Cracking the code to a stellar science resume can feel like solving an intricate equation. Whether you're a budding biologist or a seasoned chemist, we've got you covered.

Dive into our guide filled with handy tips, examples, and templates — it's all geared to help you create a resume that effectively showcases your scientific skills and expertise.

Research Extern at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: American Foundation For Suicide Prevention

Research Intern Resume Sample

Hired by:

Hired by: Carbon Trust

Ethnography Resume Sample

Hired by: SmartRevenue

Hired by: SmartRevenue

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Keep reading to discover how to:

• Navigate valuable science resume samples
• Format your science resume as a pro
• Craft a compelling resume summary or objective as a scientist
• Select your top soft and hard skills to include in your resume
• Describe your work experience as a scientist with relevant details
• Weave powerful action words into your science resume
• Spruce up your resume with strong educational credentials
• Pick the best extra sections for your science resume
• Avoid common mistakes in a science resume
• Pair your resume with a matching science cover letter
• Explore the average salary and job outlook for scientists
• Access the best job search resources for inspiring scientists

Molecular scientist resume sample

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Why does this resume example work? 

• Academic excellence: The candidate's educational background is impressive, featuring a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology with a 4.0 GPA from Harvard University. Earning a spot in the top 1% of the program and winning the 2015 Academic Excellence Award further highlights their academic prowess.
• Relevant work experience: The resume showcases relevant work experience, demonstrating a clear career progression from Laboratory Technician to Molecular Scientist at Illumina. This steady growth within the same company indicates a strong and reliable professional track record.

What could be improved?

• Reorder sections for impact: For an experienced professional, listing work experience before education is typically more effective. This approach immediately showcases the candidate's relevant industry experience and career growth, capturing the hiring manager's attention right away.
• Quantify achievements: The work experience section could benefit from more quantifiable details. Adding specific numbers and metrics to achievements would make the accomplishments more tangible and impressive. For example, instead of saying "achieving high accuracy and reproducibility in molecular analyses," it would be stronger to say "achieving 98% accuracy and reproducibility in molecular analyses."
• Missing resume summary: The resume lacks a summary or professional profile at the top, which is crucial for giving hiring managers a quick overview of the candidate’s qualifications and career goals. Adding a concise summary can immediately capture attention and provide context for the detailed information that follows in the resume.

Laboratory assistant resume example

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Why does this resume example work? 

• Strong profile statement: The candidate’s profile is concise yet impactful. It effectively summarizes their hands-on experience, educational background, and key skills, immediately giving hiring managers a clear sense of their qualifications. Mentioning their passion for scientific research adds a personal touch and highlights enthusiasm for the field.
• Impressive work experience: The work experience section is well-detailed, listing specific responsibilities and accomplishments. It’s clear that the candidate has a range of skills, from equipment maintenance to report generation. The recognition as Employee of the Month adds a notable achievement, demonstrating consistent high-quality performance.

What could be improved?

• Listing specific achievements: While the work experience section lists responsibilities, it could benefit from more specific, quantifiable achievements. Adding metrics or examples of successful projects would make the accomplishments more concrete and impressive.
• Excessive detail in education section: The education section, while impressive, might be too detailed. For instance, including every extracurricular club may be unnecessary. Focus on activities most relevant to the job to keep the resume concise and targeted.

High school science teacher resume example

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Why does this resume example work? 

• Relevant extra sections: The inclusion of relevant extra sections such as "Certificates" and "Publications" helps to bolster the candidate’s profile. These sections showcase additional qualifications and expertise that make the candidate stand out. For instance, the Teach for America certification demonstrates a commitment to education, and the publication highlights the candidate's ability to contribute to educational literature.
• Diverse skill set: The skills section is comprehensive, including language proficiency in English and French, and computer skills in MS PowerPoint, MS Word, MS Excel, and Moodle. These skills are essential for modern educational environments and indicate the candidate's ability to incorporate technology into their teaching.

What could be improved?

