Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Research Presentation • Informed Consent • Power Analysis

Replication

Term from Scientific Research industry explained for recruiters

Replication is a fundamental part of scientific research where scientists repeat previous experiments or studies to verify if they get the same results. Think of it like double-checking someone else's work to make sure it's reliable. When researchers include "replication" on their resume, it means they have experience in either conducting these verification studies or making sure their own work can be repeated by others. This is crucial for ensuring that scientific findings are trustworthy and not just a one-time coincidence. Related terms you might see include "reproducibility," "validation studies," or "confirmatory research."

Examples in Resumes

Led Replication studies of three major cancer research papers

Designed and executed Replication experiments to validate previous findings

Successfully completed Replication and Reproducibility analysis of key industry studies

Typical job title: "Research Scientists"

Also try searching for:

Research Associate Research Scientist Laboratory Scientist Validation Specialist Research Assistant Scientific Research Manager Experimental Research Scientist

Where to Find Research Scientists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Communities

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design a replication study for a complex experiment?

Expected Answer: Should explain the process of reviewing original methods, identifying key variables, ensuring proper controls, and planning for potential variations in results. Should mention importance of documentation and statistical analysis.

Q: How do you handle situations where replication results differ from original findings?

Expected Answer: Should discuss approaching differences objectively, analyzing possible causes for discrepancy, documenting all variations in method or conditions, and professional communication with original researchers if necessary.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors are important to consider when planning a replication study?

Expected Answer: Should mention accessing original protocols, equipment calibration, sample sizes, environmental conditions, and proper documentation of any deviations from original methods.

Q: How do you ensure your own research is replicable by others?

Expected Answer: Should discuss detailed record-keeping, clear methodology documentation, sharing of protocols, and consideration of variables that might affect results.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the purpose of replication in scientific research?

Expected Answer: Should explain that replication helps verify findings, ensures reliability of results, and is fundamental to scientific method. Should mention basic understanding of experimental controls.

Q: How do you document your experimental procedures for replication?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of lab notebooks, protocol writing, and basic record-keeping practices necessary for others to repeat experiments.