10X Genomics Software Engineer Interview Questions + Guide in 2024

10x Genomics is a pioneering company committed to accelerating our understanding of biology. Their advanced scientific tools facilitate groundbreaking discoveries in fields like cancer, immunology, and neuroscience. They enable scientists to ask new questions and make vital strides in research, driving exponential progress in human health.

At 10x, they seek candidates who are innovative, collaborative, and passionate about leveraging technology to drive scientific breakthroughs. A background in life sciences, while not mandatory, is advantageous for understanding the broader impact of your work.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the interview process, providing insights into typical 10X Genomics software engineer interview questions and key focus areas. By completing this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to showcase your skills and align with what 10x Genomics is looking for in their next software engineering hire.

The interview process depends on the role and seniority, but here’s what a typical 10X Genomics software engineer interview questions looks like:

Recruiter/Hiring Manager Call Screening

If your CV happens to be among the shortlisted few, a recruiter from the 10X Genomics Talent Acquisition Team will make contact and verify key details like your experiences and skill level. Behavioral questions may also be a part of the screening process.

In some cases, the 10X Genomics hiring manager may stay present during the screening round to answer your queries about the role and the company itself. They may also engage in surface-level technical and behavioral discussions.

The whole recruiter call should take about 30 minutes.

Technical Virtual Interview

Successfully navigating the recruiter round will present you with an invitation for the technical screening round. Technical screening for the roles at 10X Genomics, particularly for positions like Senior Data Engineer or Full Stack Software Engineer, usually is conducted through virtual means, including video conferences and screen sharing.

For data engineering roles:

• Expect questions around data management, visualization tools like Snowflake and Tableau.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, and implementing Infrastructure-as-Code may be assessed.
• You may be tested on your experience with ETL/ELT processes and data models.

For software engineering roles:

• You might be tested on backend/frontend technologies, depending on the position (e.g., Python, Node, React, GraphQL).
• Experience in deploying and testing web applications and knowledge of CI/CD practices may be crucial.

Onsite Interview Rounds

Followed by a second recruiter call outlining the next stage, you’ll be invited to attend the onsite interview loop. Multiple interview rounds, varying with the role, will be conducted during your day at the 10X Genomics office. These rounds will delve deeper into your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and culture fit.

For instance, if applying for a Senior Software Engineer role, you could face questions related to developing embedded control software, threading, multiprocessing, interfacing with low-level drivers, and handling large data sets.

Presentation or coding exercises may also be part of the onsite interview for roles requiring specific technical demonstrations.

Typically, interviews at 10X Genomics vary by role and team, but commonly Software Engineer interviews follow a fairly standardized process across these question topics.

1. Write a function calculate_rmse to calculate the root mean squared error of a regression model.

The function should take in two lists, one that represents the predictions y_pred and another with the target values y_true.

2. Write a query to get the last transaction for each day from a table of bank transactions.

Given a table of bank transactions with columns id, transaction_value, and created_at, write a query to get the last transaction for each day. The output should include the id of the transaction, datetime of the transaction, and the transaction amount. Order the transactions by datetime.

3. Write a function random_key that returns a key at random with a probability proportional to the weights.

Given a dictionary with weights, write a function random_key that returns a key at random with a probability proportional to the weights.

4. Write a function to get a sample from a standard normal distribution.

Create a function to generate a sample from a standard normal distribution.

5. Write an efficient function nearest_entries to find the closest element to N in a sorted list and return surrounding elements.

Given a sorted list of integers ints with no duplicates, write an efficient function nearest_entries that takes in integers N and k and returns the element closest to N along with the k-next and k-previous elements of the list.

To practice Algorithms interview questions, consider using the Python learning path or the full list of Algorithms questions in our database.

6. What metrics/graphs/models would you use to analyze churn behavior for Netflix’s pricing plans?

Netflix has two pricing plans: $15/month or $100/year. An executive wants an overarching view of how these subscriptions are performing. What kinds of metrics, graphs, and models would you build to analyze the churn behavior of users subscribing to either plan?