• Quantify achievements: While the work experience descriptions are robust, they could be enhanced by including more quantifiable achievements. For example, specifying the improvement in student performance metrics or participation rates in science fairs can provide tangible evidence of the candidate's effectiveness.
• Add soft skills: While the resume includes technical and language skills, it lacks a dedicated section for soft skills. Including soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving can highlight the candidate’s ability to interact effectively with students, colleagues, and parents, and manage a classroom efficiently.

1. Choose the best format for your science resume

Formatting your science resume can make a world of difference in how hiring managers perceive you. It’s like choosing the right lab equipment — crucial for getting the best results. Let's break down the three main types of resume formats and help you decide which one suits your needs best.

1. Chronological format is the classic choice. It lays out your work history in reverse order, starting with your most recent position. Choose this format if you have a solid, consistent work history and want to highlight career progression. It’s ideal for experienced scientists who want to showcase a steady climb up the career ladder.
2. Functional format is marked by the skills-first approach. It focuses on your skills and qualifications rather than your chronological work history. This format is perfect if you’re transitioning into a science role from a different field, have gaps in your employment, or want to emphasize specialized skills over job titles. It allows you to shine a spotlight on your expertise, making it ideal for positions where specific skills are more critical than job titles or chronological work experience.
3. Combination (Hybrid) format is basically the best of both worlds. The combination format blends the chronological and functional formats. It lets you highlight your skills while also providing a clear work history. It's perfect for seasoned scientists who want to present a comprehensive view of their expertise and professional journey, offering flexibility and a full picture of both skills and career growth.

Which one is for you?

Choosing the right resume format is like selecting the proper method for your experiment — it depends on your objectives and the specific circumstances. By picking the right format, you’ll present your career in the best possible light, making you an attractive candidate for that science position.

Remember, whether you’re a seasoned pro with a stable job history, pivoting into a new role, or have a mix of achievements and experiences, there’s a format that will help you shine.

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2. Craft a compelling resume summary or objective as a scientist

Your resume summary or objective is like the abstract of a scientific paper — it’s the first thing hiring managers will read, and it needs to grab their attention quickly. Let's break down how to write a compelling summary and objective for your science resume, so you can make a stellar first impression.

Writing a resume summary

A resume summary is a brief statement at the top of your resume that highlights your professional background, skills, and accomplishments. It's best suited for experienced professionals who have a lot of relevant experience to showcase.

Components of a strong summary:

• Professional title: Mention your current position or your most relevant title.
• Years of experience: Indicate how many years you’ve been working in your field.
• Key skills: Highlight your most important skills that are relevant to the job.
• Notable achievements: Include one or two significant accomplishments.

What's wrong with this example? This summary is way too vague and generic. It skips out on the juicy details and accomplishments, and totally misses the keywords that'll grab the hiring manager’s attention.

Why is it strong? This summary nails it with a clear job title, years of experience, key skills, and specific standout achievements. It makes the candidate’s qualifications obvious right away.

Writing a resume objective

A resume objective is a short statement of your career goals and how they align with the job you’re applying for. It’s ideal for entry-level candidates, career changers, or those with limited experience in the specific field.

Components of a strong objective:

• Career goals: Clearly state your professional aspirations.
• Relevant skills: Highlight the skills that are most relevant to the job.
• Value to employer: Explain how you can contribute to the company.

Why does it fall flat? This objective is very vague and doesn’t explain how the candidate's goals match the job or what value they can add to the company.

Why is it strong? This objective clearly states the candidate's career goals, highlights relevant skills, and explains how they can add value to the company. It paints a clear picture of what the candidate is aiming for and how they’re equipped to meet the job’s demands.

By crafting a strong summary or objective tailored to your experience level and career goals, you’ll create a compelling introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers and sets the stage for a standout science resume.

3. Select your top skills as a scientist to include in your resume

With your header and summary in place, your next key step is to consider which of your scientific skills to include in your resume.

You should always use an assortment of both technical and interpersonal skills, as this shows employers you know the crucial importance of both in a professional setting. Technical skills can typically be listed in a side section, while interpersonal skills make good descriptors to use in a work experience section.

