300+ Research Associate Interview Questions and Answers

Understanding reaction mechanisms, principles of HPLC NMR, and writing synthetic schemes for target molecules.

• Reaction mechanisms involve understanding the step-by-step process by which reactants are transformed into products.

• HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) is a technique used for separating compounds in a mixture based on their interactions with a stationary phase and a mobile phase.

• NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for determinin...read more

Tailing factor is a measure of peak asymmetry in chromatography, indicating the presence of tailing or fronting.

• Tailing factor is calculated by dividing the distance from the peak apex to the leading edge of the peak by the distance from the peak apex to the trailing edge of the peak.

• A tailing factor of 1 indicates a symmetrical peak, while values greater than 1 indicate tailing and values less than 1 indicate fronting.

• Tailing factors are commonly used in chromatographic anal...read more

Endogeneity assumptions in regression analysis refer to the presence of correlation between the independent variables and the error term.

• Endogeneity occurs when the independent variables are correlated with the error term in the regression model.

• This violates the assumption of exogeneity, which states that the independent variables are not correlated with the error term.

• Endogeneity can lead to biased and inconsistent estimates of the regression coefficients.

• One way to address...read more

The proton NMR peak of methyl aldehyde appears as a singlet at around 9-10 ppm.

• The proton NMR spectrum of methyl aldehyde shows a singlet peak.

• The chemical shift of the peak is typically around 9-10 ppm.

• The singlet peak indicates that the methyl aldehyde molecule has no neighboring protons.

eCTD specifications and regulatory authority requirements for Research Associate role.

• eCTD stands for electronic Common Technical Document and is a standard format for submitting regulatory documents electronically.

• Different regulatory authorities have their own specific requirements for eCTD submissions, such as the FDA in the US, EMA in Europe, and PMDA in Japan.

• These requirements can include specific file formats, naming conventions, and submission timelines.

• Research Assoc...read more

NielsenIQ is a global measurement and data analytics company that provides insights into consumer behavior and market trends.

• NielsenIQ offers a range of services including market research, media measurement, and consumer behavior analysis.

• The company uses advanced data analytics and technology to provide clients with actionable insights.

• NielsenIQ operates in over 100 countries and works with leading brands across various industries.

• Some of the company's popular products inclu...read more

I have handled various instruments in my research work.

• Microscopes for observing samples at high magnification

• Spectrophotometers for measuring the absorbance or emission of light by substances

• Centrifuges for separating components of a mixture based on density

• PCR machines for amplifying DNA sequences

• Electrophoresis equipment for separating DNA, RNA, or proteins based on size and charge

Estimate the amount of garbage in a city by unit weight

• Collect data on population size, waste generation rate per capita, and average waste density

• Calculate total waste generated per day by multiplying population size with waste generation rate

• Estimate total waste weight by multiplying total waste generated with average waste density

• Consider factors like industrial waste, commercial waste, and recycling rates for a more accurate estimate

Chromatography is a technique used to separate and analyze mixtures of chemicals.

• Chromatography involves a stationary phase and a mobile phase.

• The stationary phase is a material that the mixture is passed through, while the mobile phase carries the mixture through the stationary phase.

• Different chemicals in the mixture will interact differently with the stationary phase, causing them to separate.

• Examples of chromatography include gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and...read more

Porter's model is a framework for analyzing the competitive forces in an industry and their impact on profitability.

• Porter's model includes five forces: threat of new entrants, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitute products or services, and rivalry among existing competitors.

• An example of applying Porter's model to a company is analyzing the airline industry and the impact of low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines on established ai...read more

Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis, while qualitative research focuses on non-numerical data and in-depth understanding.

• Quantitative research involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to draw conclusions.

• Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and open-ended surveys.

• Quantitative research uses statistical methods to analyze data and test hypotheses.

• Qualitative resea...read more

Porter's Five Forces is a framework for analyzing the competitive forces in an industry.

• Threat of new entrants

• Bargaining power of suppliers

• Bargaining power of buyers

• Threat of substitute products or services

• Rivalry among existing competitors

• Example: The airline industry

• - Threat of new entrants: High capital requirements and government regulations make it difficult for new airlines to enter the market.

• - Bargaining power of suppliers: Aircraft manufacturers have significant barg...read more

There are several species of lentil in the world.

