Science Resume Templates (+CV Examples for Scientist)

Black-rimmed glasses, lab coat, pocket protector.

Possibly a calculator in hand, panels of dials and gauges in the background.

Doesn’t sound like you?

Then why make your science resume as bad a representation?

Let the facts speak for themselves.

Use measurable and quantified achievements to show what you have to offer.

Because numbers don’t lie.

In this guide:

• A science resume examples better than most.
• How to write the perfect scientist job description for resumes.
• How to create a science CV that will get you a job
• Expert tips on how to write the best scientists resume.

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Just starting your career in science or looking to get into technical writing? See our guides for these and many more:

• Academic CV Sample
• Biology Resume Sample
• Chemistry Resume Samples
• College Graduate Resume Sample
• College Student Resume Sample
• Computer Science Resume Sample
• Data Analyst Resume Sample
• Data Scientist Resume Sample
• Engineering Resume Sample
• Graduate School Resume Sample
• Industrial Engineer Resume Sample
• Internship Resume Sample
• IT Resume Sample
• Medical Doctor Resume Sample
• Pilot Resume Sample
• Project Manager Resume Sample
• Science Research Resume
• Technical Resume Sample
• Technical Writer Resume Sample
• Tutor Resume Sample

Couldn't find your job? See resume samples for all professions 

Science Resume Example to Inspire You

That was the what, now for the how—read on for expert science CV writing tips:

1. Choose the Right Science Resume Format

Even at arm’s length—

You can tell typed-up lab notes apart from a journal article.

Format matters, for your resume as well.

So make sure your resume’s style says ‘hire me’—

Even at arm’s length.

Here’s how you can achieve a clean, clear, and compelling resume layout for your scientific resume:

Science Resume Format

• Stick with the reverse-chronological resume format—it’s what’s expected.
• Choose an appropriate resume font like a Noto or Arial in 11–12 pt.
• Go with one-inch margins for your resume and let your words breathe with plenty of white space around sections and subsections.
• Limit yourself to a one-page resume. Go to two pages for your resume only if you have over seven years’ experience or many relevant and impressive achievements.
• Include at least these resume sections: Header, Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Add an extra section.
• Use a basic resume template for higher readability. You might want to try a Word resume template, or a LaTex resume template, too, if you’re familiar with the tools.

Does the job ad specify a particular file format?

If not, then save or export your resume in PDF. Other formats have their place, but for formatted text, PDF can’t be beat for stability and cross-platform support.

2. Write a Winning Science Resume Objective or Summary

Papers start with abstracts—

Your scientist resume should start with a resume profile.

There are two forms a resume profile can take—

Got experience?

The start with a career summary.

Use:

1. One adjective (passionate, rigorous, diligent)
2. Job title (chemist, physicist, microbiologist)
3. Years of experience (4+, 5+)
4. What you have to offer (design appropriate experimental protocols)
5. Your most impressive 2–3 achievements (presented scientific findings to an audience of 100 people of various backgrounds)

These science resume examples show the above in action:

Science Resume Summary

Dedicated computer scientist with 4+ years of experience working in microprocessor design and microcode creation. Seeking to bring System72 its first in-house CPU ahead of schedule and under budget. At MVW, laid the groundwork for projects work $11 million, shaved 11% off HT execution, and currently hold the tracking algorithm accuracy record.

Talented computer scientist with 4 years of work experience. Looking for opportunity to grow professionally and deepen specialization. Skilled in many aspects of computer science, specialized in CPU architecture.

Hard to believe they’re the same person.

The first one:

• Is specific and concrete.
• Focuses on what the candidate can do for the employer.
• Puts numbers to achievements.

The second one is vague and focused on what the candidate wants from the employer—

Not a protocol for success.

Just starting out?

Then start your entry-level science resume with a resume objective instead.

Scientist Resume Objective

Passionate MIT Computer Science graduate with a specialization in microcode implementation. Graduated valedictorian. Looking for opportunity to contribute to System72’s efforts to develop an in-house CPU solution by applying up-to-date knowledge and creativity.

Inexperienced MIT CompuSci grad looking for first job. Graduated valedictorian and with a specialization in microcode implementation. Quick learner with impressive academic record.

Focus on academic achievements plus placement and volunteer work.

And take note of the fact that—

Your career objective is still all about what you can do for them.Target your resume by mentioning the company by name as well as the job title.

This will also keep Applicant Tracking Systems happy—an ATS-friendly resume is key if you want to pass the initial resume screening!

Expert Hint: Write your science resume objective or summary last. You’ll do a much better job after you’ve got your work experience, skill, and education sections sorted out.

