Sample interview questions: How do you approach the design and execution of experiments involving high-throughput screening?
Sample answer:
Approaching the Design and Execution of High-Throughput Screening Experiments
1. Define Experimental Objectives
- Clearly articulate the scientific question or hypothesis to be addressed.
- Establish specific targets or biomarkers of interest.
2. Optimize Assays
- Select or develop robust and sensitive assays that can detect subtle changes in target molecules.
- Ensure assays are compatible with high-throughput instrumentation.
- Determine optimal assay parameters (concentration, incubation time, temperature).
3. Library Selection and Preparation
- Choose compound libraries based on relevance to the target.
- Prepare compounds in a format suitable for high-throughput screening.
- Establish compound tracking and data management systems.
4. Experimental Design
- Determine appropriate assay readouts and cut-off values.
- Use statistical methods to calculate sample size, replicates, and experimental groups.
- Implement quality control measures to ensure data integrity. Read full answer