Top 10 Questions for Basic Sciences Professor Interview

1. To light a candle, you have only one match and you are standing in a room with an oil lamp, a newspaper, and a wood stove. Which one would you light first?

I would light the match first.

2. A farmer has 12 sheep. All but 9 die. How many sheep does the farmer have left?

The farmer has 9 sheep left.

3. A man and his son are in a car accident. The man dies on the way to the hospital. The boy is rushed into surgery. The surgeon comes out and says, “I can’t operate on this boy – he’s my son.” How is this possible?

The surgeon is the boy’s mother.

4. What has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs?

A penny.

5. A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later she is arrested for murder. Why?

She took his picture.

6. What goes up a chimney down, but can’t go down a chimney up?

An umbrella.

7. What is the only thing that can go through a keyhole twice but can’t go through once?

Light.

8. What has a neck but no head, a back but no spine, and four legs but no feet?

A shirt.

9. What has a tongue but can’t talk, a bed but never sleeps, and a river but no water?

A shoe.

10. What is always in front of you but you can’t see it?

The future.

Basic Sciences Professors are responsible for teaching and conducting research in the basic sciences, which include biology, chemistry, and physics. They may also be involved in developing and implementing curricula, advising students, and serving on committees.

1. Teaching

Basic Sciences Professors typically teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their field of expertise. They may also develop and deliver lectures, design and grade assignments, and provide feedback to students.

• Develop and deliver lectures on topics in basic sciences
• Design and grade assignments, such as exams, quizzes, and papers
• Provide feedback to students on their work

2. Research

Basic Sciences Professors are expected to conduct research in their field of expertise. This may involve designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and writing and publishing research papers.

• Design and conduct experiments to investigate scientific questions
• Analyze data and draw conclusions from research findings
• Write and publish research papers in peer-reviewed journals

3. Service

Basic Sciences Professors may be involved in a variety of service activities, such as advising students, serving on committees, and participating in outreach programs.

• Advise students on their academic and career goals
• Serve on committees, such as the curriculum committee or the graduate admissions committee
• Participate in outreach programs, such as giving presentations to local schools or mentoring high school students

4. Other responsibilities

Basic Sciences Professors may also be responsible for other tasks, such as developing and maintaining laboratory facilities, supervising graduate students, and writing grant proposals.

• Develop and maintain laboratory facilities
• Supervise graduate students
• Write grant proposals to fund research projects

Preparing for an interview for a Basic Sciences Professor position can be daunting, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.

1. Research the position and the institution

It is important to do your research before you go on an interview. This will help you to understand the position and the institution, and it will also show the interviewer that you are interested in the opportunity.

• Read the job description carefully.
• Visit the institution’s website.
• Talk to people who work at the institution.

2. Practice your answers to common interview questions

There are a few common interview questions that you are likely to be asked. It is a good idea to practice your answers to these questions in advance so that you can deliver them confidently and concisely.

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What are your research interests?
• What are your teaching strengths?

3. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer

Asking questions at the end of an interview shows that you are interested in the position and that you are taking the interview seriously. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the position and the institution.

• What are the most important qualities that you are looking for in a candidate for this position?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the department right now?
• What is the institution’s commitment to research?

4. Dress professionally and arrive on time

It is important to make a good first impression, so dress professionally and arrive on time for your interview. This will show the interviewer that you are serious about the opportunity and that you respect their time.

• Wear a suit or business casual attire.
• Arrive on time for your interview.
• Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet.