Biologist CV Examples & Templates
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Biologists are fundamental to advancing scientific understanding and applying this knowledge to innovate in health care, environmental conservation and biotechnology.
With our expertly crafted biologist CV samples and professional tips, we’ll help you craft an impressive CV highlighting your expertise in scientific research, data analysis and problem-solving skills.
Start by editing this CV template for a biologist job, or explore our library of customizable 40+ CV templates to find one that matches your unique style.
Biologist CV example (text version)
Evander Williams
Philadelphia, PA 19111
555 555 5555
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Summary Statement
Skilled and knowledgeable biologist with a proven record of accurate and reliable results in the lab for the past 14 years. Experience with collecting data and conducting experiments for studies in a variety of industries. Expertise with high-tech tools and scientific instruments in all aspects of the job. Strong background in a supervisory role for research assistants, interns and those who are new to the field.
Core Qualifications
- Research management
- Data collection and analysis
- Laboratory techniques
- PCR and qPCR
- Microscopy
- Gel electrophoresis
- Scientific communication
- GIS and Remote Sensing
- Experimental design
- Writing reports
Education
- Temple University Philadelphia, PA
Ph.D. Bioinformatics - Temple University Philadelphia, PA
Professional Science Master’s Biotechnology - Temple University Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Science Biology
Work Experience
November 2019 – Current
ERM – Philadelphia, PA
Lead Biologist
- Gather data using controlled experiments and keep materials organized to study changes or trends.
- Use computers to keep track of results and input information about potential studies, materials used and information learned from experiments.
- Supervise and train a team of 15 other scientists, research assistants, interns and students in the science lab setting.
- Lead grant proposal writing, securing $50,000 in funding for a cell biology research project.
September 2013 – October 2019
Jefferson Health – Philadelphia, PA
Biologist
- Conducted research on specific biological populations by collecting samples from the field and creating conditions for an experiment.
- Published reports detailing findings after 18 months of research and indicated conclusions learned from the data.
- Conducted biological analyses for a $20 million project and determined new methods to improve research issues.
- Achieved a 25% increase in experimental efficiency by introducing streamlined protocols for DNA purification.
June 2009 – August 2013
Temple University – Philadelphia, PA
Biologist Assistant
- Attended industry conferences and events throughout the country to represent the organization and its goals.
- Supervised a team of 10 student interns throughout their work in a biological lab as they used experiences to earn college credit.
- Collaborated with community members and leaders about the nature of the lab’s work and reached out to show some of the lab’s benefits.
- Utilized confocal microscopy to visualize subcellular structures and perform quantitative image analysis.
Research Experience
- Interpreted data and made recommendations from findings as a research analyst in “Investigating Gene Expression Patterns and Regulations,” (2021) at Temple University.
- Analyzed statistical data using both modern and traditional methods as a research assistant in “Investigating Cellular Signaling Pathways and Proteins Interactions,” (2019) at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create representative graphs and charts highlighting results for presentations in “Patterns and Interpretation Techniques,” (2016) at the University of California.
- Validated incoming data to check information accuracy and integrity while independently locating and correcting concerns in “Diversity and Function of Microorganisms in Various Environments,” (2015) at Temple University.
Publications
- Williams, E. (2023). Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. Biology Open, 12(7), 210-225. https://journals.biologists.com/bio
- Williams, E. (2023). Handling and Analyzing Large-Scale Data Sets.
- Journal of the American Statistical Association, 118(3), 100-110. https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/uasa20/current
- Williams, E. (2023). Exploring DNA Repair Mechanisms and Genomic
- Stability Technologies. BMC Biology, 32(2), 40-45. https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/
Conference Presentations
- Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of Organogenesis Conference – (2023)
- Exploring Data Analysis and Data Cleaning Today – (2022)
- Genomics and Informatics: Opportunities and Challenges – (2021)
- Cell Biology and Signaling Conference – (2019)
Conference Attendance
- For Complex Biologic Summit, Philadelphia, PA – (2023)
- The Biology of Genomes, New York, NY – (2023)
- Joint Statistical Meetings, (JSM) Washington, DC. – (2022)
- Workshop on Design of Experiments, virtual (DOE) – (2022)
2022 CSP, virtual – (2022)
Professional affiliations and memberships
- American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) – (2023)
- American Society of Cell Biology (ASCB) – (2022)
- Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (SICB) – (2021)
Profession Relevant Skills
- Excellent attention to detail and incredible organizational skills, which keep me focused on the small parts of each experiment.
