AIT interview Flashcards
Tell me about yourself
Okey, in general I’m from Colombia, I studied biomedical engineering there and as I mentioned I’m doing my master of regenerative medicine here in Vienna, I’m starting my second semester.Since my bachelor I always have been so interested in biomedical applications of molecular biology, specially in biomarkers, so to increase my knowledge in cell biology and molecular biology techniques and lab skills I choose the FH and this specific master.
What about your experience?
I worked in Colombia as research assistan for one year, and we were developing a paper based sensor to detect Lactate in saliva using fluorescent nanoparticles and computer tools. So, what we were doing was measuring the changes of fluorescence in function of lactate concentrations. Also, I did a fellowship in a private hospital, where we worked with nanofibers for the development of a nanofilter, we did synthesis of the nanofibers and perception tests. Regarding my academic experience, during my bachelor I collaborate already in two papers of medical signal processing and during my last work experience we published a conference paper. And finally, with my master I already learned the procedures for cell culture and some molecular biology techniques. And I’m now looking for a job to get laboral experience here in Vienna and to learn more.
What interests you about this position?
I think that my skill set matches about what you are looking for in this role and I’m particularly passionate about your research in biomarkers, drug transport and the development of in vitro models in the molecular diagnostics unit. Also, I would say I am excited about the possibility to learn from you. I read some of your previous works and I’m impressed in the experience that you have working with in-vitro models for different tissues and its relation with biomarkers for different dieseases or how they can reproduce in vivo systems.
Can you describe a challenge you’ve overcome at work?
During the synthesis of the carbon dots we needed to do a purification step using dialisys, however we didn’t have the correct membrane, we were using column cromatography, but it took a long of time to get a litle ammount of nanoparticles. So I started to look for another options in the literature and I found that cellophane was an option for this specific case, sometime we have to use practical solutions
Where do you see yourself in five years?
First, of course I want to finish my master and gain job experience here in Vienna in this fields, in mid-term I see myself working for a time and I would say in five years I’ll be doing my PhD, I don’t know exactly in which year of my phd of course it depends, can be the second year or the fourth year, but yes, doing it
Describe your work style and how you handle stress or pressure.
I like cronograms, so usually at the beginning of the week I like to program my activities and know what I’m going to do. I handle the stress usually doing physicall activity or taking a break from the situation, if it is a pressure situacion, I would just really focus in understand the problem and try to search answers if I really don’t know how to solve the problem I ask for help
Give an example of a time when you worked successfully in a team.
During my bachelor we develop a research proposal for financial help with other students and professors, we used to discuss about the proposal, divide the tasks and check the others advances, it was a good work because finally we get the financial help from the university
What do you consider your most significant professional accomplishment?
To be honest since I was a child I have wanted to study abroad, so being here studying my master and having a job interview in a country, culture, and language that is not mine is my biggest professional accomplishment
How do you handle constructive criticism?
I usually take it, I like to listen people and advices so first of course I evaluate the situation with open mind and if consider is appropiate I take it
What specific goals do you have for this internship?
I want to collaborate with my experience and knowledge but most of all I want to learn about the practical development of models in vitro and how is to work in an Austrian research company, also if is possible continue and do my master thesis here
What do you consider your major strengths, and how do you plan to apply them in this role?
I think my strengths are I’m very hard working and dedicating and I’m really passionate about what I do. I really work for my goals, if I have something in mind I usually do my best to get it
One of my special skills is that I speak spanish and english
Experience communicating with people
Can you share a weakness you have identified in your professional development, and how are you working to improve it?
One of my weaknesses is that I work too hard, so I’m in the process of understand that some things are not in my hands and that to improve this I try to have in my mind that the best is to do what I can in the best way possible
How do you believe your skills and previous experiences make you an ideal candidate for our company?
My previous experiences gave me skills in literature research of biomarkers and in general bring me techniques to evaluate the work of others scientist
I also learned how to develop protocols, specially in the role of research assistant for the synthesis of carbon dots
And this year I worked as freelancer doing statistical analysis, so I know and understand how to do data anlysis
Also, with the master I have been learning molecular biology and cell culture techniques, not only the teoretical part but also the laboratory practice.
So, I consider I am an ideal candidate for this role, fullfuling the requirements and the experience needed for the tasks that need to be done in the validation of novel cell culture models.
Can you tell us about the objectives, principles, and values of our company and how they align with your own professional values?
The commitment to equality, fairness, empowerment, and active participation in designing processes aligns with my own belief in creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment. AIT’s emphasis on integrity and ethics resonates with my core values, and I appreciate the positive approach towards errors and the focus on personal development.
Furthermore, the emphasis on productive cooperation not only within AIT teams but also with clients, partners, and other institutions aligns with my collaborative approach to achieving shared goals.
Do you have questions for us?
How many hours per week do you need the person here? As I mentioned I’m still a student and the maximum hours allowed are 20 or 25 and as I’m an international student I need a work permit, it usually is tramited by the employes and it takes more or less two or three weeks, does it represent a problem for you?
I have more questions in the description of the intership you mention three main topics, for the intership there is one in specific in which we will work?Or can we choose? Or everything is linked.
How is a typical day here in the molecular diagnosis unit?
What are the highest challenges in this position?
If I’m chosen, do I receive any type of capacitation before start?
When do you want me to start?
