You should ask this question because every step of a scientific experiment in the lab must be repeatable in order to be published in a scholarly journal. The answer to this question tells you how organized the lab assistant is while doing their work. Their answer also demonstrates that they know the importance of accurate note taking while they conduct their research. What to look for in an answer:

• Description of note-taking process
• Concise explanation of recording method
• Listing of tools or method of how notes are taken

This is a good question to ask because it gives you an idea of the lab assistant’s experience with technology. You may want to choose a candidate who is familiar with the same information systems that are used in your research laboratory. The answer to this question will also tell you the level of experience that the candidate has with different information systems. What to look for in an answer:

• Listing of information systems used
• Level of experience with each information system
• Familiarity with the features of each laboratory information system

This is important to ask because it demonstrates the lab assistant’s commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. The ideal candidate keeps up to date on material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and best practices for safety. The candidate should know how to conduct safety drills and be able to explain the safety devices and procedures in place in their laboratory. What to look for in an answer:

• Knowledge of MSDSs
• Description of safety tools and devices
• Familiarity with emergency procedures and reporting of safety hazards

This is an essential question to ask, especially if your laboratory uses samples collected from humans or if it uses any pathogenic material that could cause human illness. The ideal lab assistant knows how to safely handle the specimens and protect both the specimens and themselves from contamination, infection or other types of harm. Knowledge of proper safety procedures is essential to maintaining a safe environment. What to look for in an answer:

• Use of good laboratory practices
• Knowledge of specimen handling
• Ability to use personal protective equipment and laboratory safety equipment

You should ask a lab assistant this question because their answer demonstrates their ability to do the tests that are routinely performed in your laboratory. You may prefer a candidate who is already familiar with how to do many of the procedures required for the job so that less training is required. Their answer shows their comfort and skill level with different procedures. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to perform a range of laboratory procedures or tests
• Years or level of experience
• Concise description of challenges

Lab assistants rely on clear procedures to get accurate results from the tests they run and the experiments they perform. They need to be able to identify the cause of unclear results and come up with a plan for either processing the results or arranging for a retest. This question assesses a candidate's understanding of the scientific method and their respect for scientific integrity. Some of the features of a successful answer are:

• Ethical responsibility
• Understanding of lab procedures
• Attention to detail