- Strong computer and data entry skills with experience in software such as C++, Perl, Excel, Access, SQL and LabVIEW.
- Expertise with scientific tools and instruments for data collection and experiments, such as pipettes, microscopes and centrifuges.
- Dedicated to performing experiments safely and following all of the proper regulations to ensure reliability.
- Excellent written communication skills when preparing proposals, grant requests, study summaries and research papers.
HOBBIES AND INTERESTS
When I am not in the lab, I enjoy going out and seeing the world. I have backpacked and hiked all over the North American continent and visited many national parks. For the past several years, I have been slowly working on hiking various trails in and around Europe. Each summer, during my vacation time, I work on a new trail and hiking adventure trip.
Important CV sections
Contact details
Without contact information, hiring managers cannot invite you for an interview. Create a section at the top of your biologist CV for your contact details and display them as follows: Your full name, then your city, state and ZIP code, followed by your phone number and professional email address. If you have a LinkedIn profile, add this as well.
Personal statement
A biologist CV professional summary is a concise three-to-five-sentence statement that provides an overview of your career, highlighting your strongest job-relevant skills and one or two quantifiable achievements and accomplishments that showcase your contributions to the field. For example:
Accomplished and dedicated biologist with over eight years of experience in ecological research and environmental conservation. Expert in data analysis, field research, and academic publishing. Proven track record of leading successful research projects that enhance understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. Strong analytical and communication skills, capable of collaborating effectively with cross-disciplinary teams to achieve scientific goals.
See our expertly crafted examples for additional biologist CV summary examples. If you are just starting your career, consider writing a CV objective statement that focuses on your educational background and enthusiasm for the field.
Skills
Use bullet points to create a balanced skills section for your biologist CV. Refer to our biologist sample CV for an example of how to format your skills section effectively. Here are some essential skills for a biologist:
- Research and Data Analysis: Biologists must be proficient in conducting detailed research and statistical analysis to interpret data accurately.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial for biologists to effectively disseminate research findings, write scientific papers, and collaborate with peers.
- Problem-solving: Biologists must identify and resolve scientific or environmental issues through innovative and practical solutions.
Match as many skills from the job description as possible. As shown in our sample biologist CV, it’s beneficial to include hard skills like fieldwork proficiency and laboratory techniques and soft skills like teamwork, adaptability and critical thinking.
Work history
Your biologist CV must include a work history section, regardless of whether this is your first professional role. Start with your most recent position, and provide the names of organizations, their locations, and the dates of your employment.
Include three bullet points of measurable achievements for each job you list. Here are a few examples of biologist CV bullet points that effectively describe key duties and responsibilities:
- Conducted extensive field research in the Amazon rainforest, contributing to a 15% increase in the documented biodiversity of the area.
- Optimized laboratory protocols for genetic sequencing, reducing process times by 20% and increasing data accuracy.
- Collaborated on a cross-functional team to publish a study on coral reef bleaching in ‘Nature,’ which has been cited over 100 times and has influenced conservation policies globally.
Explore our resume examples for biologists to see additional work history section samples and tailor your CV to highlight your specific achievements and contributions to the field.
Education
Your biologist CV must include an education section. Begin with your most advanced degree and list others in reverse chronological order. Include each institution’s name, location, and graduation year.
Here are the typical educational requirements for a biologist:
- Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry or a related field is highly desirable for research and academic positions.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a closely related scientific discipline is generally required for entry-level positions.
List any additional certifications or continuing education courses relevant to the biology field. This could include specialized courses in molecular biology, field research techniques, or bioinformatics.
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Action words for your CV
Strong action words help to set you apart and make your CV shine by clearly conveying your experience and accomplishments.
Take a look at any great biologist CV examples and you’ll notice the difference they make. We recommend combining these verbs with numbers and metrics to make sure your application is memorable.
Here’s a short list of perfect action words for a biologist CV:
- Gather
- Collect
- Study
- Investigate
- Analyze
- Conduct
- Review
- Publish
- Present
- Collaborate
- Observe
- Test
- Identify
- Classify
- Monitor
- Track
- Develop
- Design
- Modify
- Teach
- Mentor
- Supervise
- Train
- Improve
- Conserve
- Solve
Want more inspiration? We have 300+ CV examples to help you write a biologist CV.
