Home > 
Lab Assistant CV Examples & Guide...

Lab Assistant CV Examples & Guide for 2024

Your lab assistant CV must highlight your hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. Detail your expertise with laboratory equipment and procedures relevant to the field. Remember to showcase your attention to detail and your ability to follow complex instructions. These qualities are essential for any lab assistant and will stand out to employers.

All CV examples in this guide.

Crafting a CV that strikes a balance between technical proficiency and the demonstration of practical lab experience is a common challenge you might encounter. Our guide offers targeted advice and examples on how to effectively showcase your skills and laboratory accomplishments, ensuring your CV stands out to potential employers.

Land the job of your dreams with our bespoke guide on how to:

  • Design and format your professional lab assistant CV;
  • Curate your key contact information, skills, and achievements throughout your CV sections;
  • Ensure your profile stays competitive by studying other industry-leading lab assistant CVs;
  • Create a great CV even if you happen to have less professional experience, or switching fields.

When writing your lab assistant CV, you may need plenty of insights from hiring managers. We have prepared industry-leading advice in the form of our relevant CV guides.

How to ensure your profile stands out with your lab assistant CV format

It's sort of a Catch 22. You want your lab assistant CV to stand out amongst a pile of candidate profiles, yet you don't want it to be too over the top that it's unreadable. Where is the perfect balance between your CV format simple, while using it to shift the focus to what matters most. That is - your expertise. When creating your lab assistant CV:

  • list your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your latest roles;
  • include a header with your professional contact information and - optionally - your photograph;
  • organise vital and relevant CV sections - e.g. your experience, skills, summary/ objective, education - closer to the top;
  • use no more than two pages to illustrate your professional expertise;
  • format your information using plenty of white space and standard (2.54 cm) margins, with colours to accent key information.

Once you've completed your information, export your lab assistant CV in PDF, as this format is more likely to stay intact when read by the Applicant Tracker System or the ATS. A few words of advice about the ATS - or the software used to assess your profile:

pro tip icon
PRO TIP

Use bold or italics sparingly to draw attention to key points, such as job titles, company names, or significant achievements. Overusing these formatting options can dilute their impact.

top sections icon

The top sections on a lab assistant CV

  • Professional Summary highlights career objectives and expertise, giving a quick overview to the recruiter.
  • Laboratory Skills details specific techniques and procedures the candidate is proficient in, which are vital for lab work.
  • Educational Background showcases relevant qualifications and specialised training critical for lab tasks.
  • Work Experience lists previous roles and responsibilities to demonstrate practical experience in a laboratory setting.
  • Publications and Research illustrates contributions to the scientific community, reflecting the candidate's depth of knowledge.
Checklist icon
What recruiters value on your CV:
  • Highlight your practical laboratory experience, detailing specific techniques and equipment you're proficient with, as hands-on skills are paramount for a lab assistant.
  • Emphasise your organisational abilities by mentioning any experience with lab inventory management, as keeping track of supplies is crucial in a lab setting.
  • Include any relevant certifications or training, like aseptic technique or OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations, to demonstrate your commitment to safety and industry standards.
  • Showcase your attention to detail by describing tasks or projects that required meticulous documentation, analysis, and reporting of experimental data.
  • Mention your ability to work as part of a team by providing examples of collaborative projects or studies, as lab assistants often work with a group of researchers or technicians.

What information should you include in your lab assistant CV header?

The CV header is potentially the section that recruiters would refer to the most, as it should include your:

  • Contact details - your professional (non-work) email address and phone number;
  • Professional photograph - if you're applying hinting at the value you bring as a professional.

Many professionals often struggle with writing their lab assistant CV headline. That's why in the next section of this guide, we've curated examples of how you can optimise this space to pass any form of assessment.

top sections icon

Examples of good CV headlines for lab assistant:

  1. Laboratory Technician | BSc Biological Sciences | 5+ Years in Microbiology | ISO 17025 Proficiency
  2. Research Lab Assistant | Clinical Trial Support | 2 Years Experience | GCP Certified
  3. Chemical Lab Analyst | MSc Chemistry | Specialisation in Analytical Techniques | 8 Years Industrial Experience
  4. Medical Laboratory Assistant | Patient Sample Processing | 4 Years in Haematology | Phlebotomy Qualified
  5. Biotech Lab Technologist | Gene Editing Research | MPhil Genetics | 3 Years Postgraduate Laboratory Work
  6. Senior Lab Supervisor | Environmental Testing Expertise | 10+ Years Experience | Lab Management Certification

Choosing your opening statement: a lab assistant CV summary or objective

At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:

top sections icon

CV summaries for a lab assistant job:

