Science Resume Examples and Tips for Scientists in 2024

Scientists need to show how their skills align with the company they’re applying to. How can you highlight all of those skills throughout your resume?

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By Ho 4 minute read

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Science Resume Example

If you’re interested in going for a job where science is an important part of the equation and you have the right background, a scientist resume may be your best option. Here’s how you can create a science resume that shines.

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Jobs That Can Use Science Resumes

Many jobs could use a science resume:

  • Environmental science expert
  • Healthcare worker
  • Computer science technician
  • Research assistant
  • Laboratory worker
  • Science professor

Generally, if you’re in any field that makes use of scientific knowledge, regardless of what element of science you’re using, these resume samples can be beneficial to you.

Structure of a Science Resume

Your resume format will impact the way you structure your resume, with a chronological resume (which focuses on work history) being the most common, and a functional (which focuses on skills) and combination resume (which emphasizes relevant skills and work history) also being options, depending on how you want to display your strengths. Regardless of your format, your resume will have these sections:

Resume summary or objective

The first section of the resume is your resume summary or resume objective. A summary This is a two to three- sentence paragraph that highlights your most important skills and achievements. A resume objective states your career goals and is typically used for candidates with little to no work experience.

Skills

Your skills section will vary depending on the science position you’re writing a resume for. Here are a few related skills to consider in writing this section:

  • Data analysis
  • Programming languages (Python, PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Teamwork
  • Laboratory work
  • Critical thinking
  • Sorting and classifying
  • Taking quantitative measurements
  • Conducting experiments
  • Research knowledge

Note that you can find both hard skills (technical knowledge) and soft skills (intangible traits, like teamwork) on this list. Although both are necessary, technical skills will show you know how to do your job. Stick to key skills that you excel at, and also fit what the job posting is looking for.

Work experience

Next is your work experience section. This section can include up to the last 10 years of experience in reverse chronological order. If you’re a first-time job seeker, remember that a great resume can include relevant coursework, research experience, internship experience, and more. It’s all about listing the experience that shows your ability for the job you’re applying for.

Education

Next is your education section. In science fields, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although many people go even further than this. List as much education experience as you have. Don’t list your GPA, but feel free to list other honors, like the Dean’s List, if you were able to achieve them.

Certifications and awards

Certifications in your field can go a long way to proving your skills to your potential employer. The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), for example, is a great certification for a computer science expert. List the certifications you have that match the job description.

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Science Resume Examples You Can Use

You can find hundreds of science resume examples at ResumeHelp. Whether you’re applying for a computer science position or to work in a laboratory with cells, the science resume examples at ResumeHelp can help you impress recruiters of all types. Use these examples to craft the perfect resume and shorten your job search.

Tips for Creating Your Science Resume

Here are some tips to help you write your science resume:

  • Include up to 10 years of experience on your resume. If you have more than 10 years of experience, you can add it to your resume if you’re applying for a senior position; otherwise, keep things concise.
  • Look for entry-level science jobs when you’ve just gotten out of college. This is the best way to build up experience for higher-level jobs.
  • Don’t include basic skills like Microsoft Office in your resume. Hiring managers can tell when you’re just trying to pad your resume.
  • Use action verbs (e.g., “managed,” “implemented”) throughout your resume. These types of words help you describe exactly what you’ll do for a company that hires you.
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FAQ: Science Resume Example

Have questions? We’re here to help.

Yes. A cover letter is one of the best ways to make your case directly to the employer. Plus, it makes it obvious that a job is very important to you. If you’re not sure how to write a high-quality cover letter, just look for the ResumeHelp cover letter builder. This cover letter builder can help you create a cover letter that looks good and functions even more effectively.

Yes. Science jobs often rely primarily on education, especially when it comes to entry-level jobs. If you don’t have experience in the workforce, you can use academic experience and skills instead. These elements are just as important for a job search as a scientist, no matter what field you’re trying to break into.

You should never submit the same resume to multiple jobs. This type of form application is typically frowned upon because it doesn’t effectively address what specific employers are looking for. Instead, use resume keywords to personalize each job posting for the application that you’re submitting by looking up important requirements from the job description and incorporating them into your resume skills and work history.

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WRITTEN BY Ho

Ho is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and editor with two decades of experience in content strategy, creation, and development. He holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University and his background includes experience aiding military veterans as they transition to civilian careers.

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