How To Write a Biological Technician Resume

Crafting a compelling resume as a biological technician is your ticket to unlocking doors in the competitive world of life sciences. To stand out in this field, demonstrate your knowledge of cutting-edge research methodologies and feature your most defining career achievements. This guide provides expert tips and insights to help craft an accomplishment-driven resume and land your next big job opportunity.

  • Entry-level
  • Mid-career
  • Senior-level
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1. Craft an outstanding profile with a summary of your biological technician qualifications

The first thing the hiring manager sees on your resume is your professional profile. If the summary at the top of your document doesn’t grab the attention of prospective employers, they may not engage with your other content. The best way to make a strong impression in your opening summary is to incorporate key aspects of your laboratory expertise that align with the needs of the organization you’re applying to.

For example, if you’re applying for a role with a large biopharmaceutical company, you might draw attention to your background in conducting cell-based assays and laboratory research to support drug development.

Profile Example #1


A Biology Technician with three years of experience specializing in gas chromatography, flow cytometry, and cell-based assays. A strong history of supporting laboratory operations and research projects to drive the development of new medical treatments.

Profile Example #2


A Biology Technician with five years of experience specializing in laboratory operations, clinical research, quality control, and data analysis. A proven track record of leading dynamic teams to support large-scale research initiatives within the healthcare field.

2. Showcase your biological technician experience

Prospective employers want to understand the types of research projects you were working on and the specific approaches used to conduct your laboratory experiments. Frame your work in the context of personal accomplishments — what you achieved and the impact it had. This will help the hiring manager connect with your work in a more tangible way.

Although your technical expertise will likely be the most important factor when securing biological technician jobs, highlighting your leadership capabilities on your resume can also show hiring managers you’re a dynamic, multi-faceted candidate. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams is important for large research projects, and emphasizing this experience can differentiate you from the crowded pool of applicants.

Professional Experience Example #1


Biological Technician, Arkline Laboratories, New York, NY  October 2020 – Present

  • Utilize a variety of molecular biology approaches to support research projects, including cloning, analysis, and preparation of DNA samples from specimens
  • Coordinate with the laboratory team to conduct experiments and cell-based assays investigating the effects of new molecular treatments on cancer cells
  • Gather and analyze experimental data, ensure compliance with safety protocols in a controlled testing environment, and manage storage of sample specimens

Professional Experience Example #2


Senior Biological Technician, Light Source Medical Labs, San Diego, CA October 2019 – Present

  • Lead the planning, development, and execution of PCR testing and laboratory experiments to determine the efficacy of existing vaccines on new Covid-19 strains
  • Manage a team of 10+ biological technicians, delegate project responsibilities, evaluate performance, build a work culture founded on collaboration and accountability, and provide coaching and mentorship to junior lab technicians to drive professional growth
  • Coordinate with laboratory personnel and multidisciplinary teams to enhance the reliability of lab data and results by developing new analytical techniques

3. Include biological technician-related education and certifications

To become a biological technician, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field. Some positions may be available to those with less than a bachelor’s degree, but laboratory experience is important for prospective biological technicians. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a biotechnician, you may also consider obtaining a master’s degree in biotechnology. This can help you obtain lucrative and ambitious research opportunities.

Certification is not required to work as a biological technician. However, obtaining certification from organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or the National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA) can demonstrate your proficiency and dedication to the field and can help your resume stand out.

Education

Template

  • [Degree Name]
  • [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] | [Graduation Year]

Example

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Biology
  • University of Syracuse, New York, NY | May 2019

Certifications

Template

  • [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

Example

  • Specialist in Molecular Biology (SMB), the American Society for Clinical Pathology | 2020

4. List biological technician-related skills and proficiencies

Most organizations utilize some form of applicant tracking system (ATS) to identify qualified candidates for job openings. If your resume lacks a certain number of key terms from the job description, you may be rejected before your document reaches the hiring manager. To mitigate this risk, incorporate as many key skills as possible that match the needs of the company you’re applying to. Below are key terms you may encounter throughout your job search:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Animal testing Assay development
Biochemistry Biology
Cell-based assays Clinical research
Data analysis DNA testing
Drug discovery Ecology
Environmental science Flow cytometry
Image capturing software Laboratory operations
Laboratory safety Microbiology
Microscopic Molecular biology
Phlebotomy Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Quality control Research
Sample collection  

Biological Technician Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

  • Example #1
  • Example #2
  • Example #3

Raheem Richardson
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 12345

Profile

A Biology Technician with five years of experience specializing in laboratory operations, clinical research, quality control, and data analysis. A proven track record of leading dynamic teams to support large-scale research initiatives within the healthcare field.

Professional Experience

Senior Biological Technician, Light Source Medical Labs, San Diego, CA
October 2019 – Present

  • Lead the planning, development, and execution of PCR testing and laboratory experiments to determine the efficacy of existing vaccines on new Covid-19 strains
  • Manage a team of 10+ biological technicians, delegate project responsibilities, evaluate performance, build a work culture founded on collaboration and accountability, and provide coaching and mentorship to junior lab technicians to drive professional growth
  • Coordinate with laboratory personnel and multidisciplinary teams to enhance the reliability of lab data and results by developing new analytical techniques

Biological Technician, Altair Laboratories, San Diego, CA
May 2018 – October 2019

  • Supported research efforts and experiments in biological laboratory and greenhouse environments, gathered samples and biological materials, and analyzed specimens
  • Managed inventory of laboratory equipment, instruments, and materials, including specimens, samples, reagents, microscopes, and storage containers

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Biology
University of San Diego, San Diego, CA September 2014 – May 2018

Key Skills

  • Clinical Research
  • Molecular Biology
  • PCR
  • Biochemical Assays
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

Frequently Asked Questions: Biological Technician Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for biological technician resumes?-

It’s easy to run out of action verbs as you craft your resume, especially while applying for a technical position. In some instances, you can only use a limited number of verbs to convey your professional experience accurately. That being said, differentiating your usage of action verbs can enhance the quality of your bullet points and improve the reading experience for the hiring manager. We’ve compiled a list of action verbs to craft your resume:

Action Verbs
Analyzed Built
Collaborated Conducted
Coordinated Created
Designed Developed
Diagnosed Enhanced
Evaluated Examined
Identified Implemented
Led Managed
Oversaw Performed
Supported Tested
How do you align your resume with a biological technician job description?-

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for biological technicians was $49,650 in 2022, with an expected growth rate of 5% over the next decade. Although this field is growing around average, it’s still important to tailor your resume toward individual job descriptions to separate yourself from the competition.

For instance, if you’re applying for a biological technician role with a pharmaceutical company, it might be advantageous to highlight research projects related to drug discovery and development. If the organization requires a technician with a strong background in animal testing, emphasize your experience performing surgical procedures and maintaining compliance with federal animal welfare regulations. By aligning your resume with the job description, you’ll greatly increase your odds of securing your next interview.

What is the best biological technician resume format?-

The reverse chronological format is the most common and preferred format for resumes in general, including biological technician resumes. This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your last job and working backward. It is preferred because it displays your most recent and relevant experience first, which is what hiring managers are most interested in. The format also makes it easier for them to see your career progression and how you have developed your skills over time.

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Expert Advice
Include a cover letter with your resume

Once your resume is complete, send it off to your prospective employer by adding a cover letter. This is a great opportunity to speak directly to the hiring manager and make a case for why you’re the best candidate for the job.

Remember, a cover letter should be fairly succinct. Don’t exceed more than 400 words — 250 to 300 is ideal. For more information and ideas, view our pharmacy technician cover letter examples.

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Frank Hackett

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).

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