Science Resume Templates (+CV Examples for Scientist)

Science Resume Templates (+CV Examples for Scientist)

You’ve spent years deepening your knowledge in a narrowing field. Getting all that expertise onto a page or two of a science resume is easier than you think. Find out how.

Bart Turczynski
Bart Turczynski
Career Expert

Creating a science resume is like conducting an experiment—you need the right ingredients and a well-structured approach to achieve the best results. Whether you’re just starting in the lab or you’re a seasoned researcher, your resume should be a compelling showcase of your skills and discoveries.

Let’s get your career down to a science!

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:

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

Science Resume Example to Inspire You

Jennifer Young

Computer Scientist

Personal Info

Phone: 508-816-4618

E-mail: jenifer.young@reslab.com

linkedin.com/in/jenniferayoung

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. 

Experience 

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

Orange Silicon

2015–2017

  • Introduced four new micro-architectural features.
  • Boosted modeling efficiency by 17 percentage points overall.
  • Developed bespoke architecture emulator that requires 27% less resources than standard modeling techniques.
  • Automated and improved anomaly detection, saving an estimated $3,000,000 long term.

Education 

BSc Computer Science, MIT

2011–2015

  • Pursued a passion for microprocessor design through two individual projects.
  • Valedictorian.

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)
  • Specialized tools: MATLAB (including Simulink), Mathematica, TensorFlow, OpenCV
  • Hardware description languages: Verilog/SystemVerilog, VHDL

Key Skills 

  • Problem-solving
  • Experimentation
  • Programming
  • Technical writing
  • Hardware engineering
  • Data analysis
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Communication

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.’

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

Science Resume Format

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 profileThere are two forms a resume profile can take.

Got experience? Then 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

Good Example
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.
Bad Example
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

Good Example
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.
Bad Example
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 workAnd 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

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 

Good Example

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.
Bad Example

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.

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

Good Example

BSc Computer Science, MIT

2011–2015

  • Pursued a passion for microprocessor design through two individual projects.
  • Valedictorian.

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:

It’s easier to see in an example:

Scientist Resume Examples—Extra Sections

Good Example

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
Bad Example

Hobbies

  • Twitch streaming
  • Roller derby

Office Software

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

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.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines, ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets. Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Bart Turczynski

Bart Turczynski’s career advice and commentary have been published by Glassdoor, The Chicago Tribune, Workopolis, The Financial Times, Hewlett-Packard, and CareerBuilder, among others. Bart’s mission is to promote the best, data-informed, and up-to-date career advice through numerous online communities and publications. Bart’s lifelong passion for politics and a strong background in psychology make all the advice he publishes unique and supported by detailed research.

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