Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your research, publications, and scientific achievements can be a daunting challenge. Our guide offers precise strategies and tips to help you structure your CV, ensuring it highlights your most impressive contributions and aligns with the expectations of academic and industry employers.
- Design and format your professional scientist CV;
- Curate your key contact information, skills, and achievements throughout your CV sections;
- Ensure your profile stays competitive by studying other industry-leading scientist CVs;
- Create a great CV even if you happen to have less professional experience, or switching fields.
When writing your scientist CV, you may need plenty of insights from hiring managers. We have prepared industry-leading advice in the form of our relevant CV guides.
Formatting your scientist CV to meet the role expectations
Staring at the blank page for hours on end, you still have no idea how you should start your professional scientist CV. Should you include more colours, two columns, and which sections? What you should remember about your CV format is this - ensure it's minimalistic and doesn't go over the top with fancy fonts and many colours. Instead, focus on writing consistent content that actually answers the job requirements. But, how about the design itself :- Use the reverse chronological order to showcase your experience, starting with your most recent role;
- Include your contact details (email address, phone number, and location) - and potentially your professional photo - in the header;
- Must-have CV sections include summary or objective, experience, education, and skills: curate the ones that fit your profile;
- Your professional scientist CV should be between one-to-two pages long: select the longer format if you have more experience.
A little bit more about your actual CV design, ensure you're using:
- plenty of serif or sans serif font (e.g. Montserrat, Exo 2, Volkhov) as they are Applicant Tracker System (ATS) compliant. Avoid the likes of Arial and Times New Roman because most candidates' CVs are in this typography.
When submitting your CV, are you still not sure what format it should be? Despite the myth that has been circling around, most modern ATS systems are perfectly capable of reading PDFs. This format is an excellent choice as it keeps all of your information intact.
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Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a scientist CV
- Education details show academic background.
- Research experience highlights scientific contributions.
- Publications list displays scholarly output.
- Grants and funding prove the ability to secure resources.
- Conference presentations indicate communication skills.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your research experience by detailing the projects you've worked on and the impact they've had on your field, making sure to include any peer-reviewed publications, patents or conference presentations.
- Emphasise any specialised laboratory or technical skills, as well as unique methodologies or instruments you are proficient with, that are relevant to the field of science you're applying to.
- Include a detailed education section, featuring your degrees, relevant coursework, and any academic honours or awards, as these credentials are crucial in establishing your scientific expertise.
- Outline your experience with securing funding by listing any grants or scholarships you've received, demonstrating your ability to support and manage research projects financially.
- Showcase your ability to collaborate and communicate complex ideas by mentioning any interdisciplinary projects, teaching or mentoring roles, and your contributions to scientific working groups or committees.
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Our checklist for the must-have information in your scientist CV header
Right at the very top of your scientist CV is where you'd find the header section or the space for your contact details, headline, and professional photo. Wondering how to present your the name of the city you live in and the country abbreviation as your address;
- are tailored to the role you're applying for by integrating key job skills and requirements;
- showcase what your unique value is, most often in the form of your most noteworthy accomplishment;
- select your relevant qualifications, skills, or current role to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Still not sure how to write your CV headline? Our examples below showcase best practices on creating effective headlines:
Examples of good CV headlines for scientist:
Dr Jane Smith Principal Research Scientist | Immunology & Genomics Expert | PhD | 15+ Years of Experience
Dr Edward Brown Senior Climate Analyst | Climate Change Mitigation Strategies | MSc Environmental Science | 10 Years' Expertise
Dr Alice Johnson Chief Data Officer | AI & Machine Learning Enthusiast | Data Analytics PhD | 20 Years in Data Science
Dr Michael Davis Lead Marine Biologist | Ocean Conservation | Biodiversity Specialist | PhD | 8 Years Fieldwork
Dr Lily Evans Head of Quantum Research | Quantum Computing | Physics PhD | 12+ Years in Quantum Technologies
Dr Richard Wilson Advanced Materials Engineer | Nanotechnology & Biomaterials | MEng | Chartered Engineer | 6+ Years Industry Lead
Catching recruiters' attention with your scientist CV summary or objective
Located closer to the top of your CV, both the summary and objective are no more than five sentences long and serve as an introduction to your experience. What is more, you could use either to entice recruiters to read on. Select the:
- Summary, if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience. Feature your most impressive accomplishments and up to three skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for;
- Objective, if you're just starting your career off. Provide your career goals and answer how you see the role you are applying for will match your professional growth.
