The process took 5 days. I interviewed at Genentech in Mar 2011
Interview
I have had 6 interviews with this company at this point, during which time I "hopped" from lab to lab to determine whether each individual lab felt I was the best "fit" for them. The interviews ranged from extremely easy to quite hard, with many detailed questions being asked. My advice is to do some research ahead of time on the specific aspects of the position and related subject matter, and then insert your knowledge into the general discussion, feeling free to discuss scientific matters at length (beware of going too off-topic).
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you effectively optimize and run a PCR, what are the specific assay applications of this technique.
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.
