Science Resume Examples and Templates for 2023

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According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, job growth for scientists is projected to increase by 5% between 2019 and 2029, which is slightly faster than average. With around 68,200 positions expected to open up over the next decade, demand for scientists’ expertise is steadily increasing. Demand is particularly high in the fields of environmental protection, energy management, biomedical research, and psychology.

Despite optimistic figures for growth, you’ll face tough competition in the job market. A well-written and carefully structured resume is the best way to stand out ahead of other candidates and make that all-important good first impression. In this article, you’ll find downloadable resume examples for entry-level and experienced science job seekers, plus tips on how to construct a better resume and tailor it to a specific job description.

Downloadable Resume Examples

Entry-level
Science_2-3-Years.pdf

Example #1 Entry-level

Mid-career
Science_5-10-Years.pdf

Example #2 Mid-career

Senior-level
Science_10-Years.pdf

Example #3 Senior-level

Science Resume Example

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

Roshni Ashwindar
(123) 456-1234
[email protected]
1 First Street, Los Angeles, CA 91234

Profile

Physicist with nearly 2 years of experience. Skilled at applying complex concepts and calculations in various environments. Equally effective working solo or on a team. Committed to investigating challenges and finding creative yet practical solutions. Doctor of Philosophy in Physics.

Key Skills

  • Advanced Physics
  • Analysis & Imaging Software
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Data Gathering & Analysis
  • Experiment Documentation
  • Magnetics
  • Mathematics
  • Public Speaking & Presentations
  • Research & Development
  • Thermodynamics

Professional Experience

Assistant Physicist, BigLabs, Los Angeles, CA | August 2021 to Present

  • Maintain Q clearance with the Department of Energy
  • Apply deep knowledge of codes and regulations and safe practices
  • Focused on research, development, conception, and construction in synchrotron X-ray beamline
  • Investigate diagnostics to benefit customer experiments, gauge machine performance, and quantify radiation output
  • Experiment with noise reduction methods to enhance the diagnostic signal fidelity

Education

University of California Los Angeles

Doctor of Philosophy in Physics | 2021

Bachelor of Science in Physics | 2016

Sofie Yates
(876) 678-8765
[email protected]
323 Sixth Street, Boise, ID 97531

Profile

Hydrogeologist with 8+ years’ experience. Versatile leader and collaborator who puts complex topics in clear terms for technical and nontechnical audiences. Skilled at analyzing data and finding anomalies for further investigation.

Key Skills

  • Advanced Microsoft Excel
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Data Analysis & Interpretation
  • Strategic Planning
  • Task Delegation
  • Team Leadership
  • Water Sampling

Professional Experience

Research Hydrogeologist, Boise State University, Boise, ID | August 2018 to Present

  • Plan and execute water sampling expeditions to remote locations
  • Use various equipment to measure water levels and flow rates and maintain precise records
  • Supervise teams of up to 15 during borehole logging activities

Highlights:

  • Co-created online education resources that raised public engagement by 21% last year
  • Earned a workplace commendation in 2020 for effectively addressing water accessibility issues
  • Achieved near-perfect (99.8%) water measurement and documentation accuracy

Hydrogeologist, Suez-Na, Boise, ID | July 2014 to August 2018

  • Analyzed geophysical logs and presented findings both verbally and in writing
  • Planned and carried out field investigations
  • Worked with geochemical department to recommend chemical maintenance strategies
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of local water rights legislation and new hydrogeological technologies

Highlights:

  • Praised on all 4 formal reviews for outstanding teamwork
  • Met all deadlines and completed 32% of field investigations ahead of time

Education

University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

Master of Science (MS) in Environmental Science | 2014

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science | 2012

Agapito Garcia
(135) 531-1357
[email protected]
434 Fourth Avenue, Bozeman, MT 87654

Profile

Clinical Laboratory Scientist with 12+ years’ experience analyzing specimens and developing procedures in healthcare settings. Combine decisive, supportive leadership style with a talent for strategic planning and deployment. Master of Science in Biochemistry.

Key Skills

  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Cross-Department Collaboration
  • Data Gathering & Analysis
  • Lab Procedure Development
  • Staff Training
  • Student Education
  • Team Leadership

Professional Experience

Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Bozeman, MT | October 2015 to Present

  • Calibrate lab instruments and serve as an escalation point for complex issues
  • Orient new hires and continually train existing staff
  • Co-develop and oversee lab procedures, and interrogate results

Highlights:

  • Solved 89% of escalated problems within 3 hours
  • Improved staff retention by 34% in 3 years
  • Pinpointed and resolved 98% of anomalies in 2020
  • Won a workplace award for excellent teamwork in 2019

Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Bozeman Health, Bozeman, MT | July 2010 to October 2015

  • Tested and analyzed blood and urine samples, and communicated results to physicians
  • Set and monitored workload for a team of 10 lab assistants
  • Helped train and mentor ~7 students per year
  • Monitored and replenished inventory of supplies and equipment

Highlights:

  • Improved equipment availability by 87% in 2011
  • Successfully identified 99.9% of clinically significant findings
  • Raised team productivity by 45% in 4 years

Education

Master of Science (MS) in Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT | 2010

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biochemistry, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT | 2008

License

Montana Clinical Laboratory Scientist | 2010

Common Key Skills and Action Verbs for Science Resumes

It’s important to use specific action verbs and key skills relevant to your profession throughout your resume. Most hiring managers will use an applicant tracking system to filter out unsuitable candidates before a pair of human eyes views each resume. These systems scan every application to check if they contain enough relevant keywords and phrases.