It's crucial to tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for. One way to do this effectively is to include the skills listed in the job advertisement. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes, and these systems often search for specific keywords that match the job description. By incorporating these keywords into your resume, you increase the chances of passing the ATS filter and getting your resume in front of a human recruiter.

By strategically selecting and presenting your skills, you demonstrate that you’ve not only mastered the technical requirements of your field but also understand the importance of fitting seamlessly into a professional team environment. This balanced approach makes you a well-rounded and attractive candidate for any scientific role.

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4. Describe your work experience as a scientist with relevant details

Now, it's time to bring out the big guns! Your work experience and key projects section is where you get to flex your science muscles and prove you’re the real deal. Let’s break down how to format this section, what it should contain, and how to make it pop.

Formatting tips:

• Use bulleted lists: They make information easy to digest and help key points stand out.
• Strong verbs and interesting adjectives: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb (developed, led, analyzed) and sprinkle in adjectives that add flair (innovative, groundbreaking).
• Specifics: Include job title, company name, location, and dates of employment for each entry.
• Quantify: Whenever possible, use numbers to highlight your accomplishments. Metrics like percentages, dollar amounts, and other figures catch the eye.

Why is it so bad? This description fails to communicate the candidate’s actual contributions and impact. It's vague and lacks any real detail or context. Simply stating "Did experiments" doesn’t tell the hiring manager what kind of experiments, their complexity, or the outcomes. Overall, this example doesn’t offer any insight into the candidate’s skills, achievements, or the scope of their responsibilities.

Why is it so much better? This example hits the nail on the head by providing clear, specific achievements and responsibilities. Each bullet point starts with a strong action verb, immediately conveying a sense of initiative and expertise. The inclusion of quantifiable data shows a direct contribution to the scientific community and adds credibility. Additionally, managing a team of 10 researchers and mentoring students showcases leadership and communication skills, making the candidate’s diverse skill set and proactive approach obvious to the hiring manager.

Fresh out of school? No worries! You can still highlight relevant experience and projects. Focus on internships, research projects, and any hands-on experience you gained during your studies.

Tips for fresh graduates

• Highlight internships and research projects: Use these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills and practical knowledge.
• Emphasize relevant coursework: If you’ve taken specialized courses that are relevant to the job, include them to showcase your academic knowledge.
• Showcase academic achievements: Awards, honors, and high GPAs can make a strong impression.
• Include certifications and skills: List any certifications and technical skills that are pertinent to the role.
• Detail presentations and publications: If you’ve presented research at conferences or have been published, this can set you apart.
• Use strong action verbs and quantify achievements: Even as a fresh graduate, you can highlight the impact you made in your roles.

Crafting a compelling work experience and key projects section is all about clarity, specificity, and impact. This approach will ensure your resume not only gets noticed but also keeps the hiring manager hooked.

5. Properly use action words in your science resume

Using powerful action words in your science resume is like adding the right reagents to an experiment — they give your application the energy it needs to succeed. 

Why are action words important?

• Clarity: They make your sentences clear and direct, ensuring your achievements are easy to understand.
• Impact: Action words create a stronger impression than passive phrases, making your accomplishments more memorable.
• Engagement: They keep the reader’s attention, encouraging them to read through your entire resume.
• Professionalism: Using specific, powerful verbs shows that you understand the language of your field and can articulate your experiences effectively.

Remember, using action words effectively can transform your resume from a bland list of tasks into a dynamic portrayal of your qualifications and achievements. So, sprinkle in those powerful verbs and watch your resume come to life!

6. List your educational credentials as a scientist on your resume

Your education section is basically the backbone of your science resume. It provides the foundation for your qualifications and can help demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to the field.

Why is it important?

• Foundation of knowledge: Your education shows the theoretical and practical knowledge you've acquired.
• Relevant skills: Even if your degree isn't directly related, the skills and disciplines you picked up can still be valuable.
• Career progression: It helps illustrate your journey and commitment to your professional growth.

If your education is directly related to the job you’re applying for, you can keep this section concise. Focus on your degree, institution, and any key achievements or honors.

