High Throughput Screening
High Throughput Screening (HTS) is a modern way of finding new medicines by testing thousands of chemical compounds quickly using automated machines and robots. Think of it like a very fast assembly line for testing potential drugs. Instead of scientists testing one compound at a time by hand, special machines can test hundreds or thousands of samples in a single day. This helps pharmaceutical companies find promising drug candidates much faster than traditional methods. Similar approaches include Ultra-High Throughput Screening or Automated Screening. This is a key method used in early drug discovery stages at pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.
Examples in Resumes
Managed High Throughput Screening facility testing 100,000+ compounds monthly
Led team of scientists in HTS drug discovery projects
Developed new High-Throughput Screening protocols for cancer drug research
Optimized High-Throughout Screening workflows resulting in 40% efficiency increase
Typical job title: "HTS Scientists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find HTS Scientists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you set up a new HTS laboratory from scratch?
Expected Answer: Should discuss planning equipment needs, establishing workflows, implementing data management systems, quality control processes, and managing team training. Should mention budget considerations and timeline planning.
Q: How do you handle data quality issues in HTS campaigns?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods for detecting bad data, statistical analysis approaches, and how to make decisions about retesting or excluding results. Should discuss importance of controls and validation steps.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when developing a new screening assay?
Expected Answer: Should discuss considerations like sample preparation, reagent stability, time management, cost effectiveness, and reliability of results. Should mention importance of positive and negative controls.
Q: How do you troubleshoot when automation equipment isn't working properly?
Expected Answer: Should describe systematic approach to identifying problems, basic maintenance procedures, when to call technical support, and how to minimize impact on ongoing experiments.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What safety considerations are important when working with HTS equipment?
Expected Answer: Should mention proper handling of biological materials, chemical safety, equipment safety protocols, and importance of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Q: Describe the basic steps in running an HTS experiment.
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain sample preparation, loading plates, running the equipment, basic data collection, and following standard operating procedures.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic laboratory techniques
- Following established protocols
- Data recording and basic analysis
- Understanding of lab safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent experiment design
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Method optimization
Senior (5+ years)
- Project leadership
- New method development
- Complex data analysis
- Team management and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on laboratory experience
- Lack of attention to detail in documentation
- Poor understanding of data quality importance
- No experience with automated equipment
- Unfamiliarity with laboratory safety protocols
Related Terms
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