70+ Senior Research Associate Interview Questions and Answers

The interview question asks about dissolution and method development, formulation handling, force degradation, lipid content analysis, and the use of membrane filters in methods.

• Dissolution refers to the process of a solid substance dissolving in a liquid medium.

• Method development involves creating and optimizing analytical methods for various purposes.

• Formulations handled can include tablets, capsules, suspensions, or solutions.

• Force degradation is a technique used to accele...read more

Different types of detectors for HPLC include UV-Vis, fluorescence, refractive index, and mass spectrometry.

• UV-Vis detector measures the absorbance of UV or visible light by the analyte.

• Fluorescence detector measures the fluorescence emitted by the analyte when excited by light.

• Refractive index detector measures the change in refractive index of the mobile phase caused by the analyte.

• Mass spectrometry detector measures the mass-to-charge ratio of ions produced by the analyte.

The compounds that were ELSD inactive are those that did not produce a response in the ELSD detector.

• ELSD inactive compounds do not show any signal or peak in the ELSD detector.

• These compounds may have low or no response to the ELSD detection method.

• ELSD inactive compounds can be identified by comparing their chromatographic profiles to those of active compounds.

• Examples of ELSD inactive compounds include certain sugars, salts, and some non-volatile compounds.

DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio. Pre-tax amount is used in the calculation to ensure that the borrower has enough income to cover their debt obligations.

• DSCR is a financial ratio used to determine if a borrower has enough income to cover their debt obligations

• It is calculated by dividing the borrower's pre-tax income by their total debt service

• A DSCR of 1 or higher indicates that the borrower has enough income to cover their debt obligations

• Pre-tax amount is used ...read more

The product and partially consumed starting material can be separated in an ester hydrolysis reaction by using techniques such as distillation, extraction, or chromatography.

• Distillation can be used to separate the product and starting material based on their different boiling points.

• Extraction involves using a solvent to selectively extract one component from the mixture.

• Chromatography techniques such as column chromatography or thin-layer chromatography can be used to separ...read more

I have successfully scaled up and exhibited batches for 10 products. In case of failure, I analyze the root cause and suggest corrective actions.

• Successfully scaled up and exhibited batches for 10 products

• Analyzed root cause and suggested corrective actions in case of failure

• Experience in troubleshooting and problem-solving

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure successful scale-up

• Continuous monitoring and optimization of processes

Exponential increase in turnover can be analyzed by identifying the factors contributing to the increase and projecting future growth.

• Identify the source of the increase (e.g. new product launch, market expansion)

• Analyze customer behavior and purchasing patterns

• Evaluate competition and market trends

• Use statistical models to project future growth

• Consider potential challenges and risks to sustained growth

A NOE (Nuclear Overhauser Effect) is a phenomenon in NMR spectroscopy where the nuclear spins of two atoms interact with each other.

• NOE occurs when the nuclear spins of two atoms are coupled through space, leading to changes in their relaxation rates.

• It is used in NMR spectroscopy to determine the distance between atoms in a molecule.

• An example of NOE is the observation of enhanced signal intensity between protons that are close in space in a molecule.

The LCMS pattern of the chloro compound typically shows a peak corresponding to the molecular ion with a mass shift due to the chlorine isotope.

• LCMS analysis of chloro compounds often shows a peak corresponding to the molecular ion (M+) with a mass shift due to the presence of chlorine isotopes.

• The presence of chlorine atoms in the compound leads to characteristic isotope patterns in the LCMS spectrum.

• The isotopic pattern in LCMS can help in confirming the presence of chlorin...read more

LAH reduction workup involves quenching with water, acid-base extraction, and purification steps.

• Quench LAH with water to destroy excess reagent and generate aluminum hydroxide

• Perform acid-base extraction to separate the organic product from byproducts

• Purify the organic product using techniques like distillation or chromatography

To analyse credit worthiness of a company, various financial ratios and credit scores are used.

• Check the company's credit score and credit history

• Analyze the company's financial statements and ratios such as debt-to-equity ratio, current ratio, and interest coverage ratio

• Evaluate the company's industry and market trends

• Assess the company's management and leadership

• Consider any external factors that may affect the company's credit worthiness, such as economic conditions and re...read more

Method precision for related substances method is performed by analyzing multiple samples of known concentration and calculating the standard deviation.

