The interview process was friendly and informative, with a mix of technical and behavioral questions. The interviewer created a comfortable environment, making it an engaging and insightful experience. The technical segment focused on my expertise in molecular biology, problem-solving skills, and industry knowledge, while the behavioral questions assessed my ability to work in a team, handle challenges, and align with the company’s values.

I spent 3+ hours total in two interviews, first with the direct supervisor, and then with a panel. After positive reference checks, the direct supervisor called me. Despite the hours we had spent discussing my resume without issue, he now says he had “never seen anything like this before” and needed me to “clarify” what I was “implying,” suggesting that I was lying about my accomplishments even though my references could have attested to them. Then he asked me 3x to explain “how [I was] able to support [myself] financially” while unemployed during the pandemic, because he “didn’t think unemployment is enough” and he “wasn’t sure if [I was] married.” Not only are personal finances none of an employer’s business (especially since he confirmed that Merck runs credit checks anyway), but asking if a candidate is married is illegal here in the US. I declined the offer because of that phone call.