• There are around 50 known species of lentil.

• Some common species include Lens culinaris, Lens orientalis, and Lens ervoides.

• Different species of lentil have varying characteristics and adaptability to different climates.

• The number of species may vary as new species are discovered through research and taxonomy.

WNS Global Services is a business process management company.

• Provides outsourcing solutions to various industries

• Offers services such as customer service, finance and accounting, and research and analytics

• Has over 40 delivery centers worldwide

• Clients include Fortune 500 companies

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning tool used to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a project or business.

• Strengths: internal factors that give an advantage (e.g. strong brand reputation, skilled workforce)

• Weaknesses: internal factors that may hinder success (e.g. outdated technology, high employee turnover)

• Opportunities: external factors that could be beneficial (e.g. growing market demand, new partnerships)

• Threats: external factors that could ca...read more

Beneficiation of coal and minerals sampling analysis involves separating and improving the quality of raw materials.

• Beneficiation is the process of separating and improving the quality of raw materials

• Coal and mineral beneficiation involves removing impurities and increasing the concentration of desired minerals

• Sampling analysis is used to determine the quality and quantity of minerals present in a sample

• The goal of beneficiation is to increase the economic value of the raw m...read more

HPLC stands for High Performance Liquid Chromatography. It is a technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture.

• HPLC is a widely used analytical technique in chemistry and biochemistry.

• It involves the use of a liquid mobile phase and a solid stationary phase to separate the components of a mixture based on their interactions with the stationary phase.

• The components are separated based on their different retention times.

• HPLC can be used for various a...read more

The C=O group gives a peak in the 13CNMR spectrum between 160-220 ppm.

• The peak is typically observed between 160-220 ppm.

• The exact chemical shift depends on the nature of the carbonyl group and its neighboring atoms.

• The peak can be used to identify the presence of a carbonyl group in a molecule.

• Examples of carbonyl-containing functional groups include ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and esters.

Some common oxidising reagents include potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide, chromic acid, ozone, and nitric acid.

• Potassium permanganate

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Chromic acid

• Ozone

• Nitric acid

Types of databases suitable for storing various types of information

• Relational databases: Organized into tables with rows and columns, suitable for structured data. Example: MySQL, PostgreSQL

• NoSQL databases: Flexible schema design, suitable for unstructured data. Example: MongoDB, Cassandra

• Graph databases: Focus on relationships between data entities, suitable for interconnected data. Example: Neo4j

• Document databases: Store data in document format, suitable for semi-structure...read more

Peak purity is the measure of the homogeneity of a peak in a chromatogram, while % area normalization is a method to compare the relative amounts of different peaks in a chromatogram.

• Peak purity is determined by comparing the spectra at different points within a peak to ensure they are similar, indicating a pure compound.

• % area normalization involves adjusting the peak areas in a chromatogram to a common reference point, usually 100% for the most abundant peak.

• Peak purity is ...read more

PDA detector measures absorbance at multiple wavelengths, while DAD detector measures absorbance at all wavelengths simultaneously.

• PDA detector uses a photodiode array to measure absorbance at multiple wavelengths, allowing for more detailed analysis.

• DAD detector uses a diode array to measure absorbance at all wavelengths simultaneously, providing faster and more comprehensive data.

• PDA detector is more suitable for applications requiring specific wavelength analysis, while DA...read more

UV detectors and HPLC detectors are used in research to analyze and quantify substances.

• UV detectors are commonly used in UV-visible spectroscopy to measure the absorption of light by a sample at different wavelengths.

• HPLC detectors are used in high-performance liquid chromatography to detect and quantify the components of a mixture.

• Common types of UV detectors include diode array detectors (DAD) and photodiode array detectors (PDA).

• HPLC detectors can include UV-Vis detectors...read more

Primary vs Secondary, Qualitative vs Quantitative research

• Primary research involves collecting new data through surveys, interviews, etc. while secondary research involves analyzing existing data.

• Qualitative research is exploratory and subjective, while quantitative research is numerical and objective.

• Examples of primary research include focus groups and surveys, while examples of secondary research include literature reviews and data analysis.

• Qualitative research methods inc...read more

The Fed policy can impact the market through interest rates, inflation expectations, and overall economic outlook.