• Analyze multiple samples of known concentration

• Calculate the standard deviation

• Ensure the precision is within acceptable limits

• Repeat the analysis to confirm the precision

• Use appropriate statistical tools to analyze the data

LOQ stands for Limit of Quantitation as per ICH guidelines. It is the lowest concentration of an analyte that can be reliably measured.

• LOQ is determined by analyzing a series of samples with known concentrations of the analyte and calculating the standard deviation and slope of the calibration curve.

• The LOQ is typically defined as the concentration at which the signal-to-noise ratio is at least 10:1.

• It is important to establish the LOQ for a method to ensure accurate and prec...read more

The type of products handled and how to formulate its stable form depends on the specific product and its ingredients.

• The type of product will determine the formulation process

• Ingredients must be carefully selected and tested for stability

• Formulation may involve adjusting pH, adding stabilizers, or using emulsifiers

• Examples of products include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products

The final product would depend on the specific reagents used and the reaction conditions.

• The final product could be different in terms of yield, purity, and chemical properties.

• The reaction mechanism and kinetics could also be affected by the change in reagent.

• Examples of changes in reagents could include using a different catalyst or solvent.

• The final product could also be affected by the stoichiometry of the reaction.

• It is important to consider the potential side reactions ...read more

Quenching a small batch Pd-C reaction involves adding a quenching agent to stop the reaction and isolate the desired product.

• Add a quenching agent such as water or acid to the reaction mixture

• Stir the mixture to ensure thorough quenching

• Monitor the reaction to determine the appropriate time for quenching

• Isolate the desired product after quenching

Degas palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions to remove oxygen and water, which can inhibit the reaction and reduce yield.

• Removes oxygen and water which can inhibit the reaction

• Improves yield and efficiency of the coupling reaction

• Prevents formation of palladium oxides which are inactive catalysts

• Enhances selectivity of the reaction by removing impurities

EU requirements for multimedia dissolution

• Multimedia dissolution testing is required for certain types of drug products in the EU

• The requirements are outlined in the European Pharmacopoeia (EP)

• The EP specifies the apparatus, dissolution medium, and testing conditions for multimedia dissolution

• The acceptance criteria for dissolution testing are also provided in the EP

Specificity in assay method refers to the ability of the method to accurately measure only the target analyte without interference from other substances.

• Specificity is determined by testing the method with known standards and samples containing the target analyte as well as potential interfering substances.

• Cross-reactivity with similar compounds should be evaluated to ensure the method is specific to the target analyte.

• Selectivity is another term used interchangeably with spe...read more

ROCE formula and inclusion of short term loans in calculation

• ROCE formula is (Operating Profit / Capital Employed) x 100

• Capital Employed includes all long-term and short-term assets minus short-term liabilities

• Short-term loans are included in the calculation of capital employed

• ROCE is a measure of how efficiently a company is using its capital to generate profits

Establishing Limit of Detection and Limit of Quantification

• Limit of Detection (LOD) is the lowest concentration of analyte that can be reliably detected

• Limit of Quantification (LOQ) is the lowest concentration of analyte that can be accurately quantified

• LOD and LOQ are determined by analyzing samples with known low concentrations of analyte

• LOD is typically defined as the concentration at which the signal-to-noise ratio is 3:1

• LOQ is typically defined as the concentration at wh...read more

The free and bound drug in liposomal formulation can be quantified using various methods such as dialysis, ultrafiltration, and equilibrium dialysis.

• Dialysis involves placing the liposomal formulation in a dialysis bag and allowing the free drug to diffuse out of the bag into a surrounding buffer solution.

• Ultrafiltration separates the free drug from the liposomal formulation using a filter with a specific molecular weight cutoff.

• Equilibrium dialysis involves placing the lipos...read more

Hooks are functions that allow you to use state and other React features in functional components.

• useState() - used to add state to functional components

• useEffect() - used to perform side effects in functional components

• useContext() - used to access context in functional components

Method development critical for accurate lipid analysis. Different lipids require different methods.