3. Showcase Your Scientific Job Descriptions and Skills

Assumption:

Past behavior predicts future behavior.

How to show what you can do for a future employer?

Describe what you’ve done for previous employers.

To come up with a compelling work experience section:

1. Re-read the job ad.
2. Pay attention to the skills and duties mentioned in it.
3. Think back to when those skills have brought benefits to your employer.
4. Write resume achievements that describe and quantify those benefits.

Study these science resume examples:

Science CV Job Descriptions 

Computer Scientist

MVW Systems

2017–2019

• Converted two prototypes into efficient microcode on which two projects worth $11,000,000 have been launched.
• Optimized HT algorithms, decreasing execution time by 11%.
• Devised tracking algorithms that exceeded the previous 78% accuracy record by three points.
• Completed LVP implementation using only 67% of scheduled time and 87% of budget.

Computer Scientist

MVW Systems

2017–2019

• Converted prototypes into usable microcode.
• Optimized HT algorithms.
• Devised more accurate tracking algorithms.
• Completed LVP implementation ahead of scheduled and under budget.

See that?

Both examples use strong resume verbs to put you in the center of the action—

But the first one focuses on results, quantifying the consequences of your actions.

You’ll also need a skills section for your resume. The skills you include will depend on your field of expertise. ‘Science’ is a pretty broad category, after all.

Use the lists below as jumping-off points—

And remember:

Let the job ad dictate what skills to put on a resume for science jobs. Aim for a balance between soft and hard skills.

Science Resume Skills

Hard Skills

• Mathematics
• Problem-solving
• Experimentation
• Computer and technology knowledge
• Programming languages
• Data analysis
• Information systems management
• Technical writing
• Linear algebra
• Statistics
• Calculus
• Discrete mathematics

Soft Skills

• Attention to detail
• Collaboration
• Analysis
• Organization
• Communication
• Creativity
• Training and teaching
• Time management
• Patience
• Determination
• Teamwork

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4. Do Your Science Education Section Justice

Education is important—

In all the sciences.

There’s no way around it.

Include the obvious:

Degree, school, and years attended—

With an expected graduation date if you’re still studying.

But then—

Add bullets that point to key skills, achievements, or areas of particular interest.

This science resume example will give you an idea:

Science CV Example—Education Section

These extra bullet points will help you stand out like a non-Gaussian distribution.

Low on work experience? 

Expand your education section even more! Include relevant coursework, projects, classes, competitions, clubs and societies, and generally anything that’s relevant to the job ad.

Expert Hint: Got a scholarship? Brag about it in your resume! Create a separate “Awards” section and list it there.

5. Enrich Your Science Resume With Added Sections

Most people know—

You can add extra sections to your scientific resume to stand out from the crowd.

But many people don’t know—

What things to add to a resume to boost their chances of success:

• Conferences
• Publications
• Foreign Languages
• Awards
• Hobbies and Interests
• Volunteer Work
• Certifications
• Professional References

It’s easier to see in an example:

Scientist Resume Examples—Extra Sections

Professional Organizations

• Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology
• Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) 
• Association for Women in Computing (AWC)

Software

• Basic programming languages: C++, Python (including PyTorch)
• Specialised tools: MATLAB (including Simulink), Mathematica, TensorFlow, OpenCV
• Hardware description languages: Verilog/SystemVerilog, VHDL

Hobbies

• Twitch streaming
• Roller derby

Office Software

• LibreOffice (Writer, Calc, Impress)
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

This one might be a bit subtle.

There’s nothing wrong with including hobbies in a science resume, but they have to be directly relevant to the job at hand.

And that’s the golden rule:

Everything is fair game if and only if it’s relevant to the job ad.

Also—

Mentioning spreadsheets when you’re a MATLAB master is usually going to be a waste of precious space.

One last thing—

Did the ad explicitly ask candidates not to include cover letters?

No?

Then you’ll need to write a cover letter to go with your science resume.

Fail to include one and risk having your resume eliminated as an anomaly.

Expert Hint: Email your resume directly to the hiring manager. You can find their contact details through the company’s website or LinkedIn.

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Key Points

For a science resume that gets results:

• Use the science resume template at the beginning of this article.
• Put science resume achievementsin your summary/objective, work history, and education sections.
• Select the right science CV skills. Let the job ad be your benchmark.
• Include a science job cover letter. Use it to get your science resume read.

How does this article stack up to your observations? Report back with your findings—drop us a comment down below, and we’ll be sure to get back to you.

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