Terribly put together interview process for an entry level position.
Everyone seemed frenetic, running around with their heads cut off. Got weird creepy vibes from people. Also an air of elitism, not seen at other pharma companies. There was abundance of chat about how great the people are there but it seemed like there were plenty of people talking about how they didn't like another person or another group. Chatting about drama like that to an interview candidate is laughable and clear giveaway of the culture at Biogen. Senior management seems awfully detached from people as well and are drinking some sort of kool aid
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Nothing was difficult. Some questions showed they weren't listening
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Biogen (Cambridge, MA) in Oct 2024
Interview
I was interviewed for a Med Chem Scientist position, PhD entry level. The interview process is quick, smooth, and professional. I had a HR screen (30-min video call) followed by the HM interview (30-min video call). The second round is done virtually, consisted of a 45-min pre, followed by 5 or 6 one-on-ones (30 min each, 1 HR and the others scientists). Everyone is pretty nice and chill.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Some common questions I got asked include:
describe a time that you had to make a decision based on limited resources/data
describe a challenge you have encountered during a project, and how you overcame it
how is science being communicated in your group
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Biogen (Durham, NC) in Sept 2022
Interview
It was the first round of interview. The HR personnel didn't provide a specific time to call, rather he gave a 2 hour window when he will call. Then he called me after 2.5 hours. It tells about the professionalism of the company I guess. Then the interview went well. The HR acted as if he could hire me on the spot if he could. Keeping me on the phone, he was looking for a date for the 2nd interview. Then he said he will let me know the time by the end of the day for the next interview. And that was it. No more emails or communication from him. I emailed 2/3 times in following weeks, but didn't get a ingle response. This tells so much about the company.
Overall smooth interview process with a lot of one on ones for Q and A (including with senior leaderships) from both ends. Interview travel cost is cover in full for lodging and travel.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Describe your research focus and what you want to achieve at Biogen.