I applied online. The process took 2+ months. I interviewed at AstraZeneca in Sept 2015
Interview
I applied for the role in mid July and received an invitation to attend an assessment day in within 2 weeks. The interview took place in the first week of September on site. The assessment day consisted of a initial tour and presentation giving more detail about the organisation and role. Next I gave a 10 minute presentation (+5 minutes of questions). There was also a written assessment which consisted of; writing a abstract type report when given basis data on a 'study' (20 minutes), study report proof read and review (5 minutes) and, calculations test (5 minutes), 45 minute slot allocated to this stage, which left time to ask questions with the interviewer afterward. There was a technical interview which focussed on the basic and key knowledge required to fulfil the role (45 minutes). Finally, there was a leadership capabilities interview in which I was questioned about past behaviours and how they demonstrated key skills they though appropriate for the role (45 minutes).
The day lasted from 0900-1500 hours.
My experience was really positive. The team who interviewed me were very friendly and knowledgeable. The made me feel as ease during the entire day and I think that made a very intense process much easier.
If I were to provide any advice based on my experience, it would be to make sure and know the basics of your field of expertise. Nothing too complicated but know the 'first principles'.
They didn't ask many questions about my current or past research experience or specifics about the theory behind that research. They were much more focussed on identifying whether you know your foundation knowledge.
I am due to find out the outcome in 2-3 weeks - note that Glassdoor wouldn't allow me to submit my interview experience without giving the outcome. I chose to be optimistic!
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Can you draw an action potential and identify the corresponding phases of the cardiac cycle?
First a video interview. Followed by two teams interview with 2 different people on each at odd times to account for overseas colleagues.
Very friendly. Situational questions based on their values and the job ad.
Heard back within a week. Overall a positive experience. Also, happy to accomodate wrt interview dates etc.
I applied online. I interviewed at AstraZeneca (Cambridge, England) in Aug 2024
Interview
I went through an extensive interview process, starting with an online application. Two weeks later, I was invited for a call with HR, followed by a Teams meeting with the hiring manager two weeks after that. A week later, I was invited for an in-person interview, which included a 30-minute presentation plus 10 minutes of questions, a 1-hour technical interview, and a 1-hour interview on values and behaviors. The overall experience was very positive, though the values and behaviors interview was particularly challenging. At the end, the hiring manager also gave me a tour of the offices and labs.
While the process was well-structured and engaging, I was disappointed by the lack of communication after the final interview. The hiring manager mentioned that I would hear back the following week, but after waiting three weeks and sending several follow-up emails, I found out they had offered the position to another candidate. It would have been appreciated if they had communicated their decision sooner.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe a situation where you had a handle a conflict? Describe a situation where you upheld integrity? etc
I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at AstraZeneca (Stockholm, Stockholm) in Mar 2023
Interview
They nerver did follow up in person only an automatic follow up email to my email saying the usual, no but thank you and please apply again later or something of that sort