How do you communicate your findings to team members who might not have a strong scientific background?

Sample answer to the question

Honestly, I keep it simple. Just last month, I was dealing with a complex data set from our latest experiment. Our project team, well, they're super talented but not everyone's from a science background, you know? So, I broke down the data into the main points, used everyday language, and threw in some analogies that related to our project. Think of it like explaining a new game to friends - you wouldn't dive into every single rule at once. It worked out pretty well; they got the gist of what our findings meant for the project.

A more solid answer

When communicating scientific findings to my colleagues who might not have a strong background in science, I employ a strategic approach. For instance, in my recent project on cell mutation, I translated my findings into a visual infographic that outlined the experiment's objective, methodology, and key results. By avoiding technical jargon, using clear visuals, and relating the findings to relevant outcomes, I enabled my team to quickly grasp the implications. Furthermore, I conducted a brief session where I addressed their questions, ensuring they understood how the results impacted our ongoing projects.

Why this is a more solid answer:

This solid answer shows a clear strategy for communication that includes visual aids, simplification of complex topics, and interactive sessions. However, it could be improved by demonstrating the candidate's communication finesse, such as their ability to gauge the team's understanding, and providing specific examples of feedback they received. It also doesn't fully show how they integrated this process back into their work or how it helped advance project goals, both of which are key responsibilities in the job description.

An exceptional answer

Effectively communicating scientific findings is as crucial as the research itself, particularly in multidisciplinary environments. During my tenure as a lab technician, I tailored my communication to suit my audience's expertise. For our project on neurotoxicity, I condensed the complex data into a story-like format, carefully walking them through the narrative from hypothesis to conclusion, using metaphors aligned with our project goals. I supplemented this approach with helpful visuals like graphs. After presenting, I engaged in a Q&A session; this two-way exchange not only clarified doubts but also allowed me to refine my message. This method fostered a deeper understanding and spurred collaborative input for practical applications of our findings. It's a practice I've refined over the years and look forward to bringing to your team to streamline our research communication.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

This exceptional answer demonstrates the candidate's strong scientific knowledge, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative spirit by detailing a specific example and the methods used to ensure comprehension. It reflects an understanding of their responsibility in disseminating results in a way that promotes engagement and contributions from all team members. The mention of previous experience and eagerness to apply this practice to the prospective job also shows initiative and a proactive attitude.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on specific instances where you've had to communicate scientific data to non-expert colleagues and the strategies you used to ensure understanding.
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to simplify complex concepts without losing the essential elements of the data.
Prepare examples of tools or methods you have used to convey information effectively, such as visual aids, metaphors, or storytelling techniques.
Consider how you can display both the technicality of your background and your strong communication skills during an interview scenario.
Practice tailoring your communication style to different audiences, perhaps through mock presentations with people from non-scientific backgrounds.

What interviewers are evaluating

Strong scientific and technical aptitude
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
Responsibility for disseminating research findings