Top Seagen Interview Questions and Answers to Help You Prepare

Getting ready for an interview at Seagen? As a leading biotechnology company Seagen is at the forefront of developing innovative cancer therapies. With a highly competitive hiring process you’ll want to be thoroughly prepared to stand out among applicants.

This guide covers frequently asked Seagen interview questions, with tips and sample answers to help you highlight the skills and experience needed to join this cutting-edge organization.

About Seagen

Let’s start with an overview of Seagen to understand the company’s culture and values

• Founded in 1997 in Bothell, Washington and publicly traded since 2001
• Pioneer in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies for cancer
• Flagship drug Adcetris treats Hodgkin lymphoma and other blood cancers
• 1200+ employees across offices in California, Switzerland, Canada
• Mission is to transform cancer care through novel therapies
• Values innovation, integrity, patient-focus, and teamwork

This context will help you craft responses tailored to Seagen’s goals and strengths. Now let’s dive into the interview questions.

Common Seagen Interview Questions and Answers

Tell me about yourself and why you want to work at Seagen.

Seagen wants people truly passionate about their mission.

Sample Answer: As a biotech professional with 8 years in oncology drug development, working at the forefront of bringing novel cancer therapies to patients is my absolute passion. What excites me most about Seagen is the pioneering ADC technology, which I believe has incredible potential to treat cancers with less toxicity. I’m drawn to the patient-focused culture and Seagen’s leadership in driving innovation. I would be honored to contribute my expertise in pharmacology and clinical trials to help advance your life-changing therapies.

What interests you about this particular role at Seagen?

Show you’ve researched the role and it aligns with your skills.

Sample Answer: As a clinical scientist, I would be able to leverage both my clinical knowledge and analytical abilities. The collaboration between research, clinical ops, and commercial teams is appealing, as I want to gain cross-functional expertise in delivering therapies from bench to bedside. Specifically, leading clinical trial design and data analysis for ADC programs matches my experience in oncology drug development. I’m excited by the opportunity to translate my passion for improving cancer treatment into this role at Seagen.

Why do you want to leave your current job?

Focus on growing and developing new skills instead of bashing your current employer.

Sample Answer: I’ve learned a tremendous amount in my current role, but I’m ready for a new challenge to continue advancing my expertise and career. Seagen is doing such innovative work in oncology that I’m drawn to be part of that mission. The opportunities for mentorship and professional development, along with the chance to manage larger clinical trials, will help me grow as a clinical scientist. While I appreciate my current organization, I’m inspired by what I could accomplish at Seagen.

What makes you a strong fit for Seagen and this position?

This is your sales pitch! Share your most relevant qualifications.

Sample Answer: With 8 years in oncology drug development and a PhD in pharmacology, I have the extensive clinical research background required for this role. Specifically, my experience leading Phase 1-3 ADC clinical trials aligns well with Seagen’s focus. I also have proven data analysis skills having developed biomarkers and assays to support trial endpoint evaluation. These qualifications, along with my patient-centered mindset and passion for bringing novel therapies to cancer patients, make me a strong fit. I’m confident my expertise can translate into real contributions here.

What challenges do you foresee if you join Seagen? How would you address them?

Demonstrating self-awareness is key. Choose realistic challenges you can overcome.

Sample Answer: Transitioning to a new company always brings learnings, especially one as innovative as Seagen. The fast pace of development here would be an exciting change from my current role. To get up to speed quickly, I would leverage the onboarding program and training opportunities. Also, I tend to dive deep into the details, so ensuring I maintain perspective on broader program goals is an area for growth. With some experience under my belt, I’m confident I can adapt my approach and thrive at Seagen.

How do you respond when a colleague disagrees with your perspective?

Show emotional intelligence and collaboration skills.

Sample Answer: I welcome diverse perspectives, so I would begin by asking my colleague questions to fully understand their viewpoint and reasoning. If we still don’t see eye to eye, I would suggest bringing in data or other objective information to inform our debate. My aim is to find the best path forward, which often requires building consensus across different opinions. I try to keep an open mind and not let ego get in the way. If needed, I would involve our manager to help negotiate a resolution we both feel good about.

Tell me about a time you failed. How did you handle it?

Be honest and explain lessons learned. Don’t pick failures that raise red flags.

Sample Answer: Early in my career as a researcher, I led an experiment that ended up requiring repetition due to some errors on my part. In my enthusiasm to move quickly, I had overlooked some key steps that led to issues with the data collection. I learned the hard way how vital attention to detail is in preclinical research. While difficult, that experience taught me to slow down, thoroughly vet protocols, and ask for guidance when needed. I apply those lessons today to produce rigorous, reproducible research.

Why should we hire you over other candidates?

Convince them you’re the right choice without criticizing others.

Sample Answer: My specialized expertise in ADC development, from synthesis to preclinical evaluation to clinical trials, is likely unmatched by other candidates. The fact that I’ve dedicated my entire career to advancing cancer therapies makes me deeply committed to, and knowledgeable about, Seagen’s mission. My proven abilities leading cross-functional product development teams would allow me to contribute tremendous value from day one. When you also consider my perseverance and passion for patients, I believe I stand out as your strongest candidate. I’m eager to bring my full range of experience to help Seagen continue innovating.

Do you have any questions for me?

Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest.

Examples:

• What do you enjoy most about working at Seagen?
• How would you describe the culture on your team?
• What important projects are on the horizon that I could take part in?
• What are the possibilities for professional development and growth at Seagen?

With preparation using these sample Seagen interview questions and answers, you’ll show up armed with the knowledge to impress hiring managers. Keep the focus on your clinical expertise, passion for innovation, and alignment to Seagen’s mission of pioneering new cancer therapies. With authenticity and the right skills, you can show you’re poised for success in your next role at this top biotechnology company.