I applied online. The process took 2 days. I interviewed at Center for Genomic Regulation (Barcelona) in Nov 2009
Interview
As common in the scientific world, I met the group leader from the group I applied to work for. We had a chat about science, my background and my expectations. About the groups work, ongoing projects and possible projects for me. I also got presented to the other group members. Every group member presented me their ongoing project and their inside view on the group. At night the group members took me out for drinks, to see if I fit well in the group, also on the social level. Later, group members gave their recommendation to the group leader.
I applied online. I interviewed at Center for Genomic Regulation
Interview
Three interviews with different groups of researchers including the Principal Investigator and a panel of scientists from the program to which the laboratory belongs to.
The interviews were informal but scientifically challenging, addressing the way the candidate is able to approach a scientific problem.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
research project, motivations, scientific knowledge about a certain topic
I applied online. The process took 3 days. I interviewed at Center for Genomic Regulation (Barcelona) in Mar 2011
Interview
The interview process lasted 3 days: on the first day the labs accepting candidates gave short talks presenting their projects and interests; on the second day we had one-on-one interviews with the group leaders that we applied to in the form of an informal chat; and on the last day we had the panel interview where a group of 4-5 group leaders interviewed each of us separatelly.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The interviews with the group leaders are actually the most important ones. Even though being informal and short (about 30min) it is important to show right away your interest in the work they do and if possible come back after the actual interview to reinsure your interest and maybe talk a bit more in detail about the possible projects you'll be doing.
The panel interview can be scary at first since you'll be alone with 4-5 group leaders sometimes asking questions at the same time, but in the end it's only a formality to have a general idea of your personality and general knowledge.