Flatiron Health Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Flatiron Health is at the forefront of transforming cancer care through technology, with a mission to improve and extend lives by harnessing real-world data.

As a Research Scientist at Flatiron Health, you will play a critical role within the Knowledge Management team in the Research Sciences department. Your key responsibilities will include becoming a subject matter expert in various data modalities such as EHR-derived real-world data and clinico-genomics data. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including oncologists and software engineers, to develop and enhance technical resources that drive the adoption of Flatiron's methodologies and best practices. This role demands proficiency in R and a solid understanding of observational data analysis, as well as effective communication skills to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences. A strong candidate will possess a Master's degree with several years of relevant industry experience, or a PhD in a related field. Passion for improving healthcare through technology and the ability to manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment are essential traits for success in this position.

This guide will help you prepare for a job interview by providing insights into the expectations and competencies required for the Research Scientist role at Flatiron Health, allowing you to approach your interview with confidence and clarity.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Flatiron Health is structured and involves multiple stages designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Application and Initial Screening

The process begins with an online application, where candidates submit their resumes and cover letters. Following this, a recruiter will typically reach out for an initial screening call. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, motivation for applying, and general fit for the company culture. The recruiter may also discuss the role's expectations and answer any preliminary questions you might have.

2. Online Assessment

After the initial screening, candidates are often required to complete an online assessment. This assessment usually consists of coding challenges that may include SQL and R programming tasks. Candidates typically have around 60 to 90 minutes to complete these challenges, which test their technical skills and problem-solving abilities. The assessment may also include case studies related to real-world data analysis, requiring candidates to demonstrate their analytical thinking and familiarity with observational data.

3. Technical Interviews

Successful candidates from the online assessment will move on to one or more technical interviews. These interviews can be conducted via video conferencing and may involve live coding exercises, where candidates are asked to solve problems in real-time. Interviewers will assess your coding proficiency, understanding of data structures, and ability to communicate your thought process clearly. Expect questions that require you to apply your knowledge of R, SQL, and statistical methodologies relevant to real-world data.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical skills, Flatiron Health places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and collaboration. Candidates will participate in behavioral interviews, where they will be asked to share past experiences and how they handled various situations. Questions may focus on teamwork, conflict resolution, and your approach to problem-solving. This is an opportunity to showcase your interpersonal skills and alignment with the company’s mission and values.

5. Final Interview Rounds

The final stage of the interview process typically includes multiple back-to-back interviews with various stakeholders, including team members and management. These interviews may cover a mix of technical, behavioral, and case study questions. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of oncology, real-world evidence, and how they can contribute to the team’s goals. This stage may also involve discussions about your previous work and how it relates to the role at Flatiron Health.

As you prepare for your interview, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of questions that may be asked during each stage of the process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Interview Process

The interview process at Flatiron Health can be lengthy and multifaceted, often involving multiple rounds that include technical assessments, behavioral interviews, and case studies. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the interviews, as candidates have reported a mix of coding challenges, discussions about past experiences, and case studies related to real-world data. Prepare to showcase your analytical skills and your ability to communicate complex topics clearly, as these are highly valued in the role of a Research Scientist.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Expect to encounter technical assessments that may include coding challenges in R or SQL, as well as questions related to data analysis and statistical methodologies. Brush up on your coding skills, particularly in R, and be ready to demonstrate your understanding of observational data analysis. Practice common data manipulation tasks and familiarize yourself with the types of datasets you might encounter, such as electronic health records and clinico-genomics data.

Emphasize Collaboration and Communication

Flatiron Health values collaboration across cross-functional teams, so be prepared to discuss your experience working with diverse stakeholders, including oncologists, data specialists, and software engineers. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to different audiences, as this will be crucial in your role. Share examples of how you have successfully collaborated on projects and contributed to team goals.

Showcase Your Passion for the Mission

Flatiron Health is driven by a mission to improve cancer care and outcomes. Demonstrate your passion for this mission during the interview by discussing your interest in oncology, healthcare technology, or real-world evidence generation. Share any relevant experiences or projects that align with the company’s goals, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to meaningful work that impacts patients' lives.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Behavioral questions are a significant part of the interview process. Prepare to discuss your past experiences, particularly those that showcase your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to handle challenges. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples that highlight your qualifications for the role.

Seek Feedback and Clarification

Candidates have noted that feedback during the interview process can vary. If you encounter unclear questions or scenarios, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. This demonstrates your critical thinking skills and your commitment to understanding the problem at hand. Additionally, be open to receiving feedback, as it can provide valuable insights into your performance and areas for improvement.