  • With over 5 years of experience as a lab technician, I have refined my analytical and technical skills, specialising in microbiological assays and high-throughput screening. My biggest career achievement includes implementing a quality control system that increased lab accuracy by 20%.
  • Accomplished Chemical Engineer transitioning to a laboratory environment brings a solid foundation of analytical chemistry, combined with exceptional research and problem-solving abilities. Notable success includes the development of a novel catalyst that boosted production efficiency by 15%.
  • Dynamic former Clinical Research Coordinator aiming to leverage 7 years of experience in patient-oriented research and data management into a detail-oriented lab assistant role. Expertise in biomedical sample processing and a proven track record in managing successful clinical trials.
  • Enthusiastic graduate with a BSc in Biology, eager to apply my comprehensive understanding of molecular techniques and laboratory practices. Pursuing a lab assistant position to hone my ability in scientific inquiry and support groundbreaking research.
  • Seeking an entry-level laboratory assistant opportunity, I am keen to utilise my recent MSc in Biochemistry to contribute to the advancement of scientific understanding. Although new to the field, my academic background and determination poise me to make meaningful contributions from the outset.
  • Aspiring Laboratory Technician with no practical experience yet but comes with a strong foundation in biotechnology and a fervent interest in genetic engineering. Determined to apply academic learning to real-world laboratory scenarios and achieve proficiency in analytical techniques.

How to meet job requirements with your lab assistant CV experience

We've now reached the essence of your actual CV - your experience section. This is the space where you can list your career roles and on-the-job successes. Many candidates tend to underestimate just how much time and effort they should put into writing this CV section. Your experience shouldn't be a random list of your responsibilities, but instead:

Before we move on, make sure to check out some professional CV experience sections.

Checklist icon
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
  • Managed daily laboratory operations, ensuring all equipment was properly sterilised and maintained, thus keeping the lab in compliance with strict hygiene standards.
  • Assisted in the preparation of experimental protocols, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail to support the reliability of research results.
  • Performed complex laboratory tests in areas such as microbiology and biochemistry, showcasing proficiency in using various lab instruments and techniques.
  • Recorded and analysed data with high accuracy, utilising spreadsheet and database software, which helped streamline the research process.
  • Collaborated with senior researchers to troubleshoot experimental methods, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for procedural challenges.
  • Supported the maintenance of a safe laboratory environment by conducting regular safety audits and promoting adherence to all Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.
  • Trained new laboratory personnel and students in laboratory protocols and equipment use, raising the overall efficiency and knowledge base of the lab team.
  • Managed laboratory inventory and procurement processes, ensuring an uninterrupted supply of necessary reagents and materials for ongoing research projects.
  • Liaised with interdisciplinary departments to coordinate research activities, showcasing strong communication and organisational skills essential for multi-departmental projects.
Work Experience
Laboratory Technical Assistant
GlaxoSmithKline
01/2017-12/2019
  • Executed daily sample analysis using HPLC and mass spectrometry, improving sample throughput by 30%.
  • Maintained the inventory of lab supplies, reducing waste by strategically ordering only necessary quantities based on forecasted lab usage.
  • Collaborated on a cross-departmental project to develop a new assay protocol, which was adopted lab-wide and increased assay precision by 15%.
Work Experience
Laboratory Assistant Manager
AstraZeneca
05/2015-08/2018
  • Managed the maintenance and calibration of lab equipment, resulting in a 20% reduction in downtime due to equipment failure.
  • Trained 5 new lab assistants in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and data entry, ensuring high-quality standards were maintained.
  • Spearheaded the implementation of a new digital labelling system which improved sample traceability and reduced mislabelling incidents by 40%.
Work Experience
Senior Laboratory Support Staff
Pfizer
03/2012-06/2016
  • Developed and optimised protocols for protein extraction, contributing to a 25% increase in the efficiency of downstream processes.
  • Authored and revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the lab, enhancing compliance with industry regulations.
  • Played a pivotal role in a research project that led to the publication of two peer-reviewed papers on novel drug delivery systems.
Work Experience
Laboratory Operations Specialist
BioNTech
11/2009-02/2013
  • Performed regular quality control tests on pharmaceutical products, ensuring 100% adherence to internal and regulatory quality standards.
  • Mentored junior lab assistants, fostering a supportive and knowledgeable lab environment, and decreasing training time by 25%.
  • Contributed to a departmental audit that led to the improvement of waste management protocols, reducing hazardous waste by 20%.
Work Experience
Lab Assistant Team Leader
Merck Group
06/2019-11/2021
  • Supervised a team of 3 lab technicians, ensuring consistent application of lab practices and a 5% improvement in team productivity.
  • Led a project to optimise the automated liquid handling system, increasing sample throughput for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) by 35%.
  • Coordinated with the IT department to upgrade laboratory information management systems (LIMS), enhancing data integrity and accessibility.
Work Experience
Laboratory Research Assistant
Novartis
02/2020-Ongoing
  • Facilitated the transition to a high-throughput sequencing platform, doubling the number of genome sequences processed per month.
  • Acted as the primary contact for external collaborations, effectively communicating progress and milestones to stakeholders and partners.
  • Regularly reviewed literature to stay abreast of technological advancements and integrated two new assay techniques into the lab's repertoire.
Work Experience
Clinical Laboratory Assistant
Johnson & Johnson
07/2013-10/2017
  • Managed the specimen life cycle from collection to analysis for over 5000 samples annually, while maintaining 99% accuracy in labeling and processing.
  • Implemented lean lab management techniques which streamlined workflows and decreased average sample processing time by 20%.
  • Participated in a groundbreaking study on a new cancer treatment, contributing to data collection and analysis used in pivotal clinical trials.
Work Experience
Laboratory Assistant Specialist
Roche
08/2014-09/2020
  • Outlined and implemented a new reagent preparation process, saving the lab approximately £5,000 per annum in material costs.
  • Credited with reducing cross-contamination rates by diligently following and enhancing sterilisation protocols.
  • Designed a custom database for sample tracking which improved the efficiency of retrieving historical data by 30%.

