The initial interview was very quick. You need one year of paid research experience. Unfortunately, unpaid research experience doesn't count for the recruiter in the initial interview process. Make sure to be prepared to tell them about yourself in only a few words.

Rejected after Reference check I was given a phone screening by the hiring manager and she loved my energy. She set up a zoom interview for the next day with the 2 other PIs. Had a great interview with all of them and was invited for an in person interview. In the in person interview I sat with the hiring manager and the PIs and they told me I would be a perfect fit. They introduced me to the team gave me a tour and said that they would be reaching out. 3 days later I got an email from the recruitment team and asked me to provide 5 references. At this point I thought I had the job in the bag. 10 days later I sent the hiring manger a follow up email thanking them and letting her know that I have not been directly contacted by a recruiter yet. She emailed me back immediately and told me to update her weekly on when someone reaches out. 2 weeks later I sent out another follow up email. A couple of hours later I was sent an automated response from the recruitment team letting me know the search has been completed and they have chosen someone else. Needless to say was devastated and even more mortified that my references had to fill out a such a long questioner and some were even contacted. After being dragged along for so long they could have at least sent me a personal email.