My interview first started with a Phone screen with HR. The second stage of the interview was a 1:1 phone screen with someone in the department and the final stage was a panel interview.
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Merck
Interview
The interview process lasted over 2-3 months and went by quite quickly. Below was the interview process I experienced.
1. Initial phone screening with HR
2. phone interview with hiring manager
3. panel interview with hiring manager and other team members
First, there was a 30-min call with the recruiter. This was a really basic interview with all the expected questions you probably don't have to prepare much for - Are you employed, and if so, why are you looking to leave your job? What attracted you to the role? Do you live in the area? What do you know about the subject matter / how many years of experience do you have in the subject matter? Would you be available to work in such and such month? That kind of thing.
Next, there were two 1-hour panel interviews. At least of one these will have the Hiring Manager and 1 or 2 other people on the team. The other panel was just 1 person for me - another scientist I think I'd work with but maybe not be in direct contact with daily.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Many questions were specific to the role, several requesting the STAR format. You should definitely be prepared to "introduce yourself" and have your strengths/weaknesses ready to share.