Biology Resume Examples and Templates for 2023

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median income for occupations within the biology field was $65,000 in 2019, with over 3,107,000 people working in the field. Although there’s no shortage of opportunities within this industry, you’ll need to craft a compelling resume to capitalize on them. A career in biology offers employment in both academia and the open market, and you’ll need to tailor your document accordingly to make a strong impression on the hiring manager. Below, you’ll find examples for entry-level job seekers and those with years of hands-on experience.

Downloadable Resume Examples

Example #1 Entry-level

Example #2 Mid-career

Example #3 Senior-level

Biology Resume Examples

Years of Experience
  • Entry-level Entry-level
  • Mid-career Mid-career
  • Senior-level Senior-level

Alicia Santos
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Atlanta, GA 12345

Profile

A Biologist with entry-level experience specializing in environmental science, ecology, data visualization, and laboratory testing. Adept at supporting environmental studies and research projects to analyze the ecological effects of human development.

Professional Experience

Junior Biologist, Clean Energy Inc., Atlanta, GA
May 2021 – Present

  • Conduct environmental studies on wetland habitats to assess the impact of development projects on wildlife for a renewable energy company
  • Coordinate with a team of biologists to perform field investigations on potential environmental risks and ensure compliance with environmental protection laws
  • Gather, interpret, and present data on findings using data mapping techniques to aid key decision-makers in evaluating risk factors and project roadmaps

Academic Experience

Academic Projects, University of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
September 2020 – May 2021

  • Wrote a 20-page capstone paper evaluating the impact of gypsy moths (Lymantria dispar) on plant life and animal habitats, which included analyzing long-term environmental ramifications
  • Perform a research project evaluating the ecological impact of deforestation and habitat destruction on four endangered species in California

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Biology
University of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, September 2017 – May 2021

Key Skills

  • Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Ecology
  • Wildlife
  • Data Mapping

Certifications

  • Administrative Assistant Certification, National Career Certification Board, 2013
  • Certified Microsoft Office Specialist, 2014

Robert Sanderson
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, New York, NY 12345

Profile

A Microbiologist with over five years of professional experience, specializing in PCR testing, cell-based assays, clinical research, and laboratory operations. A strong history of coordinating with laboratory teams to execute complex research projects. Adept at identifying process improvement opportunities to improve quality control in dynamic research environments.

Professional Experience

Biology Research Associate, BioTech Inc., New York, NY
May 2018 – Present

  • Analyze bacterial metabolites and enhance quality control by optimizing laboratory protocols to standardize experiments
  • Coordinate with a team of four researchers to develop pre-clinical studies, including data collection and analysis for cell numbers of bacterial strains
  • Develop and implement quality assurance measures and laboratory operations to improve data integrity during PCR and DNA testing

Biology Research Associate, Gen Corp., New York, NY
May 2016 – May 2018

  • Conducted cell-based assays and research studies in support of pre-clinical trials, which included driving process improvements to enhance DNA extraction procedures
  • Collaborate with the research team to perform laboratory testing to simulate human antibodies in response to bacterial infection

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Biology
Columbia University, New York, NY  September 2012 – May 2016

Key Skills

  • Biology
  • Gas Chromatography
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Cell-Based Assays
  • Laboratory Operations

Selena Rosenbaum
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
123 Your Street, Boston, MA 12345

Profile

A Senior Biologist and Researcher with over 10+ years of professional experience, specializing in drug discovery, laboratory research, vitro assays, and cell-based assays. A proven track record of developing and leading research teams to conduct comprehensive studies of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases to support drug development.

Professional Experience

Senior Research Scientist, Excelulor Inc., Boston, MA
May 2016 – Present

  • Manage a team of 20+ molecular biologists, scientists, and researchers to perform clinical research on the cellular immune response to Covid-19 variants, including conducting studies on the efficacy of vaccines after four months of inoculation
  • Lead the development of a 12-month research study comparing the accuracy of PCR, rapid PCR, and rapid antigen tests in detecting viral molecules
  • Coordinate all aspects of laboratory operations, refine quality control measures to ensure data integrity, and maintain compliance with Covid-19 safety guidelines

Research Scientist, Arcadia Inc., Boston, MA
May 2011 – May 2016

  • Partnered with research teams in a matrixed environment to conduct assay development, created compound screens, and performed genetic manipulation of cells to simulate the immune response to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases
  • Performed data mapping and visualization on findings, conducted quality assurance reviews to maintain the integrity of data, and collaborated with the team to present research

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Molecular Biology
University of Boston, Boston, MA  September 2011 – May 2016

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Molecular Biology
University of Boston, Boston, MA  September 2007 – May 2011

Key Skills

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical Research
  • Drug Discovery
  • Assay Development

Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Biology Resumes

Both academic institutions and companies utilize Applicant Tracking Systems to scan resumes for specific key skills and action verbs. To ensure your application reaches the hiring manager, you need to include appropriate terminology that aligns with the organization’s needs. Below, you’ll find a list of key words that you may encounter during your job search.

