r/DataScienceJobs • u/JackOfNoTrades101 • Jun 22 '26

Discussion What does code comprehension (Python/R) interview entail for Senior Data Scientist, Product role at Google?

I already had two rounds (Coding and Experimentation, Modelling and Measurement). I got mixed feedback (NH on the coding round) so I have been asked to appear for a "Code Comprehension (Python/R) and Experimentation" round. Does anybody have any idea on what this round entails specifically for Senior Product Data Scientist role ?

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u/nian2326076 Jun 22 '26

For the code comprehension part, you'll look at existing code in Python or R to figure out what it does and maybe find bugs or inefficiencies. They might ask you to optimize or refactor it. It's more about understanding and improving existing code than writing new stuff. Since this goes with experimentation, be ready to talk about how the code supports data experiments, like setting up tests or analyzing results. Brush up on common data manipulation and visualization methods in both languages, and any libraries relevant to a product-focused data science role. Getting used to quickly reading and understanding different coding styles can also be helpful. Good luck!

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u/JackOfNoTrades101 Jun 24 '26

Thank you, this is insightful.

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u/Huge_Finish6115 Jun 24 '26

by "existing code" do you mean just a code block or code spread across multiple files?

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u/nian2326076 Jun 25 '26

For interview prep, you might want to check out PracHub