But if your degree is not directly related to the role, you’ll want to include relevant projects, courses, and academic achievements that align with the job requirements. This shows how your education has equipped you with transferable skills and relevant knowledge.

All in all, a well-crafted education section can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Whether your degree is in a related field or not, emphasize relevant coursework, projects, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Remember to be concise and customize this section based on how closely your education matches the job. 

7. Pick relevant extra sections for a science resume

Adding extra sections to your science resume can give it that extra sparkle that sets you apart from other candidates. It’s like adding the final touches to your research paper that make it truly shine. Picking the right sections can help highlight your unique skills and experiences that go beyond standard categories like education and work experience.

But how to choose the right sections?

• Relevance: Choose sections that fit the job you're applying for. Think about what additional experiences will make your qualifications pop.
• Showcase unique attributes: Pick sections that highlight your unique skills, accomplishments, and contributions. This could be anything from volunteer work to professional memberships.
• Complement your resume: Make sure these sections add value and give a fuller picture of your abilities and background.

Examples of extra sections:

1. Volunteering: Volunteering is one of the best picks as it can show your commitment to the community, leadership skills, and ability to work in diverse environments. For a science resume, this might include volunteering in labs, environmental clean-up projects, or science outreach programs.
2. Certifications: Adding a certifications section can showcase your specialized skills and show you're always up for learning more. This might include certifications in lab safety, scientific software, or specific scientific methods.
3. Publications & presentations: If you’ve published research papers or presented at conferences, this section is gold. It highlights your contributions to the scientific community and your expertise in specific areas.

Choosing the right extra sections can provide a holistic view of your abilities and experiences, making you a standout candidate. Tailor these sections to highlight aspects of your background that align with the job, and watch your resume shine like a star!

8. Avoid common mistakes in a science resume

Creating the perfect science resume can be a bit like conducting an experiment — you want to make sure you avoid common pitfalls that can throw off your results. Let’s break down some of the most frequent mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

1. Overloading with technical jargon: It’s easy to get carried away with all the impressive scientific terms and acronyms, but remember, the first person reviewing your resume might not be an expert in your field. Overloading your resume with technical jargon can make it confusing and hard to read. Instead, aim for a balance. Use relevant terms where necessary, but also make sure your accomplishments and skills are understandable to a general audience.
2. Forgetting to quantify achievements: Numbers speak louder than words! It’s a big mistake to list your responsibilities without showing the impact you’ve made. Always try to quantify your achievements. Did you increase efficiency by 20%? Did your work contribute to a $1M grant? Numbers and data provide concrete evidence of your contributions and make your resume more compelling.
3. Ignoring the job description: One-size-fits-all resumes are a no-go. Ignoring the specifics of the job description can make your resume irrelevant to the position. Instead, tailor your resume to each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job requirements and use the same keywords mentioned in the job ad to make your resume ATS-friendly.
4. Neglecting soft skills: While technical skills are crucial, neglecting soft skills can be a big miss. Teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership are highly valued in any field, including science. Make sure to highlight your interpersonal abilities alongside your technical expertise to present a well-rounded profile.
5. Poor formatting and typos: Your resume needs to look as good as it reads. Poor formatting, inconsistent fonts, and typos can detract from a professional impression. Always proofread your resume multiple times and consider using a resume template to ensure it looks clean and well-organized. Remember, attention to detail is critical in science, and your resume should reflect that.
6. Leaving out relevant sections: Neglecting to include extra sections like certifications, publications, volunteering, or awards can make your resume miss out on showcasing valuable experiences. These sections can set you apart from other candidates. Make sure to include any additional relevant activities that highlight your expertise and dedication to the field.

And remember, always align your resume content with the job description. This ensures you’re showcasing the most relevant skills and experiences, increasing your chances of making a strong impression and avoiding common pitfalls.

9. Pair your resume with a matching science cover letter

When you're applying for a science-based job, pairing your resume with a matching cover letter can make a significant impact. Your cover letter simply adds a personal touch by explaining why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Understanding the difference between the two and ensuring they complement each other is crucial for creating a cohesive application.

