I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at Genentech
Interview
Initially contacted by phone two weeks after applying on the company website. Phone interview with the hiring manager was very technical and included very specific questions about my resume. The next day, I was invited to Genentech for an "informal" interview/tour of the facility. This ended up being a five hour interview with the research team. They then invited me back for a full formal interview, a whopping 9 hour process. Lunch was provided but the lunch hour was essentially another interview with a panel. There were no real breaks involved.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
-What was the most difficult situation you have encountered in the workplace?
-What does an endothermic reaction look like?
-What was your greatest achievement at your previous company?
-Why are you looking for a new position?
-Why Genentech?
-Describe a leadership role you had at your last position
I applied online. I interviewed at Genentech (South San Francisco, CA) in Apr 2026
Interview
I had an interview with a principal scientist from the R&D department
the interview went well , had many follow up questions solely based on my research experience. they asked a mix of behavioral and technical questions.
unfortunately, they were not ready to sponsor F-1 students despite everything being positive.
Had a screening call with the hiring manager then half day interview with 5 interviewers, gave a seminar presentation, received tour of relevant buildings and lab space, gave 3 references, they were not contacted.
I applied through a staffing agency. I interviewed at Genentech
Interview
Interview process was very straightforward. Spoke with my manager and lab mates. No one asked any particularly difficult questions and were very easy to talk to. It felt like I was asking them more questions about the job and culture at Genentech than they were asking me questions.