7. How would you build a model to predict which merchants DoorDash should acquire in a new market?

As a data scientist at DoorDash, how would you build a model to predict which merchants the company should target for acquisition when entering a new market?

8. How would you value the benefit of keeping a hit TV show on Netflix?

Netflix executives are considering renewing a deal with another TV network for exclusive streaming rights to a hit TV series. The show has been on Netflix for a year. How would you approach valuing the benefit of keeping this show on Netflix?

9. How would you measure and address the success of LinkedIn’s newsfeed ranking algorithm?

• How would you measure the success of LinkedIn’s newsfeed ranking algorithm?
• If some success metrics for the newsfeed algorithm are going up while others are going down, how would you approach this?

10. How would you determine if the results of an AB test for a landing page redesign are statistically significant?

We want to launch a redesign of a landing page to improve the click-through rate using an AB test. How would you infer if the results of the click-through rate were statistically significant or not?

To prepare for analytics and experiments, consider using the product metrics learning path and the data analytics learning path.

11. How would you explain what a p-value is to someone who is not technical?

Explain the concept of a p-value in simple terms to a non-technical person. Focus on its role in determining the significance of results in an experiment or study.

12. How many more samples would we need to decrease the margin of error from 3 to 0.3?

Given a sample size (n) with a margin of error of 3, calculate the additional number of samples required to reduce the margin of error to 0.3.

13. How would you determine if the results of an AB test on a landing page redesign are statistically significant?

Describe the process of analyzing AB test results to determine if the observed differences in click-through rates are statistically significant.

To prepare for statistics and probability interview questions, consider using the A/B testing and statistics learning path and the comprehensive probability learning path. These resources cover essential concepts and techniques to help you excel.

14. How would you build a model to predict which merchants DoorDash should acquire in a new market?

As a data scientist at DoorDash, how would you develop a model to identify which merchants the company should target for acquisition when entering a new market?

15. How would you assign point values to letters in a Spanish Scrabble game without knowing Spanish?

If you need to build a Scrabble game for Spanish users and you don’t know Spanish, how would you determine the point values for each letter?

To get ready for machine learning interview questions, we recommend taking the machine learning course.

Here are some quick tips to prepare for your software engineer interview at 10X Genomics:

• Understand the Core Technologies: Whether you’re applying for a data engineering or software development role, make sure you are familiar with the core technologies listed in the job description, such as Snowflake, Tableau, Python, React, and Node. Brush up on these technologies and understand how they are utilized in the industry.

• Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: 10X Genomics places a high value on strong problem-solving abilities and self-initiative. Be prepared for technical exercises or situational questions that will test your ability to address complex challenges effectively.

• Understand the Company’s Mission and Values: 10X Genomics is committed to biological research and discovery. Understanding their mission and dedication to scientific advancements, even if you’re applying for a tech role, can set you apart. Highlight any relevant experiences that align with their values and vision.

• Utilize Mock Interviews: You should plan to brush up on any technical skills and try a lot of practice interview questions and mock interviews as much as possible.

What’s the average salary for a software engineer role at 10X Genomics?

What are the usual responsibilities of a software engineer at 10X Genomics?

Software engineers at 10x Genomics are primarily responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software that supports genomic research. They collaborate with scientists and other engineers to create tools for analyzing large-scale genomic datasets. Their duties also include conducting code reviews, writing documentation, and ensuring software reliability through rigorous testing.

Are there any job openings for 10X Genomics?

Yes, there are openings for a software engineering role as of writing this interview guide (Sep 2024). Check out our job board to see openings for 10X Genomics and other companies!

Securing a software engineer role at 10x Genomics is a significant step toward working at the forefront of genomic research. For more comprehensive details about what to expect and how to prepare, check out our full 10x Genomics interview guide.

Good luck with your interview—we’re rooting for you!