Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is a leading institution dedicated to advancing cancer treatment through innovative research and compassionate patient care.

The Research Scientist role at MSK involves conducting cutting-edge translational research focused on cancer biology, particularly in molecular and cellular biology, cancer genetics, and epigenetics. Key responsibilities include developing and evaluating cell therapy-based approaches, such as CAR-T and other cellular therapies aimed at treating pediatric cancer. Successful candidates will possess a strong background in various molecular techniques, next-generation sequencing, gene editing (CRISPR), and experience with mouse cancer models. Additionally, this role emphasizes collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and requires excellent communication and writing skills to effectively share research findings. A PhD or MD/PhD and a strong publication record with prior cancer biology research experience are essential for this position.

This guide will help you prepare thoroughly for your interview at MSK by providing insights into the role's expectations and the types of questions you may encounter, enhancing your confidence and readiness.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is structured to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization. The process typically unfolds in several key stages:

1. Initial Phone Screening

The first step is a phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation usually lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on your background, motivations for applying, and general fit for the role. Expect questions about your previous research experience, your understanding of the position, and why you are interested in working at Memorial Sloan Kettering. This is also an opportunity for you to ask about the company culture and the specifics of the role.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial screening, candidates are often required to complete a technical assessment. This may involve a timed coding challenge or a problem-solving exercise relevant to the research field. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in relevant techniques, such as molecular and cellular biology methods, as well as their analytical skills. Familiarity with coding platforms like Codility may be necessary, as some assessments are conducted online.

3. Technical Interviews

Candidates who pass the technical assessment will typically participate in one or two technical interviews. These interviews are often conducted via video call and focus on specific technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Interviewers may ask detailed questions about your research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and experience with cancer biology. Be prepared to discuss your past projects in depth and to solve problems on the spot, as coding or analytical questions may be included.

4. Behavioral Interviews

In addition to technical interviews, candidates will likely face behavioral interviews. These sessions assess soft skills, teamwork, and communication abilities. Interviewers may ask about past experiences where you faced challenges, how you resolved conflicts within a team, and your approach to collaboration in a research setting. It’s important to convey your passion for cancer research and your alignment with the mission of Memorial Sloan Kettering.

5. Final Team Interview

The final step in the interview process often involves a team interview, where candidates meet with multiple team members, including potential supervisors and colleagues. This round is designed to evaluate how well you would fit within the team dynamic and to discuss your research interests and future goals. Expect a mix of technical and behavioral questions, as well as discussions about your vision for contributing to the lab's objectives.

As you prepare for your interview, consider the types of questions that may arise in each of these stages, particularly those that relate to your technical expertise and collaborative experiences.

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during an interview for a Research Scientist position at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The interview process will likely focus on your technical expertise in molecular and cellular biology, cancer genetics, and your ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Be prepared to discuss your research experience, methodologies, and how you can contribute to the lab's goals.

Technical Knowledge

1. Can you explain the differences between CRISPR and traditional gene editing techniques?

Understanding the nuances of gene editing techniques is crucial for this role, as it directly relates to the lab's focus on cancer genetics.

How to Answer

Discuss the mechanisms of CRISPR compared to traditional methods like TALENs or ZFNs, emphasizing CRISPR's precision and efficiency.

Example

"CRISPR utilizes a guide RNA to target specific DNA sequences, allowing for precise edits, while traditional methods like TALENs and ZFNs rely on protein-DNA interactions, which can be less efficient and more complex to design. This precision makes CRISPR a preferred choice in modern genetic engineering."

2. Describe your experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.

This question assesses your familiarity with essential tools used in cancer research.

How to Answer

Highlight specific NGS platforms you have used, the types of analyses you performed, and any relevant outcomes from your work.

Example

"I have extensive experience with Illumina sequencing platforms, where I analyzed RNA-seq data to identify differentially expressed genes in pediatric cancer samples. This work contributed to our understanding of tumor biology and potential therapeutic targets."

3. What are the key considerations when developing a CAR-T cell therapy?

This question evaluates your knowledge of cellular therapy, which is a significant focus of the lab.

How to Answer

Discuss the design, safety, and efficacy aspects of CAR-T therapy, including patient selection and potential side effects.

Example

"When developing CAR-T cell therapy, it's crucial to consider the target antigen's expression on tumor cells versus normal cells to minimize off-target effects. Additionally, understanding the patient's immune status and potential cytokine release syndrome is vital for ensuring safety and efficacy."

4. How do you approach data analysis in your research?

This question gauges your analytical skills and familiarity with bioinformatics.

How to Answer

Describe your process for analyzing experimental data, including any software or statistical methods you use.

Example

"I typically start by cleaning and normalizing the data using R or Python, followed by statistical analysis to identify significant patterns. I also utilize bioinformatics tools to visualize the data, which helps in interpreting the results and guiding further experiments."

5. Can you discuss a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles?

This question assesses your problem-solving skills and resilience in research.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, focusing on the challenges faced, the strategies you employed to overcome them, and the outcomes.

Example

"In a project aimed at identifying biomarkers for treatment response, we faced issues with sample variability. I implemented a more rigorous sample selection process and collaborated with statisticians to refine our analysis, ultimately leading to the identification of robust biomarkers."

Behavioral Questions

1. Why are you interested in working at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center?

This question evaluates your motivation and alignment with the organization's mission.

How to Answer

Express your passion for cancer research and how MSK's values resonate with your career goals.

Example

"I am deeply passionate about advancing cancer research, and MSK's commitment to innovative, patient-centered care aligns perfectly with my values. I admire the collaborative environment and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that can directly impact patient outcomes."

2. Describe a time when you had to work collaboratively in a team.

This question assesses your teamwork and communication skills.

How to Answer

Provide an example that highlights your role in the team, the project's goals, and how you contributed to its success.

Example

"During my PhD, I worked on a multidisciplinary team studying the effects of a novel drug on cancer cell lines. I coordinated with biologists and chemists, ensuring our methodologies aligned. Our collaboration led to a successful publication and a deeper understanding of the drug's mechanism."

3. How do you handle criticism of your research?

This question evaluates your ability to accept feedback and grow from it.

How to Answer

Discuss your perspective on constructive criticism and how you use it to improve your work.

Example

"I view criticism as an opportunity for growth. When I receive feedback, I take time to reflect on it and consider how I can apply it to enhance my research. For instance, after receiving critiques on a manuscript, I revised it significantly, which ultimately improved its acceptance rate."

4. What are your long-term career goals?

This question assesses your ambition and alignment with the lab's objectives.

How to Answer

Share your aspirations and how they relate to the position and the lab's mission.

Example

"My long-term goal is to lead a research team focused on developing innovative therapies for pediatric cancers. I believe that working at MSK will provide me with the experience and mentorship necessary to achieve this goal while contributing to impactful research."

5. How do you prioritize your work when managing multiple projects?

This question evaluates your organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively.

How to Answer

Describe your approach to prioritization, including any tools or methods you use.

Example

"I prioritize my work by assessing project deadlines and the potential impact of each task. I use project management tools to track progress and ensure that I allocate time effectively, allowing me to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality work."