• Method development is crucial for accurate lipid analysis

• Different lipids require different methods for analysis

• Factors like polarity, solubility, and structure affect method development

• Examples of lipids include triglycerides, phospholipids, and cholesterol esters

Analytical method validation is the process of demonstrating that an analytical method is suitable for its intended use.

• It involves testing the accuracy, precision, specificity, and robustness of the method.

• Validation is necessary to ensure that the results obtained from the method are reliable and reproducible.

• It is a requirement for regulatory compliance in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food.

• Examples of analytical methods that require validation include HPLC, GC, a...read more

The probability of getting heads when flipping a biased coin depends on the bias of the coin.

• The probability of getting heads can be calculated by dividing the number of favorable outcomes (heads) by the total number of possible outcomes (heads + tails).

• For example, if a biased coin has a 70% chance of landing on heads, the probability of getting heads would be 0.7 or 70%.

• The probability can range from 0 to 1, with 0 indicating no chance of getting heads and 1 indicating a gu...read more

The question asks for a reaction and prediction of H1 NMR under different conditions.

• Provide a detailed reaction involving a compound and reagent

• Discuss the possible H1 NMR shifts based on the reaction conditions

• Consider variations in temperature, solvent, and concentration for different predictions

Degradation studies are essential to understand the stability and shelf-life of pharmaceutical products.

• To determine the degradation pathways of a drug substance or product

• To establish the shelf-life of a pharmaceutical product

• To ensure the safety and efficacy of the product over time

• To comply with regulatory requirements

• To optimize storage conditions for the product

• Examples: conducting stress testing, accelerated stability studies, photostability testing

I will develop dissolution method by considering the drug properties, selecting appropriate media, and optimizing parameters.

• Understand the drug properties and solubility

• Select appropriate media based on pH and solubility

• Optimize parameters such as agitation speed and temperature

• Validate the method by testing for accuracy and precision

• Consider regulatory guidelines and requirements

Reagents are used for interconversions of functional groups in organic synthesis.

• Reagents are used to convert one functional group to another in organic synthesis.

• Examples include Grignard reagents, reducing agents like LiAlH4, and oxidizing agents like KMnO4.

• Reagents can also be used to protect functional groups during synthesis.

• Common protecting groups include TBDMS for alcohols and Boc for amines.

C-C bond formation reactions involve the creation of a covalent bond between two carbon atoms.

• Cross-coupling reactions, such as the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction, involve the coupling of two carbon-containing molecules using a metal catalyst.

• Alkylation reactions involve the addition of an alkyl group to a carbon atom, forming a new C-C bond.

• Aldol condensation reactions involve the formation of a new C-C bond between the alpha-carbon of one carbonyl compound and the carbonyl carbon ...read more

Venture capital focuses on early-stage companies with high growth potential, while private equity invests in established companies to improve operations and profitability.

• Venture capital typically invests in startups or early-stage companies with high growth potential

• Private equity invests in established companies to improve operations and profitability

• Venture capital investors often take equity stakes in exchange for funding, while private equity investors may use a combinat...read more

Chemical reactions involve the breaking and forming of chemical bonds to create new substances with different properties.

• Chemical reactions involve the rearrangement of atoms to form new substances

• Reactants are the starting materials and products are the end result of a chemical reaction

• Chemical reactions can be classified as exothermic or endothermic based on energy changes

• Catalysts can speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process

Solvent classes include polar, nonpolar, protic, aprotic, and supercritical fluids.

• Polar solvents dissolve polar compounds and have a dipole moment.

• Nonpolar solvents dissolve nonpolar compounds and lack a dipole moment.

• Protic solvents have a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative atom and can donate hydrogen bonds.

• Aprotic solvents lack a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative atom and cannot donate hydrogen bonds.

• Supercritical fluids have properties of both a gas ...read more

The question asks for the reaction mechanism of a specific reaction.

• Reaction mechanism refers to the step-by-step process of how a reaction occurs.

• It involves the breaking and forming of chemical bonds.

• The mechanism can be determined through experimental data and theoretical calculations.

• Examples include SN1 and SN2 reactions in organic chemistry.