Best skills for your CV
Review the job description closely and match the required skills to the ones that fit you.
Your biologist CV skills section should feature skills such as the following:
- Knowledge of scientific research methodologies
- Data collection
- Data analysis and visualization
- Mathematical modeling
- Use of scientific tools and laboratory equipment
- Microscopy
- DNA extraction
- PCR
- Cell culture
- DNA sequencing
- Gene expression analysis
- Gene editing
- Comparative genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Field observation
- Sample collection
- Ecological surveys
- Population surveys
- Remote sensing
- Environmental monitoring
- Taxonomy and classification
- Species identification
- Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations
- Proficiency in various statistical software programs
- LabVIEW
- Scientific writing
- Report writing
Our CV Maker has all the tools you need to create a professional CV in minutes. All you have to do is fill in one of our templates; you can pick a sample CV template for a biologist role to make it even easier. You can then make edits whenever you want, download your document and save it as a PDF, .doc or plain text file when you’re finished.
Certifications for your CV
Employers of biologists typically want candidates to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree; a Ph.D. might be required for certain research positions.
Earning a certification is not typically mandatory, but it can greatly enhance your CV by demonstrating expertise in specialized areas of biology and indicating that you meet specified standards of excellence.
It also shows that you’re committed to growing professionally and staying current on the latest research and developments in the field.
There are various well-recognized certifications available for biologists across a range of different specializations. Here’s a sample:
- Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB)
- Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) Certification Program
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Certification
- Professional Ecologist Certification
Pair your CV with a matching cover letter
FAQ
What should be included in a biologist CV?
Earlier on this page, we covered some of the essential sections to include in a CV for a biologist role. To ensure your CV stands out, here are some additional details you might consider including:
- The full name of your degree(s), including your major and minor fields of study and any certifications you’ve obtained since graduating.
- Detailed descriptions of notable accomplishments from previous biologist jobs, ideally quantified with data to highlight your impact.
- Membership in professional associations is a sign of active engagement in the field.
- Awards and honors you’ve received that recognize your contributions to research or professional practice.
- Citations of published work in respected industry journals and publications that demonstrate your expertise and contribution to the scientific community.
- Presentations and posters you have delivered at conferences, including any leadership roles you’ve taken in organizing sessions or panels.
- A comprehensive list of laboratory techniques and equipment you are proficient with, as well as any specialized statistical software.
- Ongoing professional development activities, such as recent workshops or seminars you’ve attended, show your commitment to staying current in your field.
- A short description of relevant hobbies and interests that connect to your professional interests to provide a more personal touch and show your passion for biology outside of the laboratory.
By including these details, you present a well-rounded picture of your professional and personal engagement in biology, making your CV more attractive to potential employers.
How do you write an objective for a biologist CV?
In today’s job market, an objective statement may not be necessary for your CV unless you’re a newcomer or shifting to a new industry.
Typically, objective statements are beneficial for those without substantial relevant work experience, as they clarify the candidate’s career goals and highlight their personal attributes and academic credentials.
However, as demonstrated in our biologist CV example, a professional summary has become the more contemporary choice. This summary should succinctly showcase your value as a candidate in three sentences or bullet points, focusing on the unique benefits you can offer the employer.
It’s crucial to tailor this section to align your skills and experiences with the specific needs outlined in the job description. While writing in the first person can make your summary more relatable, it’s advisable to minimize the use of ‘I’ to keep the text crisp and focused.
What’s the best CV format for a biologist?
One key difference between a CV and a resume is the flexibility in formatting a CV, unlike the three standard formats typically used for resumes. The organization of your CV should cater specifically to the job you’re applying for, your career goals, and the extent of your professional experience.
For instance, recent graduates or career changers might benefit from a CV format highlighting educational credentials and skills up front. Conversely, seasoned biologists with extensive work experience may prefer a format emphasizing their progressive career trajectory.
Beyond the structural organization, visual formatting is equally critical. Opt for a professional and readable font to ensure your CV is as impactful as possible. Use consistent spacing and bullet points to enhance readability and draw attention to key areas of your CV.
Should you include references on a biologist CV?