• The Fed's decision to raise or lower interest rates can directly impact borrowing costs for businesses and consumers.

• Changes in inflation expectations based on the Fed's actions can influence investor sentiment and market volatility.

• The Fed's communication about its future policy decisions can also affect market expectations and behavior.

• Overall, the Fed policy pl...read more

To safely handle instruments and equipment, proper storage, regular maintenance, and following safety protocols are essential.

• Store instruments and equipment in designated areas to prevent damage or loss.

• Clean and disinfect instruments after each use to maintain hygiene.

• Regularly inspect equipment for any signs of wear or malfunction.

• Follow safety guidelines and protocols while handling instruments to prevent accidents.

• Train staff on proper handling and maintenance procedures...read more

Scale up factors are important during site transfer to ensure successful implementation.

• Scale up factors refer to the considerations and adjustments needed when transferring a process or operation from one site to another.

• Factors to consider include equipment capacity, process efficiency, resource availability, and regulatory compliance.

• Examples of scale up factors include ensuring the new site has adequate space and infrastructure to accommodate the process, verifying that e...read more

Mass spectroscopy is a technique used to analyze the mass-to-charge ratio of ions in a sample.

• Mass spectroscopy involves ionizing a sample, separating the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, and detecting the ions to create a mass spectrum.

• The principles of mass spectroscopy include ionization, mass analysis, and detection.

• Examples of mass spectroscopy techniques include MALDI-TOF, ESI-MS, and GC-MS.

There are three types of stability zones: Zone I, Zone II, and Zone III. We are currently in Zone III.

• Zone I: Most stable, low risk of failure, typically used for long-term storage of products.

• Zone II: Intermediate stability, moderate risk of failure, used for products with moderate shelf life.

• Zone III: Least stable, high risk of failure, used for products with short shelf life or requiring special storage conditions.

Beer's Ambert Law states that the absorbance of a substance is directly proportional to its concentration and the path length of the light through the sample.

• Beer's Ambert Law is commonly used in spectrophotometry to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution.

• The law is expressed as A = εlc, where A is the absorbance, ε is the molar absorptivity, l is the path length, and c is the concentration.

• It is applicable in various fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, ...read more

5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology that promises faster internet speeds and lower latency. VoLTE stands for Voice over LTE, which is a technology that allows voice calls to be made over a 4G LTE network.

• 5G is the latest wireless technology that offers faster internet speeds and lower latency

• It promises to revolutionize the way we use the internet and enable new technologies like self-driving cars and virtual reality

• VoLTE is a technology that allows voice calls ...read more

Quantitative analysis involves numerical data and statistical methods, while qualitative analysis focuses on non-numerical data and subjective interpretations.

• Quantitative analysis involves the use of mathematical and statistical tools to analyze numerical data.

• Qualitative analysis focuses on understanding non-numerical data such as text, images, and videos.

• Quantitative analysis is objective and relies on measurable data points.

• Qualitative analysis is subjective and involves ...read more

McKinsey's 7S Framework is a management model that helps analyze and align various elements of an organization.

• The 7S Framework consists of seven interdependent elements: Strategy, Structure, Systems, Skills, Staff, Style, and Shared Values.

• These elements are categorized into hard elements (Strategy, Structure, Systems) and soft elements (Skills, Staff, Style, Shared Values).

• The framework emphasizes the importance of aligning all seven elements to achieve organizational effec...read more

Chromatography is a technique used to separate and analyze mixtures of substances based on their different properties.

• Chromatography involves a stationary phase and a mobile phase.

• The stationary phase can be a solid or a liquid, while the mobile phase is typically a liquid or a gas.

• Different components of the mixture interact differently with the stationary phase, leading to separation.

• Common types of chromatography include gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and thin-...read more

B2B refers to business-to-business transactions, while B2C refers to business-to-consumer transactions.

• B2B involves businesses selling products or services to other businesses, while B2C involves businesses selling products or services directly to consumers.

• B2B transactions typically have longer sales cycles and higher order values compared to B2C transactions.

• B2B marketing focuses on building relationships and providing solutions to business needs, while B2C marketing often ...read more

Marketing focuses on creating awareness and interest in a product or service, while sales involves closing deals and generating revenue.

