What is a Research Scientist at Intrexon?

The Research Scientist role at Intrexon is pivotal to the company's mission of harnessing synthetic biology to revolutionize various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and energy. As a Research Scientist, you will engage in cutting-edge research that contributes to the development of innovative products aimed at improving human health and sustainability. Your work will directly impact the company's product pipeline and influence the strategic direction of projects that address pressing global challenges.

In this role, you'll be part of a collaborative team that thrives on scientific inquiry and innovation. You will conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects that leverage synthetic biology. The complexity and scale of your contributions will not only drive the scientific agenda of Intrexon but also foster advancements that benefit users and stakeholders across diverse sectors. Expect to immerse yourself in a dynamic environment where your scientific insights will help shape the future of biotechnology.

Common Interview Questions

As you prepare for your interview with Intrexon, be aware that questions will reflect both technical expertise and your passion for science. The following categories summarize the types of questions you might encounter, drawn from representative experiences and insights.

Technical / Domain Questions

This category assesses your foundational knowledge in relevant scientific fields and your ability to apply that knowledge.

• What techniques have you used in your previous research?
• Can you explain a complex scientific concept to someone without a science background?
• Describe a challenging scientific problem you faced and how you approached it.

Behavioral / Leadership

In this section, interviewers will evaluate your soft skills, leadership potential, and how you fit within the company culture.

• Tell me about a time you had to lead a project. What was your approach?
• How do you prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects?
• Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict within your team.

Problem-solving / Case Studies

Expect to engage in discussions that explore your analytical and critical thinking abilities through case studies or hypothetical scenarios.

• If given a dataset with missing values, how would you handle it?
• How would you design an experiment to test a new hypothesis?
• Present a scenario where you need to pivot your research due to unexpected results. What steps would you take?

Presentation / Communication Skills

Your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly will be crucial. You may be asked to present your past research or discuss ongoing projects.

• Prepare a brief presentation on a research project you have worked on.
• How do you ensure that your research findings are communicated effectively to different audiences?

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for your interviews should focus on demonstrating your expertise and enthusiasm for research. Understand the areas of evaluation that Intrexon prioritizes:

Role-related knowledge – Be prepared to showcase your technical skills and domain expertise. Interviewers will look for depth in your knowledge related to synthetic biology and any specific techniques relevant to the position.

Problem-solving ability – You will be evaluated on how you approach scientific challenges. Be ready to think critically, articulate your thought process, and demonstrate creativity in problem-solving.

Leadership – Even if this is not a management role, exhibiting leadership qualities can set you apart. Show how you can influence others and collaborate effectively within a team.

Culture fit / values – Intrexon values a collaborative and innovative culture. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with the company's mission and how you contribute to a positive team environment.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process at Intrexon is designed to assess both technical proficiency and cultural fit. Generally, candidates can expect an initial screening call, followed by more in-depth technical interviews and an onsite presentation. Throughout the process, the emphasis is placed on scientific rigor, collaboration, and a genuine passion for innovation.

Interviews typically involve multiple team members, allowing you to interact with various stakeholders. Interviewers are keen to understand not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the work and the company's mission. This collaborative atmosphere encourages open dialogue, enabling you to ask questions and clarify expectations.

The visual timeline illustrates the steps in the interview process, from initial contact through to onsite interviews. Use this as a guide to structure your preparation time and manage your energy effectively during each stage. Remember, the process may vary slightly depending on the team and specific role.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

To effectively showcase your qualifications, focus on the following evaluation areas:

Technical Expertise

Technical expertise is fundamental for success at Intrexon. Interviewers will assess your knowledge of relevant scientific principles, methodologies, and technologies.

• Synthetic Biology – Understand the core concepts and current advancements in the field.
• Experimental Design – Be prepared to discuss how you design and implement experiments.
• Data Analysis – Familiarity with statistical methods and data interpretation is crucial.

Example questions:

• What methodologies do you prefer for analyzing experimental data?
• Explain a recent advancement in synthetic biology that excites you.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Collaboration is key at Intrexon. Demonstrating your ability to work well with others and contribute positively to team dynamics is essential.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration – Share experiences of working with diverse teams.
• Conflict Resolution – Be ready to discuss how you've handled disagreements in a team setting.

Example questions:

• Describe a successful project where collaboration was essential.
• How do you handle differing opinions within your team?

Innovation and Creativity

Your ability to think outside the box and propose innovative solutions will be highly valued.

• Creative Problem Solving – Discuss instances where you approached a problem with a novel solution.
• Research Impact – Illustrate how your work has contributed to significant advancements.

Example questions:

• Can you share an example of a creative approach you took in your research?
• How do you stay current with trends and innovations in your field?

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Scientist at Intrexon, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Conducting experiments to advance the company's synthetic biology projects.
• Analyzing experimental data to draw meaningful conclusions and guide future research.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product development, and regulatory affairs, to ensure alignment and progress.
• Presenting research findings to stakeholders and contributing to scientific discussions within the organization.
• Maintaining detailed records of experiments and findings to support reproducibility and compliance.

Your role will involve working on various projects that may range from developing new therapeutic approaches to enhancing agricultural yields. Expect to engage in both hands-on laboratory work and strategic planning discussions.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

A strong candidate for the Research Scientist role at Intrexon will possess the following qualifications:

• Technical skills – Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, synthetic biology applications, and data analysis software.
• Experience level – Typically requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field and several years of postdoctoral or industry experience.
• Soft skills – Strong communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities are essential.
• Must-have skills – Expertise in synthetic biology, experimental design, and data interpretation.
• Nice-to-have skills – Experience with bioinformatics, regulatory affairs knowledge, or project management capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How difficult is the interview process?
The interview process is rigorous but fair. Candidates typically find it challenging yet rewarding, especially if they come prepared to discuss both technical knowledge and collaborative experiences.

Q: What differentiates successful candidates?
Successful candidates demonstrate not only technical expertise but also a genuine passion for science and a collaborative spirit. They effectively communicate their ideas and show alignment with Intrexon's mission.

Q: What is the company culture like at Intrexon?
The culture at Intrexon emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to scientific advancement. Team members are encouraged to share ideas and contribute to a shared vision.

Q: What is the typical timeline from initial screen to offer?
Candidates can expect the process to take several weeks, from initial screening to final offers. Be prepared for multiple interviews during this period.

Q: Are there remote or hybrid work options?
While positions may vary, many roles at Intrexon offer flexible working arrangements depending on the team's needs and project requirements.

Other General Tips

• Show Enthusiasm: Demonstrating your passion for synthetic biology and the mission of Intrexon can set you apart from other candidates.
• Prepare for Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you work effectively in teams, as collaboration is a core value at Intrexon.
• Focus on Problem-Solving: Showcase your analytical thinking by preparing to discuss past challenges and how you overcame them.
• Be Authentic: Authenticity in your responses will resonate well with interviewers, reflecting your true self and values.

Summary & Next Steps

The Research Scientist position at Intrexon represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in synthetic biology. In preparation, focus on understanding the key evaluation areas like technical expertise, collaboration, and innovation. By honing your ability to communicate effectively and showcase your passion for science, you will enhance your chances of success.

Remember, thorough preparation will empower you to engage confidently in interviews. Explore additional insights and resources on Dataford to further refine your approach. Embrace the journey ahead with optimism, as your unique contributions have the potential to make a significant impact in the field.