Research Scientist Resume Example & Writing Guide
Create a professional research scientist resume. Includes academic and industry examples, publication tips, and strategies for showcasing lab skills.
Research Scientist Resume Example
Here's a professional research scientist resume example that you can use as a reference. This example highlights the key sections and content that hiring managers look for.
Alex Johnson
Research Scientist
New York, NY | alex.johnson@email.com | (555) 123-4567 | linkedin.com/in/alexjohnson
Professional Summary
Research Scientist with 7+ years of experience in molecular biology and biochemistry research. Published 12 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals (h-index: 8) and secured $1.2M in grant funding. Expert in experimental design, data analysis, and leading multi-disciplinary research teams in both academic and industry settings.
Work Experience
Senior Research Scientist
2022 – Present
ABC Corporation, New York, NY
- •Published 12 peer-reviewed papers in journals including Nature Communications and PNAS (h-index: 8)
- •Secured $1.2M in grant funding from NIH and NSF as principal investigator and co-investigator
- •Led a 5-person research team investigating novel therapeutic targets for autoimmune disorders
Research Scientist
2019 – 2022
XYZ Company, Chicago, IL
- •Developed a high-throughput screening assay that identified 3 drug candidates advancing to preclinical trials
- •Mentored 8 graduate students and 4 postdoctoral fellows, with 6 securing independent research positions
Skills
Experimental Design • Data Analysis (R/Python) • Scientific Writing • Grant Writing • Laboratory Management • PCR/qPCR • Cell Culture • Flow Cytometry • Mass Spectrometry • Statistical Analysis • Literature Review • Peer Review • Presentation Skills • Mentoring • Regulatory Compliance (IRB/IACUC)
Education
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry
Master of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry
Research Scientist Resume Summary Examples
Your resume summary is the first thing hiring managers read. Here's a strong example for aresearch scientist with 7+ years of experience:
“Research Scientist with 7+ years of experience in molecular biology and biochemistry research. Published 12 peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals (h-index: 8) and secured $1.2M in grant funding. Expert in experimental design, data analysis, and leading multi-disciplinary research teams in both academic and industry settings.”
“Hardworking research scientist looking for a challenging position where I can utilize my skills and experience. I am a team player with excellent communication skills.”
Why the first example works: It includes specific years of experience, quantified achievements, technical skills, and certifications — all things ATS systems and hiring managers look for.
Work Experience Bullet Points
Here are powerful, metrics-driven bullet points for a research scientist resume. Notice how each one starts with an action verb and includes specific numbers:
- Published 12 peer-reviewed papers in journals including Nature Communications and PNAS (h-index: 8)
- Secured $1.2M in grant funding from NIH and NSF as principal investigator and co-investigator
- Led a 5-person research team investigating novel therapeutic targets for autoimmune disorders
- Developed a high-throughput screening assay that identified 3 drug candidates advancing to preclinical trials
- Mentored 8 graduate students and 4 postdoctoral fellows, with 6 securing independent research positions
Pro Tip: Use the formula: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result. For example: “Managed” + “team of 12 engineers” + “delivering project 20% under budget.”
Key Skills for a Research Scientist Resume
Include these skills on your research scientist resume to pass ATS screening and impress hiring managers:
ATS Keywords for Research Scientist Resume
These are the most important keywords that Applicant Tracking Systems scan for in research scientist resumes. Include them naturally throughout your resume:
Important: Don't stuff keywords. Use them naturally in your summary, experience, and skills sections. ATS systems can detect keyword stuffing and may flag your resume.
Education & Certifications
Education
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry
- Master of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry
Certifications
- Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
- Biosafety Level 2/3 Certified
- IACUC/IRB Certified
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
Expert Tips for Your Research Scientist Resume
Include publications, h-index, and citation counts
List grant funding secured with amounts and agencies
Show mentoring experience and team leadership
Highlight both academic and industry research experience
Include specific techniques, instruments, and software proficiency
Research Scientist Salary & Job Outlook
Entry Level
$60K
Median Salary
$95K
Experienced
$140K
Job Outlook
10% growth (2022-2032), faster than average
Source: BLS 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a research scientist put on a resume?
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Should I use a CV or resume as a research scientist?
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