Judging which one you need to add to your scientist CV may at times seem difficult. That’s why you need to check out how professionals, with similar to your experience, have written their summary or objective, in the examples below:
CV summaries for a scientist job:
- Accomplished biochemist with over 10 years experience in protein engineering and a track record in developing successful therapeutic candidates. Expert in mass spectrometry and chromatography with a Ph.D. from Cambridge. Noted for discovering a novel mechanism that doubled the efficiency of a leading drug candidate.
- Distinguished climate scientist with 15 years dedicated to advancing knowledge in atmospheric processes through innovative research at NOAA. Skilled in data analysis using R and Python, with significant contributions to the landmark global warming study that reshaped conservation policies globally.
- Former aerospace engineer aiming to transition into genetic research, bringing a decade of experience in systems modelling and complex problem-solving. Keen aptitude for computational biology, developed through self-driven study and a comprehensive nanodegree in bioinformatics. Eager to apply engineering precision to tackle genetic puzzles.
- Seasoned financial analyst with 12 years in venture capital, pivoting to bioscience with a Master’s in Biological Science from Imperial College. Proven analytical acumen and statistical expertise, poised to cross-apply financial modeling techniques to biological data sets to extract actionable insights in pharmaceutical investment strategies.
- Recently graduated microbiologist, passionate about exploring the intersection of immunology and technology to forge paths in disease prevention. Seeking to engage deeply in pioneering research that will develop cutting-edge medical solutions, despite the absence of formal experience in the field.
- As an enthusiastic recent MSc Environmental Science graduate, I am eager to apply my theoretical knowledge and passion for sustainability to make a tangible impact in combating climate change, through harnessing renewable energy technologies and contributing to research despite my current lack of direct industry experience.
The best formula for your scientist CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Highlight significant research projects you've spearheaded by stating the objective, the methodology you employed, and the results you achieved, making sure to quantify the impact when possible.
- Detail your publication record meticulously, listing your peer-reviewed articles, books, and other publications, as well as any significant citations and the impact factor of journals where your work appeared.
- Emphasise your technical skills, such as expertise in laboratory procedures, statistical analysis software, programming languages, or specialised equipment you're proficient in operating.
- Include any academic teaching experience you have, outlining the courses or workshops you have designed or delivered and any supervisory roles you've held over students or junior staff members.
- Present your involvement in academic conferences, specifying the presentations or posters you contributed, any sessions you chaired, and the scope and reach of these events.
- Detail the grants and funding you have secured for your research, identifying the source, the competitive nature of the award, and the amount, which helps highlight your ability to attract financial support.
- Outline your collaborative projects with other institutions, industry partners, or international organisations, specifying your role and the outcome of these partnerships.
- Mention membership in professional societies and any leadership positions you've held within them, which can display your professional standing and commitment to your field.
- Provide a synopsis of your patent portfolio if applicable, illustrating your track record of innovation and contribution to the commercial and academic impact of your work.
- Spearheaded the development of a novel gene editing technique that increased precision by 35%, significantly reducing off-target effects in CRISPR-Cas9 applications.
- Directed a cross-functional team of 12, leading to the publication of 5 research papers in high-impact journals, enhancing the company’s scientific reputation.
- Implemented a robust data analysis pipeline using Python and R, boosting research efficiency and data integrity, which contributed to a 20% increase in project throughput.
- Managed the analysis of over 1000 soil samples annually for contamination levels, aiding in the identification of pollution trends and informing policy change recommendations.
- Designed and executed a comprehensive water quality monitoring program, resulting in the improvement of local water treatment practices and enhanced public health standards.