Writing your CV without professional experience for your first job or when switching industries

There comes a day, when applying for a job, you happen to have no relevant experience, whatsoever. Yet, you're keen on putting your name in the hat. What should you do? Candidates who part-time experience , internships, and volunteer work.

pro tip icon
PRO TIP

Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.

Mix and match hard and soft skills across your lab assistant CV

Your skill set play an equally valid role as your experience to your application. That is because recruiters are looking for both:

Are you wondering how you should include both hard and soft skills across your lab assistant CV? Use the:

  • skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies that are part of the job requirement (and that you're capable to use);
  • strengths and achievements section to detail how you've used particular hard and soft skills that led to great results for you at work;
  • summary or objective to spotlight up to three skills that are crucial for the role and how they've helped you optimise your work processes.

One final note - when writing about the skills you have, make sure to match them exactly as they are written in the job ad. Take this precautionary measure to ensure your CV passes the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment.

Top skills for your lab assistant CV:
HARD SKILLS

Laboratory Safety

Sample Preparation

Data Entry

Equipment Calibration

Specimen Handling

Chemical Storage

Quality Control Procedures

Microscopy

Laboratory Record-Keeping

Laboratory Techniques

SOFT SKILLS

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Adaptability

Organisation

Critical Thinking

Initiative

Patience

pro tip icon
PRO TIP

If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.

Your university degree and certificates: an integral part of your lab assistant CV

Let's take you back to your uni days and decide what information will be relevant for your lab assistant CV. Once more, when discussing your higher education, select only information that is pertinent to the job (e.g. degrees and projects in the same industry, etc.). Ultimately, you should:

  • List only your higher education degrees, alongside start and graduation dates, and the university name;
  • Include that you obtained a first degree for diplomas that are relevant to the role, and you believe will impress recruiters;
  • Showcase relevant coursework, projects, or publications, if you happen to have less experience or will need to fill in gaps in your professional history.
pro tip icon
PRO TIP

Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.

Key takeaways

Impressing recruiters with your experience, skill set, and values starts with your professional lab assistant CV. Write concisely and always aim to answer job requirements with what you've achieved; furthermore:

  • Select a simple design that complements your experience and ensures your profile is presentable;
  • Include an opening statement that either spotlights your key achievements (summary) or showcases your career ambitions (objective);
  • Curate your experience bullets, so that each one commences with a strong, action verb and is followed up by your skill and accomplishment;
  • List your hard and soft skills all across different sections of your CV to ensure your application meets the requirements;
  • Dedicate space to your relevant higher education diplomas and your certificates to show recruiters you have the necessary industry background.
lab assistant resume example

Looking to build your own Lab Assistant CV?

Enhancv CV builder will help you create a modern, stand-out CV that gets results
Variety of custom sections
Hassle-free templates
Easy edits
Memorable design
Content suggestions
Rate my article:
Lab Assistant CV Examples & Guide for 2024
Average: 4.53 / 5.00
(187 people already rated it)
Author image
Volen Vulkov
Volen Vulkov is a resume expert and the co-founder of Enhancv. He applies his deep knowledge and experience to write about a career change, development, and how to stand out in the job application process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lab Assistant CVs

Q: What experience should I include on my Lab Assistant CV?
A: Include any relevant work experience, as well as any relevant research or laboratory projects you've worked on. If you're a recent graduate, highlight any coursework or laboratory experience you've had.
Q: How should I format my Lab Assistant CV?
A: Use a clear and professional format, with well-organized sections and bullet points. Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and keep your font size between 10 and 12 points.
Q: How long should my Lab Assistant CV be?
A: Ideally, your CV should be no longer than 2 pages. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences, and use bullet points to make it easy for hiring managers to skim.