Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Blinding • Error Analysis • Factorial Design

Reference Standards

Term from Scientific Research industry explained for recruiters

Reference Standards are reliable, well-documented materials used in scientific research to ensure measurements are accurate and experiments can be trusted. Think of them like a trusted ruler that everyone agrees on - they help scientists make sure their results are correct and can be compared with other research. These could be pure chemicals, certified materials, or established procedures that serve as a baseline for comparing test results. Scientists use these standards to calibrate their equipment and validate their methods, much like how a scale needs to be zeroed before weighing something.

Examples in Resumes

Developed and maintained Reference Standards for quality control in pharmaceutical analysis

Established new Reference Standard protocols for environmental testing procedures

Managed inventory of Reference Standards and Standard Reference Materials for laboratory operations

Typical job title: "Reference Standards Scientists"

Also try searching for:

Quality Control Scientist Analytical Chemist Laboratory Standards Specialist Reference Materials Scientist Quality Assurance Specialist Calibration Scientist Laboratory Manager

Where to Find Reference Standards Scientists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a new reference standard program in a laboratory?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should cover planning the program, selecting appropriate standards, training staff, documenting procedures, and ensuring regulatory compliance. They should mention budget considerations and quality control measures.

Q: How do you handle reference standard failures in testing?

Expected Answer: Should discuss investigation procedures, documentation requirements, impact assessment on past results, corrective actions, and communication with stakeholders. Should emphasize the importance of maintaining data integrity.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for qualifying new reference standards?

Expected Answer: Should explain the steps of verifying a standard's quality, checking documentation, proper storage conditions, and testing procedures. Should mention the importance of traceability and record-keeping.

Q: How do you ensure the proper storage and handling of reference standards?

Expected Answer: Should discuss storage conditions, monitoring systems, inventory management, expiration tracking, and proper handling procedures to maintain standard integrity.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is a reference standard and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that reference standards are materials used to verify measurements and ensure accuracy in testing, with basic understanding of their role in quality control.

Q: How do you document the use of reference standards?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic record-keeping practices, including logging usage, tracking expiration dates, and maintaining proper documentation of standard use in testing.