I applied through a recruiter. The process took 2 months. I interviewed at Novartis in May 2016
Interview
Not difficult. Both behavior questions and technical questions had been asked. A series of interviews were scheduled in one day. Finally gave a presentation about 45min and 15min for Q&A.
I applied through a recruiter. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at Novartis (Cambridge, MA) in Mar 2014
Interview
Approached about position via LinkedIn recruiter. Had an initial telephone discussion with the recruited, and a follow-up phone conversation with project lead. Led to an on-site interview. Start with presentation on my research, followed by a series of 30-minute interviews, largely with people at same level of position or higher. Since position was to bridge USA and Swiss sites, some of the interviews were via video call. Group lunch largely with people at lower level to position. Ending discussion was with potential boss.
Did not receive an offer, though I suggested research methodologies inconsistent with their current and planned approach, and therefore did not expect an offer.
Received absolutely no follow-up, and had to hound their HR for repayment on personal expenses for travel to site.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Beyond standard, one theme stood out:
* Give an example of how you have dealt with a difficult personality.
* If you had someone with strong opinions and a difficult personality, how have you worked to change their mind?
(Clear subtext that there were some difficult people (or person) connected with this job, which severely decreased my interest in position.)