Google Research Scientist (Staff Level) Interview Preparation Guide
Research Scientist
Google
Staff
7 rounds
Updated 2/22/2026
Google's interview process for Staff-level Research Scientists combines recruiter screening, technical phone interviews, and comprehensive onsite rounds designed to assess research expertise, technical depth, leadership capability, and cultural fit. The process emphasizes research contributions, ability to guide research direction, mentoring capacity, and collaboration skills—critical for advancing research initiatives across multiple teams.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening
30 min3 focus topicsbehavioral
2
Technical Phone Screen
45 min5 focus topicstechnical
3
Onsite: Research Talk and Deep Dive
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
4
Onsite: ML Technical Skills and Problem-Solving
60 min4 focus topicstechnical
5
Onsite: Research Infrastructure and Systems Thinking
45 min4 focus topicstechnical
6
Onsite: Behavioral and Google Values
45 min5 focus topicsbehavioral
7
Onsite: Hiring Committee and Decision
3 focus topicsculture fit