Prepare for a Dynamic Environment

Flatiron Health operates in a fast-paced and evolving environment. Be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively. Share examples of how you have adapted to changes in project direction or requirements, and emphasize your organizational skills and ability to thrive in a dynamic setting.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Research Scientist role at Flatiron Health. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Research Scientist interview at Flatiron Health. The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, analytical thinking, and ability to communicate complex topics effectively. Be prepared to discuss your experience with real-world data, statistical methodologies, and your approach to problem-solving in a collaborative environment.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between observational data and experimental data?

Understanding the distinction between these two types of data is crucial for a Research Scientist role, especially in the context of real-world evidence.

How to Answer

Discuss the characteristics of observational data, such as its reliance on real-world scenarios without manipulation, and contrast it with experimental data, which is derived from controlled experiments.

Example

“Observational data is collected from real-world settings without any intervention, allowing us to see how variables interact in natural conditions. In contrast, experimental data is generated through controlled experiments where variables are manipulated to establish cause-and-effect relationships.”

2. Describe your experience with R and how you have used it in your previous projects.

Proficiency in R is essential for data analysis and statistical modeling in this role.

How to Answer

Highlight specific projects where you utilized R, focusing on the types of analyses you performed and the outcomes achieved.

Example

“In my previous role, I used R to analyze healthcare claims data, performing statistical tests and creating visualizations to present findings to stakeholders. This helped inform decision-making processes regarding patient care strategies.”

3. How do you ensure the quality and integrity of the data you work with?

Data quality is paramount in research, especially in healthcare.

How to Answer

Discuss the methods you employ to validate and clean data, as well as any tools or frameworks you use to maintain data integrity.

Example

“I implement a multi-step data validation process that includes automated checks for inconsistencies and manual reviews for critical datasets. Additionally, I regularly collaborate with data engineers to ensure our data pipelines are robust and reliable.”

4. Can you walk us through a statistical analysis you conducted and the insights you derived from it?

This question assesses your analytical skills and ability to interpret data.

How to Answer

Provide a structured overview of the analysis, including the problem statement, methodology, results, and implications.

Example

“I conducted a survival analysis on cancer patient data to identify factors influencing treatment outcomes. By applying Cox proportional hazards models, I found that early intervention significantly improved survival rates, which led to recommendations for adjusting treatment protocols.”

5. What methodologies do you use to analyze real-world data?

Understanding various methodologies is crucial for generating real-world evidence.

How to Answer

Discuss specific methodologies you are familiar with, such as regression analysis, propensity score matching, or machine learning techniques.

Example

“I often use regression analysis to identify relationships between treatment variables and patient outcomes. Additionally, I apply propensity score matching to control for confounding variables, ensuring that my findings are robust and reliable.”

Behavioral and Situational Questions

1. Describe a time when you had to communicate complex data findings to a non-technical audience.

Effective communication is key in a collaborative environment.

How to Answer

Share an example that illustrates your ability to simplify complex information and engage your audience.

Example

“I presented findings from a study on treatment efficacy to a group of oncologists. I used clear visuals and avoided jargon, focusing on the implications of the data for patient care, which facilitated a productive discussion on potential changes to treatment protocols.”

2. How do you prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines?

Time management and prioritization are essential skills for this role.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to managing tasks, including any tools or techniques you use to stay organized.

Example

“I use project management software to track deadlines and progress. I prioritize tasks based on their impact and urgency, regularly reassessing my priorities to adapt to any changes in project scope or timelines.”

3. Can you give an example of a challenging problem you faced in your research and how you resolved it?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience.

How to Answer

Describe a specific challenge, the steps you took to address it, and the outcome.

Example

“During a project, I encountered missing data that threatened the validity of my analysis. I collaborated with the data team to identify alternative data sources and employed imputation techniques to fill in gaps, ultimately ensuring the integrity of my findings.”

4. How do you stay current with developments in the field of epidemiology and biostatistics?

Continuous learning is important in a rapidly evolving field.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you utilize to keep your knowledge up to date, such as journals, conferences, or online courses.

Example

“I subscribe to leading journals in epidemiology and biostatistics, attend relevant conferences, and participate in online forums. This helps me stay informed about the latest research methodologies and trends in the field.”

5. What motivates you to work in cancer research?

Understanding your passion for the field can help interviewers gauge your fit for the role.

How to Answer

Share your personal motivations and how they align with the company’s mission.

Example

“I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to contribute to advancements in cancer care. Knowing that my work can help improve patient outcomes and inform treatment strategies drives my passion for research in this field.”