INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Can you provide an example of a project where you collaborated in a multi-disciplinary team environment?

Sample answer to the question

Yes, I can provide an example of a project where I collaborated in a multi-disciplinary team environment. In my previous role as a Protein Scientist at XYZ Biotech, we were working on developing a new protein-based drug. The project involved scientists from different disciplines including molecular biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. We had regular team meetings where we discussed our progress and shared ideas. I was responsible for purifying and characterizing the proteins we were working with. During the project, I collaborated closely with the molecular biologists to optimize the expression and purification protocols. I also worked with the biochemists to analyze the protein's structure and function using various biophysical techniques. It was a great experience to work in such a diverse team and see how our different areas of expertise complemented each other to achieve our project goals.

A more solid answer

Certainly! As a Protein Scientist at XYZ Biotech, I had the opportunity to work on a project where collaboration in a multi-disciplinary team environment was essential. We were tasked with developing a new diagnostic tool that combined protein engineering, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. This project involved close collaboration with scientists from different departments, including biochemists, geneticists, and computer scientists. We held regular team meetings to discuss our progress, share ideas, and address any challenges. My role in the project was to purify and characterize the proteins used in the diagnostic tool. I collaborated with the biochemists to optimize the purification protocols and ensure the proteins met the required quality standards. Additionally, I worked with the geneticists to analyze the genetic data and incorporate it into the bioinformatics models. The collaborative nature of this project allowed us to leverage our collective expertise and successfully develop a novel diagnostic tool.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands upon the basic answer by providing more details about the project and the candidate's specific contributions. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration in a multi-disciplinary team environment and highlights the candidate's ability to work with scientists from different departments. However, it can still be improved by including more information about the candidate's collaboration skills and the impact of their collaboration on the project's success.

An exceptional answer

Absolutely! Let me share a project that truly exemplifies my experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary team environment. While working at ABC Pharmaceuticals, I was part of a research initiative aimed at developing a novel protein-based drug. This project brought together experts from diverse fields, including biochemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology. We had regular team meetings where we discussed our progress, brainstormed ideas, and addressed any roadblocks. My role in this project was to lead the protein purification and characterization efforts. I collaborated closely with the biochemists to design purification strategies and optimize the protein yields. Additionally, I worked with the pharmacologists to test the drug's efficacy and evaluate its potential therapeutic applications. One of the highlights of this collaboration was our joint effort to analyze the drug's safety profile, where I collaborated with toxicologists and regulatory experts to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The success of this project relied heavily on our ability to integrate insights from various disciplines and leverage our collective knowledge to deliver a promising drug candidate. This experience reinforced my belief in the transformative power of collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer takes the solid answer and adds more specific details about the project, the candidate's leadership role, and the impact of their collaboration on the project's success. It highlights the candidate's ability to work with experts from diverse fields, showcases their collaboration skills in different contexts, and emphasizes the importance of collaboration in achieving a significant outcome. Additionally, it demonstrates the candidate's understanding of the regulatory aspects of drug development, which aligns with the job description's requirement of familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and regulations.

How to prepare for this question

When preparing for this question, think about past projects or experiences where you collaborated with individuals from different disciplines.
Consider the specific roles and responsibilities you had in those projects and how they contributed to the overall collaboration.
Think about the challenges you encountered during the collaboration and how you effectively addressed them.
Highlight the impact of the collaboration on the project's success and the lessons you learned from working in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
Practice discussing your experience in a clear and concise manner, focusing on the key aspects of collaboration and your specific contributions.

What interviewers are evaluating

Collaboration skills
Experience in multi-disciplinary team environment