Stowers Institute For Medical Research interview questions

I interviewed with three PIs during the in-person interviews (second round). They were friendly and open to explaining their research. The current PhD students were approachable and seemed to enjoy working there.

The interview process for this entry-level research position was quite unconventional compared to what is typically expected. Having interviewed for similar roles in other facilities, I found this experience with the Principal Investigator (PI) to be unlike any other. My initial interview with HR was very positive, highlighting a strong connection between my experience and what I could offer. However, the PI requested that I prepare a presentation on my research contributions and experience. I assumed the focus would be on my training and understanding of the job's responsibilities, given the role's scope. During the presentation, the PI frequently interrupted with unrelated questions, making it challenging for me to convey my points effectively. He eventually stopped the presentation, criticizing it for not meeting the standards of a scientific presentation. I attempted to clarify the misunderstanding, but it was evident that he expected a level of presentation typically delivered by PhD candidates and PostDocs at conferences, which exceeded the requirements for an entry-level research assistant position that only requires a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, the PI belittled my career and research experience and was dismissive about my need for treatment for a disability that delayed my undergraduate studies. Despite my positive experiences with other interviewers at different facilities, this encounter led me to withdraw my application. I felt that working under this PI would create a challenging environment that would be more detrimental than beneficial. To clarify, this is not a reflection of Stowers as a whole, and out of respect, I will not disclose the PI's name. It is disappointing that my experience seems to be an outlier compared to others' accounts.