Ensuring your resume contains enough skill keywords gives you the best chance of getting selected for an interview.

Key Skills & Proficiencies
Attention to detail Assays: Blood coagulation factors, enzyme, infectivity, and other assays
Cell fractionation Characterization and purification of enzymes
Chromatography: thin layer, paper Column: Gas-liquid, gel, HPLC, ion exchange resins
Conjugation Leadership
Mutagenesis Mutation testing
Peptide analysis Peptide synthesis
Protein purification Protein synthesis
Public speaking Transduction
Use mutagenic chemicals Writing
Action Verbs
Adapt Analyze
Assess Communicate
Compliance Decide
Determine Dissect
Experiment Listen
Maintain Manage
Manipulate Prepare
Present Research
Speak Study
Synthesize Visualize
Write

Tips for Writing a Better Science Resume

Let hiring managers know about any publications in academic journals

Getting a study published in an academic journal is the holy grail for scientists. If you’ve worked as part of a team that’s been published, be sure to let your new potential employers know. Be specific about the journal and mention the project lead.

Example #1

Good


Planned and executed study to be included in upcoming Scientific Journal by Dr. A. Berman

Bad


Worked on an important study with a well-known scientist

Example #2

Good


Contributed to research on protein purification and immunodiagnostic technologies, published by Dr. M. Steen in Nature

Bad


Worked hard in the lab alongside a great team of scientists

Write a professional profile

While keywords and key skills are vital for getting through assessment from an ATS, your professional profile is your chance to impress the hiring manager directly.

There are clearly defined dos and don’ts when writing a profile, such as never using terms such as “seeking position as” or “looking for work.” The more unique, concise, and catchy you can make your profile, the better. Avoid making general statements and quantify your experience wherever possible.

Example #1

Good


Diligent biochemist experienced in therapeutic protein synthesis, assay, and immunoassay creation to promote detection, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing disease prevention. In-depth knowledge of cGMP, ISO and FDA requirements, analytical instrumentation, quality procedures, and laboratory protocols.

Bad


Knowledgeable scientist with a keen interest in immunoassay development and proteins. Looking for work as part of a well-known lab so I can make a name for myself.

Example #2

Good


Accomplished biochemist with more than two decades’ experience in the field of vaccine development. Highly adept at planning, executing, analyzing, and documenting ELISA experiments, plus training and supervising junior team members. Exceptional public speaking and sales skills.

Bad


Keen biochemist with a passion for vaccine development. Seeks a role in charge of junior team members where I can showcase my leadership skills. Good communicator with a track record for excellence.

How to Align Your Resume With the Job Description

When hiring managers seek to fill a vacancy, they usually have a good idea of the type of person who’ll fit best into their current team. They have many candidates to sift through, so making an impression can be a challenge. One of the best ways to capture their attention is by aligning your resume with the specific job description.

If you’re unsure which skills and experience to highlight, look to the top of the job description. The most important requirements are usually featured at the top and might even get more than one mention. Compare your resume to the company job description and assess whether it demonstrates your ability to fulfill the listed requirements. Avoid bland, generic descriptions and focus on tangible results and specific achievements.

Example Science Job Description


LabTech, Inc., is one of the leading laboratories in the world. We regularly conduct analytical assays with a focus on blood coagulation factors, enzymes, infectivity, protein synthesis, and protein purification.

A fast-paced environment where you get to be an adaptable and autonomous decision-maker. You’re expected to speak publicly and write up experiments in addition to maintaining and managing lab equipment, assessing and manipulating data, and conducting ongoing research

Responsibilities:

  • Using chromatography methods for the synthesis and purification of proteins 
  • Obtain pure proteins and isolate target samples to enable the creation of binding assays, promote antibody generation, and advance structural studies
  • Perform data analysis and prepare reports that are compliant with internal, cGMP, ISO, and FDA regulations
  • Contribute to ongoing research on immunodiagnostic technologies, protein synthesis, and purification
  • Peptide analysis and synthesis
  • Present findings to senior scientists and executives  

Qualifications:

  • Master of Science in Biochemistry or a closely related field
  • At least five years of experience in a lab, including public speaking and presentations
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to lead a team

You can see from the job description that the hiring manager is looking for the following key skills:

  • Analytics
  • Assays
  • Adaptability
  • Chromatography 
  • Compliance
  • Protein synthesis and purification
  • Peptide synthesis and purification
  • Decision-making
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Presentations
  • Research

Now that you’ve got the key skills your potential employer is looking for highlighted, you can craft your resume to align your experience with what the job description is asking for. Here’s an example of how to integrate them into your resume.

Science Work Experience Example


Biochemist, BesedaLab, Palo Alto, CA

January 2010 – Present

  • Leader of experiments with focus on chromatography, peptide synthesis, and purification assays
  • Ensured compliance with FDA, ISO, cGMP, and internal standards
  • Contributed to five published studies in journals such as Nature and The Lancet, wrote up and presented research findings to leaders of their respective fields   
  • Supervised a team of junior scientists and acted as lead decision-maker in the lab