I applied online. I interviewed at Thermo Fisher Scientific (Alachua, FL) in Nov 2021
Interview
I was first contacted by a recruiter through email. A phone interview was scheduled for the next week which lasted about 20 minutes. It was all straightforward HR related questions like the availability to start, company's vaccination policy, etc.
Then a phone call with the manager of upstream was scheduled a week after. This phone call went very smoothly and positively, asking why interested in Thermo Fisher Scientific.
A week after, panel of 1 on 1 interviews with 5 different people (managers and scientists) as well as a 30-45 minutes presentation was scheduled. In all the interviews behavioral type questions were asked. Also, very easy technical questions were asked.
In my opinion, all the interviews went very well and my presentation was impressive for them. All the interviews from the recruiter to group panel took about 3-4 weeks. I was very positive that I would get an offer.
Two weeks passed and I didn't hear back from them. I emailed the recruiter to find out whether they have made a decision or not. In my email I stated that I would like to know about their decision and also let them know that there were some companies who gave me job offers, but as my preference was Thermo Fisher I needed to respond to other companies in couple of days. The recruiter emailed back quickly that she has sent out an offer to another person for the position that I interviewed for. She stated that she was very positive that this other person would accept they offer. While I was frustrated, I emailed back and thanked her for updating me. I felt that the recruiter took it personally by me saying that I got job offers from other companies and I think she behaved unprofessional. Otherwise how a recruiter knows whether someone will accept a job offer or not! I was very interested in Thermo Fisher and would consider their offer.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Why do you want to work at Thermo FIsher Scientific?
What is a viral vector? Give examples of viral vectors.
Basics of CSTR reactor design?
What is your weakness? Give examples
What is your strength? Give examples
GMP? HPLC?
How do you explain science to those who know nothing about it?
Questions about my past experiences on my resume.
How comfortable working after hours or over weekends?
Conflicts at your previous role with other people?
How do you handle stress/pressure?
What do you know about gene therapy?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
What mistakes have you done in the past?
Do you like to work in a team or individually?