A resume provides a structured, bullet-point overview of your professional history, focusing on your qualifications. It includes sections like education, work experience, and technical skills. On the other hand, a cover letter offers a narrative format, allowing you to delve deeper into your motivations, elaborate on your most relevant experiences, and explain how your skills align with the job.

What's more, a well-crafted cover letter can address specific points that your resume cannot. For instance, if there are gaps in your employment history, your cover letter provides the perfect opportunity to explain those pauses. Similarly, if you’re changing fields or roles, you can use your cover letter to clarify how your transferable skills make you a great fit for the new position.

And when to include a cover letter? Simply said, always include a cover letter unless the job listing specifically states not to. Even if the employer doesn’t ask for one, submitting a cover letter can show your enthusiasm and proactivity, setting you apart from other candidates who didn’t bother with this extra step.

Matching design

The importance of including a matching cover letter with your resume cannot be overstated. Firstly, it creates a unified look. Using the same design elements in both your resume and cover letter makes your application visually appealing and shows that you pay attention to detail. Consistency in design also helps the hiring manager easily connect both documents, making your entire application more memorable.

Tps for your matching design:

• Use the same fonts: Ensure your resume and cover letter use identical font types and sizes.
• Consistent headers: Match the header format, including your name, contact information, and date.
• Color schemes: Stick to a consistent color palette to create a cohesive look.
• Margins and spacing: Keep the margins and line spacing uniform across both documents.
• Bullet points and lists: Use the same style for bullet points and lists to maintain a professional appearance.

By making sure your cover letter matches your resume in both content and design, you're basically showing off your awesome attention to detail and professionalism. This simple step can really help your application shine. So, don't skip the cover letter; it's your secret weapon to make your resume more powerful!

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10. Average salary and job outlook for scientists

Wondering what you can expect in terms of salary and job prospects as a scientist? Let’s break it down with the latest info from the Bureau of Labor Statisticshttps://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/ (BLS).

As of May 2023, the average yearly salary for scientists was $78,280. Not too shabby, right? But the good news doesn’t stop there. The BLS also projects that overall employment in life, physical, and social science occupations is going to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. That means more opportunities are coming your way!

About 148,400 job openings are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. These openings come from both the need to replace workers who retire or leave the profession and from new job creation spurred by the growing demand for scientific expertise.

What does it mean for you?

• Strong demand: With faster-than-average growth, job security in the science field looks promising.
• Good pay: An average yearly salary of $78,280 provides a solid financial foundation.
• Plenty of opportunities: Nearly 150,000 openings per year ensures a healthy job market where you can find the role that fits you best.

So whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, the outlook for scientists is bright. With good pay and a growing number of opportunities, now’s a great time to be in the science field. Time to polish up that resume and get ready for the exciting opportunities ahead!

11. Best job search resources for aspiring scientists

Navigating the job market as an aspiring scientist can be daunting, but there are numerous resources at your disposal. From job boards that specialize in scientific professions to career development platforms, here are some top resources:

• Job boards: Websites like Science Careers, New Scientist Jobs, and Nature Careers list career opportunities ranging from internships to full-time jobs across various scientific disciplines.
• Networking platforms: LinkedIn is a powerful platform for expanding your professional network, discovering job opportunities, and exchanging ideas with like-minded professionals.
• Professional associations: Association memberships can provide access to exclusive job listings, career advice, conferences, and networking events. Consider organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), National Association of Science Writers (NASW), or societies specific to your field of interest.
• Science career blogs/podcasts: For advice and inspiration on pursuing a career in science, explore blogs and podcasts like "Hello PhD" and "Breaking Bio."
• Career development centers: Many universities have career development centers that offer services like resume review, interview training, and job search strategies. They might even have connections with local companies and research institutions that could provide internship or job opportunities.

Keep in mind, finding the perfect scientist job is all about using different ways to look, being patient, and not afraid to change your plan if needed. Every job fair, online job ad, networking event, or chat with someone in the field gets you a bit closer to landing your dream scientist job.