Walmart Global Tech Research Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Walmart Global Tech aims to leverage technology to enhance customer experience and streamline operations in retail and healthcare.

The Research Scientist role at Walmart Global Tech involves leading innovative research initiatives within the Walmart Healthcare Research Institute. This position requires a blend of advanced analytical skills, a deep understanding of epidemiological and outcomes research, and the ability to manage stakeholder relationships within a large enterprise environment. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a relevant field, extensive experience in clinical and commercial drug development, and a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams.

Key responsibilities include designing and executing real-world evidence (RWE) studies, providing methodological leadership, and translating complex data into actionable insights for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry. The role emphasizes Walmart's commitment to community health by utilizing its vast infrastructure and data to transform healthcare research. A great fit for this position is someone who embraces change, demonstrates curiosity and courage, and possesses strong strategic thinking and collaboration skills.

This guide will help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the specific skills and knowledge areas that are highly valued by Walmart Global Tech for the Research Scientist role. By understanding the expectations and culture of the company, you can tailor your responses to resonate with their mission and values.

The interview process for a Research Scientist at Walmart Global Tech is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization.

1. Initial Screening

The process begins with an initial phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This conversation typically lasts around 30 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and overall fit for the role. The recruiter will also provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the position.

2. Hiring Manager Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates will have a one-on-one interview with the hiring manager. This session delves deeper into your skills, career aspirations, and how you can contribute to the team. Expect to discuss your relevant experiences and how they align with the goals of the Walmart Healthcare Research Institute.

3. Technical and Behavioral Interviews

Candidates will then participate in multiple rounds of interviews, typically three, which include both technical and behavioral assessments. These interviews are designed to evaluate your expertise in areas such as epidemiology, outcomes research, and data analysis. You may be asked to solve case studies or provide insights on real-world evidence strategies. Behavioral questions will also be prevalent, focusing on your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and leadership experiences.

4. Panel Interview

In some cases, candidates may face a panel interview with multiple stakeholders, including team members and directors. This round assesses your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate within a diverse team. Expect to answer questions that require you to demonstrate your thought leadership and strategic thinking in the context of healthcare research.

5. Final Interview

The final stage of the interview process may involve a discussion with senior leadership or executives. This interview is an opportunity for you to showcase your vision for leveraging Walmart's data in clinical development and your understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. It may also include discussions about your long-term career goals and how they align with Walmart's mission.

As you prepare for these interviews, be ready to discuss your technical skills in epidemiology and data analysis, as well as your experiences in leading teams and managing projects.

Next, let's explore the types of questions you might encounter during the interview process.

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

Embrace the STAR Method

Utilize the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, especially for behavioral questions. This approach allows you to clearly articulate your experiences and demonstrate how your past actions align with the responsibilities of the Research Scientist role. Given the emphasis on leadership and collaboration in the job description, be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Given the technical nature of the role, ensure you are well-versed in algorithms, Python, and SQL. Prepare to discuss your experience with real-world evidence (RWE) and how you have applied advanced analytics in previous roles. Be ready to tackle technical questions that may involve problem-solving scenarios or case studies relevant to drug development and epidemiological research.

Understand Walmart's Culture

Walmart values a culture of integrity, ethics, and community involvement. Familiarize yourself with their core values and be prepared to discuss how you embody these principles in your work. Highlight your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as your ability to collaborate effectively across teams. This will demonstrate that you are not only a technical fit but also a cultural fit for the organization.

Prepare for a Multi-Round Interview Process

Expect a structured interview process that may include multiple rounds with different stakeholders, including hiring managers and team members. Each round may focus on different aspects, such as technical skills, behavioral fit, and strategic thinking. Be prepared to adapt your responses based on the focus of each interviewer, and don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions if needed.

Communicate Your Vision

As a Research Scientist, you will be expected to provide innovative thinking and strategic guidance. Be prepared to articulate your vision for leveraging Walmart's data in clinical development and how you can contribute to the company's goals. This could involve discussing potential research projects or methodologies you believe could enhance their healthcare initiatives.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect a mix of behavioral and situational questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle challenges. Prepare to discuss times when you faced obstacles in your work, how you navigated them, and what the outcomes were. This will help interviewers gauge your resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Follow Up with Insightful Questions

At the end of your interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how success is measured in the Research Scientist position. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you assess if the role aligns with your career aspirations.