Including a references section on your CV is generally unnecessary, even if you’ve worked with notable professors or researchers in your field.
This section often occupies valuable space that could be better used to highlight your skills, qualifications, and experiences.
Employers typically request references later in the hiring process, so unless the job posting specifically asks for them, it’s advisable to omit this section, as demonstrated in our biologist CV sample.
Best practices
- Highlight measurable achievements to showcase your skills and experience as a biologist effectively.
- Utilize action verbs to enhance the impact of your descriptions in your biologist CV.
- Customize your CV specifically for each biologist role you apply for.
- Include relevant keywords from the job description to improve ATS compatibility and relevance.
- Ensure your CV is formatted for easy readability, both for ATS software and human reviewers.
- Misrepresent your biology background or skills.
- Overstate your expertise; instead, provide concrete examples of your contributions and achievements.
- Include personal details unrelated to your professional qualifications, such as ethnicity or age.
- List skills or experiences that do not pertain to the biologist role you are targeting.
- Neglect to proofread your CV; errors can appear unprofessional and may detract from your credibility.
Interview tips
Learn about the employer before your interview.
Before your interview, take the time to understand the organization or institution you’re applying to thoroughly. This prepares you for the interview and demonstrates your dedication and genuine interest in the position. Consider researching the following areas:
- Organizational background: Familiarize yourself with the institution’s history, size, and location. Gain a clear understanding of the organization’s core research areas, services, products, and its primary beneficiaries or customers.
- Industry context: Delve into the organization’s scientific field or industry sector. Identify current research trends, emerging technologies, and the sector’s significant challenges. This knowledge will help you understand the role’s context and the institution’s positioning within the broader scientific community.
- Competitive landscape: Investigate the organization’s main competitors or key players in the same field. Understanding how the organization differentiates itself from competitors can provide insights into its strategic priorities and areas of excellence.
- Key personnel: Learn about key organizational figures such as department heads, senior scientists, or project leaders. Understanding their backgrounds and research interests can help tailor your discussion points and questions during the interview.
Researching these aspects shows your commitment to the role and your proactive approach, qualities highly valued in scientific and academic fields. Such preparation can significantly distinguish you from other candidates.
Practice!
Practicing interview questions is essential to prepare effectively for a biologist position. Start by reviewing common interview questions to understand what employers typically want to know:
- General Questions:
- How do you prioritize when scheduling your time?
- When given an important assignment, how do you approach it?
- What two or three things are most important in your job?
- Behavioral Questions:
- Describe a time when you had to face a stressful scenario.
- How would your current or previous supervisors describe you?
- What qualities do you think contribute to professional success in biology?
- Job-Specific Questions for Biologists:
- How do you manage and prioritize your research projects and laboratory tasks?
- Can you describe a time when you had to implement a new technique or technology in your research? What was the outcome?
- How do you ensure data integrity and confidentiality in your research?
- Can you provide an example of how you’ve collaborated with other researchers or departments on a project?
- Discuss a challenging research problem you encountered and how you resolved it.
For each question, prepare two or three potential responses. Consider incorporating examples from your previous research experience, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to new challenges.
- General Questions:
Ask questions.
After your interview, you will have the opportunity to ask questions. This is a crucial part of the interview process, and you should prepare at least three insightful questions in advance. Candidates who do not ask questions may appear disinterested or unreflective to hiring managers, which can negatively impact their chances of being selected.
Here are some thoughtful questions you might consider asking if you are interviewing for a biologist position:
- How does this position contribute to the organization’s research goals or mission?
- What kind of supervision and support structure is in place to facilitate professional growth within this role?
- Could you provide more details about the laboratory facilities and the types of equipment available to staff?
Asking these questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge whether the position aligns with your career objectives and working style.
Have references ready.
Having professional references ready before your interview will prepare you if the hiring manager decides to move forward.
Create a list of two former colleagues and a former supervisor who would be willing to speak about your abilities as a biologist and who you know will give you a stellar review.
It’s even better if they’re open to writing a letter of recommendation for you. If you are applying for your first full-time job, use contacts from your studies and any internships or volunteer work you’ve done.
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Dr. Jasmine Escalera, a seasoned Career Expert with 15+ years of experience, dedicated to supporting professionals in finding the right roles, fostering inclusive workplaces, and advocating for equitable pay.
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