
How to Write a Resume According to Science in 2023
How do you write a resume? With so many conflicting opinions out there, we’ve set out to find the ultimate answer to this question.
You can work the aliquots or do surveys like you were born to it. You’ve got indispensable lab rat skills. Now prove it to the PI with this clear research assistant resume sample.
You want to do vital research that feeds your passion. I’m talking about Goodall, Derong, or Capecchi-level work.
But... You won’t get there with an average research assistant resume. You need to show how well you can do work just like this.
In this guide:
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Want to open other doors in academe? See our guides:
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Applying for a full-length research program? Need to write an academic CV instead of a brief resume? Switch over to Academic CV Sample & Guide
Joyce Nakov
Research Assistant
Personal Info
Phone: 631-774-4363
E-mail: joyceznakov@gmail.com
linkedin.com/in/joyceznakov
twitter.com/joyceznakov
Summary
Exacting research assistant with 2+ years of experience. Seeking to provide high-level lab assistance at Columbia University. At NYU Cancer Center, conducted 20+ experimental tests and used Google Docs to survey 1,000+ patients. Performed pipetting of over 300 ELISA and TIA assays with 99.9% accuracy.
Experience
Research Assistant
New York University Cancer Center
2018–2019
Student Research Assistant
New York University Cancer Center
2017–2018
Education
BA Social Sciences, New York University
2014–2018
Publications
Volunteer Work
Research Project
Additional Activities
Hard Skills: overseeing experiments, report writing, strategic planning, data collection
Soft Skills: motivation, interpersonal skills, teamwork, communication
Here’s how to write a research assistant resume that works:
Don’t fail before you start. A badly formatted resume looks lazy.
The flip side? Dot your i’s and cross your t’s and they’ll know you’re a professional.
Follow these tips:
Expert Hint: Is it ever okay to write a 2-page resume for a research assistant? If you’ve got tons of great publications and experience, go ahead and stretch it to two pages!
Your research resume objective or career summary is vital. It’s the one thing they’re guaranteed to read.
So make it short and snappy. Fill it with details they care about.
Include:
These biology research assistant resume examples show the way:
Both of those resumes for research assistant examples say the same thing. But one adds specifics that convince.
But what if you don’t have that much research experience?
See this example:
Same person. Same info. But the first of those two research assistant resume examples has details that show how well you did the job.
If you have zero experience, list academic achievements or non-research-assistant job accomplishments that show transferable skills.
For instance, teamwork, communication, and work ethic can come from any job.
Expert Hint: Can’t get hired? Networking is especially important to research assistants. Reach out to former profs and fellow students. Tell them what you’re looking for.
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Got experience? There’s a right and wrong way to put it on resumes for research assistants. Employers will want to know you did the kind of research they need done.
They’ll also want to see you did it well.
To list research experience on your resume:
Watch these undergraduate research assistant resume samples do it:
The job ad wants these research assistant skills: Google Docs surveys, ELISA assays, HIPAA, and creating reports.
Experience
Research Assistant
New York University Cancer Center
2018–2019
See that?
You’ve already got Google Docs survey experience. Plus you’ve done ELISA assays. You’re also good at report-writing and HIPAA compliance.
That’s everything they need.
And now they know it.
What about an entry-level resume for research assistant jobs?
The online posting wants these research assistant skills: Western blot tests, mouse colony maintenance, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Watch how these examples do it:
Student Research Assistant
New York University Cancer Center
2017–2018
Team Member
Denny’s Bike World
2015–2016
Retail Associate
Denny’s Bike World
2017–2018
Miles apart.
But they’re the same person. The better example just lists the right skills. The numbers make it pop.
Get started with this research assistant resume skills list:
Expert Hint: Proofread, proofread, proofread. Especially in a resume for a research assistant, typos will sink you. Nobody wants to hire a sloppy RA.
Don’t have much research assistant experience?
Then your resume education section will be critical. Use it to show how you’ve made a difference.
Check out this research assistant resume sample:
Education
BA Social Sciences, New York University
2014–2018
Not bad.
That shows your degree, school, dates, and some key accomplishments.
Are publications important in a research assistant resume?
If you have them, yes.
But so are other extras like projects or certifications.
Try adding one or two of these resume sections:
These graduate research assistant resume examples show how:
Publications
Volunteer Work
Additional Activities
Additional Activities
Don’t get me wrong.
Hang gliding is great!
But that first research assistant resume example shows RA skills and passion.
Expert Hint: Write a research assistant cover letter to go with your research resume. The PI will be a lot more likely to read your resume closely if you do.
Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
For a research assistant resume that generates interest:
Got questions on how to write great resumes for research assistant jobs? Not sure how to show research assistant on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!
How do you write a resume? With so many conflicting opinions out there, we’ve set out to find the ultimate answer to this question.
You can stop searching—this is the ultimate collection of best resume tips that can help you succeed in 2023. These resume writing tips will help to impress hiring managers.
Sometimes, a good resume isn’t enough. Find out how to make a perfect resume that proves you’re the best candidate for the job.