performance characteristics. Your documentation must be precise, as it will directly support regulatory submissions to agencies like the FDA.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of this role. You will work closely with instrument engineers to ensure assay chemistry integrates seamlessly with automated platforms like the Panther System. You will also partner with clinical affairs teams to design clinical trial protocols and assist manufacturing teams in transferring developed assays from the R&D lab to large-scale production lines. Your scientific insights will actively shape product design, risk assessments, and troubleshooting guidelines throughout the product lifecycle.

To be competitive for the Research Scientist position at Hologic, you must present a strong balance of advanced academic training, practical laboratory skills, and professional soft skills.

Technical Skills & Academic Background

• Academic Credentials – A PhD or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related life sciences discipline.
• Wet Lab Expertise – Extensive hands-on experience with nucleic acid extraction, PCR, qPCR, and assay development.
• Data Analysis – Proficiency with statistical analysis software (such as JMP, Minitab, or R) to analyze experimental data and support Design of Experiments (DoE).
• Biosafety – Experience working in BSL-2 environments and handling clinical specimens (blood, plasma, swabs) is highly preferred.

Experience Levels

• For PhD Candidates – Typically 0–3 years of industrial or post-doctoral experience, with a proven track record of independent research and publications.
• For MS Candidates – Typically 3–5+ years of experience in an industrial biotechnology or medical device setting, specifically focused on product development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Must-have skills – Strong foundational molecular biology knowledge, meticulous laboratory notebook documentation, and excellent pipetting and experimental execution skills.
• Nice-to-have skills – Familiarity with FDA quality system regulations (21 CFR Part 820), ISO 13485 standards, design control processes, and experience operating automated liquid handlers.

Q: How technical is the interview process for the Research Scientist role? A: The process is highly technical. While HR will assess basic fit, the hiring manager and the onsite panel will dive deep into your scientific understanding. You should be prepared to defend the scientific choices you made in your past research, explain reaction mechanisms, and solve hypothetical assay design challenges on the spot.

Q: Will I need to give a presentation during the interview? A: Yes, for most scientist-level positions at Hologic, you will be expected to deliver a 30- to 45-minute presentation on your past research during the onsite panel interview. This presentation should highlight your problem-solving abilities, experimental design rigor, and communication style.

Q: What is the company culture like within the R&D teams? A: The culture is highly collaborative, mission-driven, and scientifically rigorous. Team members are passionate about women's health and diagnostic excellence. The environment is fast-paced and structured due to regulatory requirements, but colleagues are generally supportive, accessible, and highly focused on team success.

Q: Where are these roles typically located? A: Hologic has major R&D and manufacturing hubs. Many diagnostic and molecular research positions are located in San Diego, CA, Marlborough, MA, or Sunnyvale, CA. Be sure to clarify the specific location and hybrid or onsite expectations with your recruiter.

To stand out during your Hologic interview loop, keep these practical, insider tips in mind:

• Prepare for Distractions: Some candidates have noted that interviews or presentations can occasionally take place in open, collaborative office environments or busy conference areas. Maintain your focus, speak clearly, and do not let passing colleagues or ambient noise disrupt your delivery.
• Showcase Your Lab Space Adaptability: During your onsite, you may get a tour of the laboratory. Use this opportunity to show your familiarity with high-throughput instrumentation and state-of-the-art diagnostic platforms. Ask intelligent questions about their workflow, automation integration, and throughput.

• Align with the Women's Health Mission: Hologic is deeply committed to improving women's health globally. Expressing a genuine passion for this mission and understanding how your scientific contributions directly improve patient care will resonate strongly with the panel.
• Master the STAR Method: For behavioral and situational questions, structure your answers using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result framework. Focus heavily on the Action (what you personally did) and the Result (the quantitative or qualitative scientific outcome).

Securing a Research Scientist position at Hologic is an exceptional opportunity to advance your scientific career while making a tangible, positive impact on global healthcare. The role demands a high level of scientific rigor, a passion for assay development, and the ability to thrive within a collaborative, regulated environment.

As you prepare, focus on refining your research presentation, practicing your technical troubleshooting frameworks, and structuring your behavioral stories to highlight cross-functional teamwork. By demonstrating both your bench-level expertise and your understanding of how laboratory science translates into commercial diagnostic products, you will position yourself as a top-tier candidate.

The salary data reflects the competitive compensation packages Hologic offers to attract top scientific talent. Your specific offer will depend on your academic credentials, years of industrial experience, and the geographic location of the role. In addition to base salary, compensation packages at Hologic typically include performance bonuses, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement matching.

To further elevate your preparation, explore additional company-specific interview insights, real candidate reviews, and detailed technical resources on Dataford. With focused preparation and a confident showcase of your scientific achievements, you are well-positioned to succeed in your upcoming interviews at Hologic.