Executive Microbiologist Interview Preparation Guide
General/HR Questions
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I am Mehedi Morsalin, a microbiology graduate from the University of Dhaka with research experience in
antimicrobial resistance and serological studies. My thesis focused on colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae,
where I worked on resistance gene detection, biofilm and hemolysis assays, and One Health implications. I also
worked on antibody prevalence against SARS-CoV-2. Alongside my academics, I volunteered in AMR
awareness programs and university science fairs. I’m motivated to apply my scientific training and teamwork
skills to ensure pharmaceutical quality and patient safety at Beximco Pharmaceuticals.
Q: Why do you want to join Beximco Pharma?
A: Beximco Pharma is a leader in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector, with international regulatory approvals
and a strong reputation for innovation. I want to grow my career in a quality-focused environment, where I can
apply my microbiology knowledge to ensure safe, effective medicines and contribute to Bangladesh’s pharma
exports.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: I see myself as an experienced microbiologist with expertise in quality control and assurance, leading a team
and contributing to regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in Beximco Pharma’s microbiology
department.
Research-Based Questions
Q: Why did you study colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae?
A: Colistin is considered a last-resort antibiotic. The emergence of colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae, particularly
with genes like mcr-8 and mcr-9, poses a major public health risk. Studying resistant strains from chicken
droppings provided insight into how antimicrobial resistance spreads from animals to humans under the One
Health framework.
Q: What methods did you use to detect resistance genes?
A: I used molecular techniques such as PCR to detect blaNDM-1, mcr-8, and mcr-9 genes. I also performed
antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion and MIC determination to confirm resistance phenotypes.
Q: How does biofilm formation affect drug resistance?
A: Biofilms protect bacteria from antibiotics and the host immune system. A biofilm can increase tolerance by up
to 1,000 times compared to planktonic cells. This is critical in pharma, as biofilm-forming bacteria can
contaminate surfaces and water systems, making sterilization more challenging.
Q: What was the purpose of your SARS-CoV-2 antibody project?
A: The project aimed to detect the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG antibodies in vaccinated
individuals. It helped evaluate vaccine-induced immunity and antibody persistence using ELISA-based assays.
Q: Can you elaborate more about your Klebsiella pneumoniae research?
A: In my thesis, I isolated colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from chicken droppings in Dhaka City. I
performed molecular characterization and detected blaNDM-1, mcr-8, and mcr-9 resistance genes. I also studied
biofilm formation and hemolytic activity, which highlighted their role in pathogenicity and persistence. My findings
emphasized the One Health perspective by showing how resistant bacteria from poultry could threaten human
health through the food chain and environmental contamination. This research strengthened my skills in sample
collection, sterile handling, advanced microbiological techniques, PCR, and data analysis.
Technical Pharma Microbiology Questions
Q: What’s the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic agents?
A: Bactericidal: Kills bacteria (e.g., penicillin, colistin). Bacteriostatic: Inhibits bacterial growth, allowing the
immune system to clear infection (e.g., tetracycline).
Q: What’s the difference between disinfectant and antiseptic?
A: Disinfectant: Applied to non-living surfaces (e.g., phenol, bleach). Antiseptic: Applied to living tissues (e.g.,
iodine, alcohol).
Q: Why are spore-forming bacteria important in pharma?
A: Spore-formers like Bacillus and Clostridium are highly resistant to heat, radiation, and disinfectants. Their
presence in pharma products is unacceptable, so sterility tests specifically monitor for them.
Q: How do you test for endotoxins in injectables?
A: Endotoxins are detected using the LAL (Limulus Amebocyte Lysate) test, which measures
lipopolysaccharides from Gram-negative bacteria. It’s critical for injectable and parenteral drugs.
Q: What is environmental monitoring in pharma?
A: It includes testing cleanroom air, water, surfaces, and personnel for microbial contamination. Methods include
settle plates, air samplers, swab tests, and RODAC plates.
Q: What’s the difference between QC and QA?
A: QC (Quality Control): Testing samples/products to ensure they meet specifications. QA (Quality Assurance):
Systematic processes to ensure consistent quality across production (SOPs, audits, documentation).
Q: What is a media fill test?
A: A simulation where growth medium replaces the product during aseptic filling to check if contamination
occurs. If no microbial growth is observed, the aseptic process is validated.
Scenario-Based Questions
Q: You detect microbial contamination in a sterile batch. What do you do?
A: I would immediately quarantine the batch, inform the supervisor, and start an investigation: checking sterility
test records, environmental monitoring data, and operator practices. Root cause analysis would determine
whether contamination came from equipment, personnel, or environment, and corrective actions would be
implemented.
Q: How would your research experience help you in this role?
A: My research trained me in sample collection, isolation, molecular testing, and contamination analysis. I
developed strong skills in identifying resistant bacteria, performing sterility checks, and analyzing risk factors —
all of which directly apply to ensuring pharmaceutical quality.
Skill-Based Questions
Q: How have you used MS Office in your research?
A: I used Excel for data entry, analysis, and graph plotting, PowerPoint for presentations, and Word for thesis
and reports. These skills will help in documentation and reporting in pharma QA/QC.
Q: How does your teamwork experience in sports help in pharma?
A: Sports taught me discipline, coordination, and how to handle pressure. In a pharmaceutical quality team, I can
work efficiently with colleagues, follow protocols, and adapt to challenges while maintaining accuracy.
