Research Associate applicants have rated the interview process at The Broad Institute with 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 77% positive. To compare, the company-average is 64.2% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for Research Associate roles take an average of 26 days to get hired, when considering 45 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at The Broad Institute overall takes an average of 29 days.
Common stages of the interview process at The Broad Institute as a Research Associate according to 45 Glassdoor interviews include:
Phone interview: 30%
One on one interview: 24%
Presentation: 11%
Group panel interview: 10%
Skills test: 8%
Background check: 5%
IQ intelligence test: 5%
Personality test: 3%
Drug test: 2%
Other: 1%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied online. I interviewed at The Broad Institute
Interview
Platform: The interview is conducted purely online, meaning that the candidate doesn't need to be physically present at a specific location. They just require a computer or a mobile device with internet access. One-Way: Unlike traditional interviews where there's a back-and-forth between the interviewer and the candidate, this is a "one-way" process. Here, the candidate typically answers preset questions without real-time interaction with an interviewer. The responses are recorded for evaluators to review later. Number of Questions: The interview consists of 5 questions. This structure gives both clarity and brevity to the interview process, allowing the candidate to focus on a limited number of topics. Time Limit: Each question has a time limit of 2 minutes. This means that the candidate has to provide concise answers and can't exceed this duration for any particular question. Such a format ensures that the interview stays efficient and to-the-point. Flexibility in Scheduling: Candidates have the freedom to take the interview at a time that suits them best within a span of 5 days. This flexibility reduces the scheduling conflicts that often arise with traditional interviews and caters to candidates in different time zones or with varying commitments.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Which areas of research are you most interested in? Which labs here at the Broad are at the top of your list?
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at The Broad Institute (Cambridge, MA) in Nov 2025
Interview
First, there was a one way interview where you have to answer 5 questions and you get to retake the videos as many times as you want. Then a screening with the hiring manager, and lastly a 2 and a half hour panel interview where you get to talk to multiple members of the lab.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is a time you had to manage multiple projects with a deadline? How did you meet the deadlines?
I applied online. I interviewed at The Broad Institute (Boston, MA) in Oct 2025
Interview
This was a one-way video interview with no follow-up about next steps or timeline. It was not challenging and allowed for multiple takes, but it felt impersonal and robotic. I did not enjoy the experience or get to ask any questions myself.
It took up to 2 months for the entire process, but it moved very fast and efficiency (4 rounds). I'm impressed by the screening interview with recruiter, very insightful (definitely not asking tons of unnecessary questions, instead heavily focusing on your career goal: Why do you want to join Broad?). The team is very nice and professional. Again, they won't spend time asking things that they aren't looking for; instead they seriously evaluate your technical kills for the position itself and behavior/cultural fit for the whole team. If you are one of their top candidates, you definitely would hear back quickly for the next steps. The timeline is very reasonable overall.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
I would love to hear about your career goals. What do you want to pursue and how could Broad help you with?