By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-rounded candidate who is not only technically proficient but also a great fit for Walmart's culture and mission. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Research Scientist interview at Walmart Global Tech. The interview process will likely assess your technical expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and your ability to lead and collaborate within a team. Be prepared to discuss your past experiences, your understanding of real-world evidence (RWE), and how you can contribute to Walmart's mission in healthcare research.

Technical Expertise

1. Can you explain the difference between observational studies and randomized controlled trials?

Understanding the nuances between these two types of studies is crucial in research.

How to Answer

Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each study type, emphasizing when each is appropriate to use in research.

Example

"Observational studies are useful for identifying associations in real-world settings, while randomized controlled trials are the gold standard for establishing causality. I prefer observational studies when exploring new hypotheses in large populations, as they can provide insights that are often not feasible in controlled environments."

2. How would you approach designing a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new drug?

This question assesses your ability to design a robust research study.

How to Answer

Outline the key components of your study design, including the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome measures.

Example

"I would start by defining the target population and selecting appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Next, I would determine the intervention and control groups, ensuring randomization to minimize bias. Finally, I would establish clear outcome measures to evaluate the drug's effectiveness over a specified time frame."

3. What statistical methods do you commonly use in your research?

This question gauges your familiarity with statistical analysis.

How to Answer

Mention specific statistical tests and software you are proficient in, and explain their relevance to your research.

Example

"I frequently use regression analysis and survival analysis to interpret data. I am proficient in R and Python for statistical computing, which allows me to handle complex datasets and perform advanced analyses effectively."

4. Describe a time when you had to analyze a large dataset. What tools did you use?

This question evaluates your practical experience with data analysis.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing the dataset, the tools you used, and the insights you derived.

Example

"In my previous role, I analyzed a dataset of over 100,000 patient records using SQL for data extraction and Python for analysis. I identified trends in medication adherence that informed our clinical strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes."

5. How do you ensure the integrity and validity of your research findings?

This question assesses your understanding of research ethics and quality control.

How to Answer

Discuss the steps you take to maintain high standards in your research, including peer review and data validation techniques.

Example

"I ensure integrity by adhering to ethical guidelines and conducting thorough peer reviews of my work. I also implement data validation techniques, such as cross-referencing with external datasets, to confirm the accuracy of my findings."

Behavioral Questions

1. Tell me about a time you led a diverse team in a research project.

This question evaluates your leadership and collaboration skills.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to describe your experience, focusing on how you managed team dynamics and achieved project goals.

Example

"I led a diverse team of researchers from various backgrounds on a project aimed at understanding health disparities. By fostering an inclusive environment and encouraging open communication, we successfully published our findings in a peer-reviewed journal."

2. How do you handle conflicts within a team?

This question assesses your conflict resolution skills.

How to Answer

Describe your approach to resolving conflicts, emphasizing communication and collaboration.

Example

"When conflicts arise, I prioritize open dialogue to understand each party's perspective. I facilitate discussions to find common ground and encourage compromise, ensuring that the team's objectives remain the focus."

3. What motivates you to work in healthcare research?

This question gauges your passion and commitment to the field.

How to Answer

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

Example

"I am motivated by the potential to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based research. Working at Walmart Global Tech excites me because of the opportunity to leverage data to transform healthcare delivery in communities."

4. Describe a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles.

This question evaluates your problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Use the STAR method to outline the challenge, your actions, and the results.

Example

"I worked on a project with tight deadlines and limited resources. By prioritizing tasks and collaborating closely with my team, we streamlined our processes and successfully delivered the project on time, exceeding stakeholder expectations."

5. How do you stay current with advancements in research methodologies?

This question assesses your commitment to continuous learning.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to keep up with industry trends and advancements.

Example

"I regularly attend conferences, participate in webinars, and subscribe to leading journals in epidemiology and outcomes research. This helps me stay informed about the latest methodologies and best practices in the field."