• Marketing involves activities such as advertising, branding, market research, and public relations.

• Sales involves activities such as prospecting, qualifying leads, negotiating, and closing deals.

• Marketing aims to create demand for a product or service, while sales aims to convert that demand into revenue.

• Marketing is more focused on long-term...read more

To identify source authenticity, one can verify the credibility, reputation, and expertise of the source.

• Check the author's credentials and expertise in the field.

• Verify the reputation of the publisher or website.

• Look for citations and references to other credible sources.

• Check for bias or conflicts of interest.

• Verify the accuracy and consistency of the information with other sources.

• Use fact-checking tools and resources.

• Be cautious of sensational or clickbait headlines.

• Consi...read more

Different types of tablets include regular tablets, chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, and sublingual tablets.

• Regular tablets are the most common type and are swallowed whole.

• Chewable tablets are designed to be chewed before swallowing.

• Effervescent tablets dissolve in water to create a fizzy solution.

• Sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue and dissolve quickly.

• Other types of tablets include enteric-coated tablets, buccal tablets, and vaginal tablets.

Primary research is original research conducted by the researcher, while secondary research is the analysis of existing research.

• Primary research involves collecting new data through methods such as surveys, interviews, and experiments.

• Secondary research involves analyzing existing data sources such as academic journals, government reports, and market research.

• Primary research is more time-consuming and expensive than secondary research, but provides more specific and tailore...read more

UV spectrometry is a technique that measures the absorption or transmission of ultraviolet light by a sample.

• UV spectrometry is based on the principle that different molecules absorb UV light at specific wavelengths.

• It is commonly used in analytical chemistry to determine the concentration of a substance in a sample.

• UV spectrometry can be used to analyze the purity of a compound or identify unknown substances.

• The instrument used in UV spectrometry is called a UV spectrophotom...read more

Conforming cis and trans isomers by NMR involves analyzing the chemical shifts and coupling constants of the molecules.

• Analyze the chemical shifts of the protons in the molecule to determine the stereochemistry (cis or trans).

• Look for characteristic coupling constants that indicate the relative positions of the protons in the molecule.

• Compare the NMR spectra of the cis and trans isomers to identify any differences in chemical shifts or coupling constants.

• Use 2D NMR techniques...read more

Pharmacodynamics is the study of the effects of drugs on the body, while pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body affects the drug.

• Pharmacodynamics focuses on the mechanism of action of drugs and their effects on the body.

• Pharmacokinetics deals with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs in the body.

• An example of pharmacodynamics is studying how a drug binds to a receptor to produce a therapeutic effect.

• An example of pharmacokinetics is analyzin...read more

The reagent used for acid-amine coupling is typically carbodiimides.

• Carbodiimides are commonly used reagents for acid-amine coupling reactions.

• Examples of carbodiimides include EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide) and DIC (diisopropylcarbodiimide).

DNA is a molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms.

• DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid

• It is a double-stranded helix structure composed of nucleotides

• DNA carries genetic information in the form of genes

• Its main function is to store and transmit genetic information

• DNA replication is the process by which DNA makes copies of itself

Polarity refers to the separation of electric charge within a molecule, which affects its chemical properties.

• Polarity is determined by the difference in electronegativity between atoms in a molecule.

• Polar molecules have a positive and negative end, while nonpolar molecules have an even distribution of charge.

• Polarity influences various properties of molecules, such as solubility, boiling point, and intermolecular forces.

• Water is a polar molecule due to the electronegativity ...read more

IPv6 is needed due to the exhaustion of IPv4 addresses and offers improved security, efficiency, and scalability.

• IPv6 provides a much larger address space compared to IPv4, allowing for more devices to connect to the internet.

• IPv6 offers better security features, such as built-in IPsec support, which enhances data protection during transmission.

• IPv6 enables more efficient routing and network configuration, leading to improved network performance.

• Many modern devices and operat...read more

The market is currently experiencing volatility due to global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

• Stock prices are fluctuating rapidly in response to news about trade wars and political instability.

• Investors are seeking safe haven assets such as gold and government bonds.

• Consumer confidence is wavering, leading to decreased spending in certain sectors.

• Tech companies are facing scrutiny over data privacy concerns and regulatory challenges.

• Emerging markets are strugg...read more