- Collaborated with regulatory bodies to establish eco-friendly industrial processes, culminating in a 15% regional reduction in industrial waste.
- Led a groundbreaking study that identified two novel biomarkers for early-stage Alzheimer's disease, potentially impacting diagnostic procedures for millions.
- Optimized laboratory workflow through the implementation of automated ELISA platforms, accelerating the screening process by 50% and cutting operational costs.
- Conducted pivotal Phase II clinical trial assessments, paving the way for a new, effective therapeutic agent, and attracting venture capital funding of £10 million.
- Played a key role in the development and FDA approval of a novel antidiabetic drug, which now contributes to 20% of company revenue.
- Optimized chemical synthesis routes for 3 major drug compounds, reducing production time by 30% and material waste by 25%.
- Orchestrated high-throughput screening campaigns assessing over 500 compounds, which accelerated the identification of lead candidates by six months.
- Developed predictive models for pharmaceutical sales forecasting, enhancing accuracy by 40%, directly influencing inventory management and production planning.
- Implemented a machine learning-based system for real-time patient data analysis, improving patient outcome predictions and individualizing treatment plans.
- Streamlined the data reporting process, creating interactive dashboards that reduced report generation time from 3 hours to 30 minutes.
- Orchestrated a large-scale clinical study with over 3,000 participants, which substantiated the efficacy of a new cardiovascular drug entering Phase III trials.
- Cultivated strategic partnerships with 10+ academic institutions, fostering collaborative research and stretching the company’s clinical research capabilities.
- Mentored a team of junior scientists, nurturing talent and leading to a 30% increase in the department's research output over three years.
- Pioneered the development of a new composite material that reduced production costs by 20% while maintaining optimal performance standards.
- Instrumental in securing a £5 million grant for advanced material research from the UK government, cementing the company's position as a leader in materials innovation.
- Enhanced material testing protocols, which improved product lifespan by an average of 25%, markedly increasing customer satisfaction and product competitiveness.
- Developed a novel catalytic process that increased production yield for a key pharmaceutical ingredient by 15%, significantly reducing costs and environmental impact.
- Served as the primary investigator for a project that resulted in two patents for cleaner chemical processes, enhancing the company’s intellectual property portfolio.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement, leading to a team-wide adoption of Six Sigma methodologies and a 20% improvement in process efficiency.
Swapping your professional experience (when you have none) with skills and more
Never underestimate the importance of relevancе when it comes to your scientist CV. Even if you don't happen to have much or any standard (full-time contract) professional experience, this doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for the role. Instead of a bespoke CV experience section:
- Showcase more prominently any internships, part-time roles, and volunteer experience that are applicable to the role and have taught you job-crucial skills;
- Feature a strengths or achievements section with your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your work or life experience;
- Write an objective statement that clearly outlines your values as a candidate and defines your career ambitions;
- List your education or certificates that match the job profile closer to the top of your CV.
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Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your scientist CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your scientist CV:
Laboratory Skills
Data Analysis
Research Design
Technical Writing
Statistical Analysis
Scientific Computing
Field Work
Project Management
Quality Control
Subject Matter Expertise
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Communication
Adaptability
Teamwork
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Innovation
Resilience
Continuous Learning
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Focus on describing skills in the context of the outcomes they’ve helped you achieve, linking them directly to tangible results or successes in your career.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your scientist CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your scientist CV:
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If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
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Key takeaways
Your successful job application depends on how you well you have aligned your scientist CV to the job description and portrayed your best skills and traits. Make sure to:
- Select your CV format, so that it ensures your experience is easy to read and understand;
- Include your professional contact details and a link to your portfolio, so that recruiters can easily get in touch with you and preview your work;
- Write a CV summary if you happen to have more relevant professional experience. Meanwhile, use the objective to showcase your career dreams and ambitions;
- In your CV experience section bullets, back up your individual skills and responsibilities with tangible achievements;
- Have a healthy balance between hard and soft skills to answer the job requirements and hint at your unique professional value.