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Assay Development Biochemistry
Biology Cell-Based Assays
Clinical Research Data Analysis
DNA Testing Drug Discovery
Ecology Environmental Science
Flow Cytometry Microbiology
Molecular Biology Laboratory Operations
Laboratory Safety PCR
Project Management Quality Assurance
Quality Control Research
Action Verbs
Analyzed Built
Collaborated Coordinated
Conducted Created
Designed Developed
Diagnosed Enhanced
Evaluated Examined
Executed Identified
Implemented Led
Managed Oversaw
Performed Supported
Tested  

Tips for Writing a Better Biology Resume

Feature your leadership experience

Employers value candidates with proven leadership experience. As a researcher in academia or with a company, you’ll be interfacing with various types of personnel to execute research projects. Showcasing your ability to lead diverse teams and mentor those you supervise will make a strong case for the hiring manager that you’re the right fit for their organization. The key is to provide specific examples from your professional career rather than creating generic bullet points. Below, you’ll find examples to help you feature your leadership experience on your resume.

Example #1

Good


Managed a team of 10 researchers in a clinical research environment, provided ongoing coaching and mentorship to drive professional development, and built an inclusive work culture focused on accountability and collaboration

Bad


Oversaw the research team, reviewed work, delegated responsibilities, attended meetings with the team, and maintained satisfactory working relationships

Example #2

Good


Led the development of a large-scale research initiative to analyze the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy for Covid-19 patients, coordinated cross-functionally with biochemistry and molecular biology departments, and presented data to project stakeholders and senior leadership

Bad


Developed and executed a research project, worked with various teams, analyzed treatment methods, and created reports on findings

Highlight all your biology and laboratory skills

Be specific when detailing your skill sets on your resume. Biology is a broad field, and you’ll want to provide details for the hiring manager to help them better understand your areas of expertise. For example, depending on your discipline, you may want to specify the types of assays worked with during research projects or the type of laboratory equipment you were utilizing to conduct experiments. Below, you’ll find examples to help you properly feature your skill sets on your resume.

Example #1

Good


Anaerobic Culturing, Gas Chromatography, Cell-Based Assays, Flow Cytometry

Bad


Creative Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Laboratory Experience, Research

Example #2

Good


Biochemical Assay, DNA Purification, PCR, Quality Control, Data Mapping

Bad


Team Player, Laboratory Equipment Knowledge, Hardworking, Analytical

How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description

Tailoring your document with the job description is a key component of the resume-building process. To secure interviews during your job search, you need to show hiring managers that your background aligns with the needs of their organization. By tactically incorporating keywords from the job description into your professional summary, skills section, and work experience, you’ll be optimizing your document for the ATS scan and grabbing the attention of prospective employers.

When determining what skill sets to feature on your document, you should pay close attention to the order in which the keywords appear on the job posting. Prioritize key terms that appear in the opening paragraphs, as these are likely to be present in the initial ATS screening. In addition, you should also feature any qualifications that are repeated more than once. Below, you’ll find an example to help you tailor your resume to the job description.

Biology Job Description Example


XYZ, Inc. is a leading biotechnology corporation named one of the best places to work in New York. We’re seeking an experienced research scientist with expertise in cell-based assays and quality control to join our organization. We value candidates that excel in collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute complex research projects.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the research team to conduct pre-clinical trials and manage laboratory operations, including DNA extraction, PCR testing, and assay development
  • Ensure compliance with quality assurance protocols in controlled testing environments
  • Utilize ArcGIS to conduct data analysis and data visualization of findings

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or Microbiology required
  • 4-5 years of clinical research experience
  • Proficient in DNA purification and anaerobic culturing
  • Strong team leadership and communication skills

According to the job description, the ideal job applicant should have the following qualities and/or experience:

  • Research Scientist
  • Biology
  • Cell-Based Assay
  • DNA Purification
  • Anaerobic Culturing
  • PCR
  • Laboratory Operations
  • DNA Extraction
  • Assay Development
  • Clinical Research
  • Team Leadership
  • Quality Control
  • Quality Assurance
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Visualization
  • Communication
  • ArcGIS

Next, take what you highlighted from the job description and include your experience and skills that match. Below is an example of how to incorporate them in your resume to your advantage:

Biology Work Experience Example


Profile

 

A Research Scientist with four years of clinical research experience, specializing in DNA purification, data analysis, and anaerobic culturing. A strong history of managing laboratory operations to ensure quality control for research initiatives.

Research Scientist

BioTech Corp., New York, NY June 2017 – Present

  • Collaborate with diverse cross-functional teams to analyze the effects of new treatment methods for AIDs and HIV, including optimizing quality assurance protocols and conducting data visualization to evaluate research results
  • Support laboratory operations throughout the project lifecycle, including assay development and DNA extraction

 

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Biology

University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY September 2013 – May 2017

Key Skills

  • Clinical Research
  • PCR
  • ArcGIS
  • Team Leadership
  • Communication
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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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