To kick off the new year, our biotech residents in Somerville gathered for a Tacos & Talent discussion with the Genepool Networks team. The conversation focused on hiring strategies, talent retention, and best practices for scaling teams in life sciences. After supporting over 50 biotech startups, we’ve seen that success isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about building adaptable, collaborative teams that thrive in high-risk environments.

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Here are some interview questions that go beyond the basics:
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• Adaptability: “Tell me about a time when your experimental results contradicted expectations. What did you do next?”
• Communication: “How would you explain your research differently to a regulatory officer, an investor, and a non-scientist?”
• Big Thinking: “If funding and technology were no obstacle, what’s one big biotech problem you’d solve?”
• Ethics: “Have you ever had to push back on leadership over a scientific or ethical concern? How did you handle it?”

In 2025, hiring for mindset, adaptability, and ethical decision-making will be just as critical as hiring for technical skills. By asking the right questions, biotech companies can build resilient teams that push science forward.