• The mechanism can also be influenced by factors such as temperature, concentration, and catalysts.

I am looking for a competitive salary, benefits package, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive work environment.

• Competitive salary is important to me

• Benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off

• Opportunities for professional growth such as training programs or career advancement

• Supportive work environment with a positive company culture

Venture capital is a type of private equity financing that investors provide to startup companies and small businesses that are believed to have long-term growth potential.

• Venture capital is typically provided by professional investors or firms to startups and small businesses.

• Investors in venture capital expect high returns on their investments, often through an eventual sale of the company or an initial public offering (IPO).

• Venture capital funding is usually provided in ex...read more

Solubility studies are conducted to determine the ability of a substance to dissolve in a particular solvent.

• Solubility studies involve testing the solubility of a substance in different solvents.

• Various methods such as shake flask method, equilibrium solubility method, and kinetic solubility method can be used.

• Factors affecting solubility include temperature, pH, and particle size.

• Analytical techniques like UV-Vis spectroscopy, HPLC, and LC-MS can be used to analyze solubili...read more

Detectors work based on various principles such as ionization, scintillation, and thermal conductivity.

• Ionization detectors work by measuring the ionization produced by radiation in a gas or solid state material.

• Scintillation detectors use materials that emit light when excited by radiation.

• Thermal conductivity detectors measure changes in temperature caused by radiation.

• Other types of detectors include semiconductor detectors, proportional counters, and Geiger-Muller counter...read more

Mechanical calibration of Dissolution Apparatus involves ensuring the apparatus is functioning accurately and consistently.

• Calibration involves checking the alignment of the shaft, speed of rotation, temperature control, and vessel centering.

• Regular calibration is necessary to ensure accurate and reliable dissolution testing results.

• Examples of calibration methods include using standard weights for balance calibration and checking the rotation speed with a tachometer.

• Calibrat...read more

Market estimation can be approached through top-down or bottom-up methods, using primary and secondary research data.

• Top-down approach involves starting with overall market size and then breaking it down into segments based on available data.

• Bottom-up approach involves estimating market size by aggregating data from individual segments or customers.

• Primary research involves collecting data directly from target customers through surveys, interviews, etc.

• Secondary research invo...read more

I will provide a detailed walkthrough of the Powerpoint presentation.

• Start by introducing the topic and purpose of the presentation

• Outline the main points and structure of the presentation

• Explain each slide in detail, using visuals and data to support key points

• Engage the audience by asking questions and encouraging discussion

• Conclude with a summary and key takeaways

• Offer to answer any questions or provide additional information

SWOT analysis of Tata Motors

• Strengths: Strong brand reputation, diverse product portfolio, global presence

• Weaknesses: Dependence on the domestic market, high competition in the industry

• Opportunities: Expansion into electric vehicles market, growth in emerging markets

• Threats: Economic downturns, changing government regulations

• Example: Tata Motors has a strong brand presence in India and globally, but faces competition from other automotive companies.

Analytical methods development involves creating and optimizing techniques to analyze and interpret data.

• Involves designing experiments to test analytical methods

• Optimizing techniques for accuracy and precision

• Validating methods to ensure reliability

• Applying statistical analysis to interpret results

• Examples include developing chromatography methods for drug analysis

Segmentation for diabetes refers to dividing the diabetic population into subgroups based on certain characteristics or risk factors.

• Segmentation helps in tailoring treatment plans to specific subgroups for better outcomes

• Common segmentation criteria include age, weight, comorbidities, and insulin resistance

• Examples of subgroups include Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and prediabetes

3D glasses work by creating an illusion of depth perception by showing different images to each eye.

• 3D glasses use different colored lenses or polarizing filters to show different images to each eye

• The brain combines the two images to create a perception of depth

• Some 3D glasses use active shutter technology to alternate between showing images to each eye

• 3D glasses are commonly used in movies, video games, and virtual reality experiences

I want to join Syngene because of its reputation for cutting-edge research and development in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Syngene is known for its innovative research projects and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies

• I am impressed by Syngene's state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to scientific excellence

• I believe that working at Syngene will provide me with valuable opportunities for professional growth and development