Ascension is a leading healthcare organization dedicated to transforming healthcare through innovation and compassion.
As a Research Scientist at Ascension, you will engage in high-impact research aimed at improving patient outcomes and advancing healthcare practices. This role requires you to apply scientific methodologies to analyze data, design experiments, and interpret results. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to contribute to projects that align with the organization's mission to provide exceptional care. Key responsibilities include developing research protocols, conducting statistical analyses, and presenting findings to stakeholders. A strong understanding of research design, statistical software, and data analysis techniques is crucial, alongside excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex concepts to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. Being detail-oriented, adaptable, and committed to ethical research practices will position you as a valuable asset to Ascension.
This guide will help you understand the nuances of the Research Scientist role at Ascension, equipping you with insights to effectively showcase your qualifications and fit during the interview process.
The interview process for a Research Scientist at Ascension is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization.
The process typically begins with a 20-30 minute phone screening conducted by a Human Resources recruiter. This initial conversation focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Ascension. The recruiter will also gauge your fit for the company culture and discuss the role's expectations.
Following the initial screening, candidates usually participate in one or more technical interviews. These interviews may be conducted via video conferencing and involve discussions with hiring managers or team members. Expect a mix of technical questions relevant to your field, as well as behavioral questions that explore your problem-solving abilities and past experiences. You may also be asked to present a case study or complete an assessment related to your technical skills.
Candidates often face group interviews, which involve multiple team members asking questions. This format allows the team to assess how well you interact with others and how you might fit into the existing team dynamics. Be prepared for a variety of questions, ranging from your technical expertise to your approach to teamwork and collaboration.
The final stage of the interview process may include a more in-depth discussion with senior management or department heads. This interview often focuses on your long-term career goals, alignment with Ascension's mission, and your potential contributions to the team. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company and the role.
After the interviews, candidates can expect a follow-up from the HR department regarding the outcome of their application. This may include additional discussions about salary and benefits if an offer is extended.
As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions that may arise during the process.
Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.
The interview process at Ascension typically involves multiple stages, including phone interviews, in-person meetings, and group interviews. Familiarize yourself with this structure so you can prepare accordingly. Expect to engage with various team members, including HR, hiring managers, and potential colleagues. This will help you feel more comfortable and allow you to tailor your responses to different audiences.
Ascension values teamwork and collaboration, as evidenced by the diverse team dynamics observed during interviews. Be prepared to discuss how you work within a team, your approach to collaboration, and how you handle differing personalities. Highlight experiences where you successfully navigated team challenges or contributed to a positive team environment. This will demonstrate your alignment with the company culture.
Behavioral questions are a significant part of the interview process. Prepare to share specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to handle challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you convey the impact of your actions clearly.
As a Research Scientist, your analytical skills will be under scrutiny. Be ready to discuss your experience with data analysis, research methodologies, and any relevant technical skills. You may be asked to present a case study or complete an assessment, so practice articulating your thought process and the rationale behind your decisions. This will help you convey your expertise effectively.
Research Ascension’s mission, values, and recent developments. Understanding the organization’s goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role. Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your knowledge of the company and its initiatives, as this will show your enthusiasm and commitment.
Expect to encounter technical assessments, such as Excel tests or case studies. Brush up on relevant skills and practice with sample assessments to ensure you are well-prepared. Familiarize yourself with the types of problems you might face and be ready to explain your reasoning and approach during the assessment.
Throughout the interview process, maintain a positive and professional demeanor. Ascension’s interviewers have been described as friendly and supportive, so approach each interaction with confidence and openness. A positive attitude can leave a lasting impression and help you connect with your interviewers.
After your interviews, send a thoughtful follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This is a chance to reinforce your fit for the role and the organization, as well as to address any points you may want to clarify or expand upon.
By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Research Scientist role at Ascension. Good luck!
This question aims to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage challenges effectively.
Focus on a specific challenge that highlights your analytical and leadership skills. Discuss the context, your actions, and the outcome, emphasizing what you learned from the experience.
“In my previous role, I faced a significant delay in a project due to unforeseen technical issues. I organized a series of meetings with the team to identify the root cause and brainstorm solutions. By reallocating resources and adjusting our timeline, we were able to complete the project with minimal impact on our overall goals.”
This question evaluates your understanding of teamwork and your potential fit within the company culture.
Discuss your unique skills and experiences that would benefit the team. Highlight your collaborative nature and willingness to support others.
“I believe my background in data analysis and my strong communication skills would allow me to contribute effectively to the team. I enjoy collaborating with others to solve complex problems and am always eager to share knowledge and learn from my colleagues.”
This question seeks to understand your analytical thinking and how you apply it in real-world situations.
Provide a specific example where your analytical skills led to a successful outcome. Explain the situation, your approach, and the results.
“In a previous project, I was tasked with analyzing patient data to identify trends in treatment outcomes. By using statistical methods, I uncovered significant insights that led to changes in our treatment protocols, ultimately improving patient care.”
This question assesses your experience and comfort level with handling complex data.
Share your experience with large data sets, including the tools and techniques you’ve used. Highlight any relevant projects or outcomes.
“I have extensive experience working with large data sets, particularly in my last role where I managed a database of over 100,000 patient records. I utilized SQL and Python for data cleaning and analysis, which allowed me to derive actionable insights that informed our strategic decisions.”
This question is designed to gauge your long-term career aspirations and alignment with the company’s goals.
Discuss your career goals and how they align with the company’s mission. Show that you are committed to growth and development.
“In ten years, I see myself in a leadership role within the research department, driving innovative projects that improve patient outcomes. I am passionate about continuous learning and hope to contribute to Ascension’s mission of transforming healthcare through research and data-driven solutions.”
This question evaluates your familiarity with continuous integration and continuous deployment practices.
Discuss your experience with CI/CD processes, including any tools you’ve used and how they’ve improved your workflow.
“I have implemented CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and GitLab in my previous projects. This practice significantly reduced deployment times and improved code quality by allowing for automated testing and integration.”
This question tests your knowledge of security practices in API development.
Explain the methods you use to secure RESTful APIs, including authentication and data encryption techniques.
“To secure REST calls, I typically implement OAuth for authentication and ensure that all data is transmitted over HTTPS. Additionally, I validate input data to prevent injection attacks and regularly review security protocols to stay updated on best practices.”
This question allows you to highlight your relevant experiences and skills.
Provide a concise overview of your professional journey, focusing on experiences that are most relevant to the role.
“I graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and started my career as a data analyst in a healthcare setting. Over the past five years, I have worked on various research projects, focusing on data analysis and patient outcomes, which has prepared me well for this role at Ascension.”
This question assesses your programming skills, particularly in Python.
Discuss your experience with Python, including specific projects or applications where you utilized the language.
“I have over three years of experience using Python for data analysis and machine learning projects. I have used libraries such as Pandas and Scikit-learn to analyze large datasets and build predictive models, which have been instrumental in my research work.”
This question is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company.
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your enthusiasm for the position and your desire to understand the company better.
“I’d love to know more about the team dynamics and how collaboration is fostered within the research department. Additionally, what are the key challenges the team is currently facing?”