Research CV Examples & Templates
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A research CV will highlight your specialized knowledge and experience in methodology, clinical trials and analysis, along with your robust academic background. Whether you’re writing a CV to apply to academia, for a grant application or to pursue consultant opportunities, a well-made research CV will help you stand out.
In this guide, you’ll find tips and examples to showcase your expertise in machine learning, data collection, and project management, among other research skills.
Marketing Researcher
Chemistry Researcher
Biology Research Assistant
Psychology Research Assistant
Research CV Example (Text Version)
Kevin Ortiz
Los Angeles, CA 90003
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Summary Statement
Dedicated research assistant with seven years of experience conducting, analyzing and publishing behavioral and cognitive studies. Proven ability to manage research protocols, collect and analyze complex data sets, and co-author publications in psychology journals. Adept at collaborating in interdisciplinary teams, mentoring undergraduate students and presenting findings at national conferences. Recognized for increasing lab efficiency by 20% through streamlined data collection processes.
Core Qualifications
- Experimental design
- Neuropsychological assessment
- Academic writing and editing
- Problem-solving
- Data analysis (SPSS, R, Python)
- Survey development (Qualtrics)
- Statistical modeling
- Communication and teamwork
Education
Ph.D. – Psychology • University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Expected in June 2025
- GPA: 3.7
- Association for Psychological Science (APS)
Master of Science – Counselling • Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
- GPA: 3.9/4.0
- Honors: Summa cum laude
- Relevant Coursework: Cognitive Neuroscience, Statistical Methods in Psychology, Behavioral Research Design
Bachelor of Arts – Psychology • University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Honors: Magna cum laude, Dean’s List
- Relevant Coursework: Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, Advanced Statistics
- Student Psychology Association, vice president
Work Experience
Research Assistant • University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • September 2021 to Current
- Design and implement experimental protocols, collecting data from over 200 participants using SPSS and Qualtrics.
- Publish two peer-reviewed articles on cognitive bias, contributing to a 15% increase in lab funding.
- Train and supervise over 10 undergraduate interns, improving data accuracy by 25%.
Lab Technician • Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA • June 2019 to August 2021
- Conducted neuropsychological assessments for over 120 participants, contributing to a project with a $1.2M grant.
- Streamlined equipment setup, reducing experiment preparation time by 30%.
- Created and maintained detailed documentation for research protocols, achieving 100% compliance in external audits.
Teaching Assistant, Psychology 101 • University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • June 2017 to May 2019
- Assisted in curriculum design for a 100-student undergraduate psychology course.
- Led two weekly study sessions, increasing average exam scores by 18%.
- Provided feedback on 200 student assignments, enhancing understanding of experimental methods by 25%.
Research Experience
“The Impact of Stress on Memory Recall,” University of California, Los Angeles
- Designed a study with 150 participants, yielding statistically significant results with implications for therapeutic applications.
“Neurocognitive Patterns in ADHD,” University of California, Los Angeles
- Conducted data collection and analysis for over 200 participants, leading to publication in a high-impact journal.
“Behavioral Interventions for Anxiety Disorders,” Loyola Marymount University Psychology Lab
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop interventions with a 35% reduction in reported symptoms.
“Counseling and Mental Health in Young Adults,” Loyola Marymount University Psychology Lab
- Developed research statements and ran surveys and interviews in “Counseling and Mental Health In Young Adults.”
Publications
- Ortiz, K., & Smith, B. (2023). The role of cognitive bias in decision-making under stress. Journal of Behavioral Science, 29(3), 45–67. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyy
- Ortiz, K., & Torres, B. (2022). Exploring social perception through experimental frameworks. Psychological Studies, 18(2), 123–134. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyy
- Ortiz, K., & Connor, A. (2021). Neuropsychological trends in aging populations. Cognitive Science Quarterly, 12(4), 56–78. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyy
- Ortiz, K., & Kim, S. (2020). Statistical innovations in behavioral research. Research Methods Journal, 15(1), 89–102. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyy
Conference Presentations
- The Psychology of Social Media: Impact on Mental Health and Behavior – (2024)
- The Science of Resilience: How Individuals Bounce Back from Adversity – (2024)
- The Development of Emotional Intelligence Across the Lifespan – (2023)
- The Psychology of Motivation: Unlocking Human Potential – (2022)
- Cultural Influences on Psychological Processes and Mental Health – (2021)
Conference Attendance
- American Psychological Association (APA) Annual Convention – (2024)
- Association for Psychological Science (APS) Annual Convention – (2023)
- Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) Annual Meeting – (2022)
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) Annual Conference – (2021)
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Association for Psychological Science (APS)
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Certifications
- Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)
- Advanced-Data Analysis Certification
- Human Subjects Research Certification, CITI Program
Important CV Sections
Contact details
Start with a professional header including your name, phone number, and email address. In this section, you should also link to your professional portfolio, Github or other professional networking profiles, like Bold.pro or LinkedIn profile.
For example:
Melinda Hartman
Dallas, TX 75089
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Bold.pro: example
LinkedIn: examplePersonal statement
A CV can work as a marketing tool. Use the personal statement to introduce your career in about five sentences. If you’re using your CV to apply for a job, tailor it to the application by including your strongest relevant qualification.
Follow this formula:
[Opening Statement] [Key Skills and Experience] [Achievements] [Professional Interests] [Closing Statement]
For example:
Dynamic research professional with a master’s degree in biotechnology, specializing in molecular biology and genetic engineering. Extensive laboratory experience includes independent research on CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, resulting in a publication in a reputable journal. Strong analytical skills developed through coursework in biostatistics and research design enhance the ability to interpret complex data effectively. Proven leadership in the Biotechnology Student Association fostered engagement between students and industry professionals. Eager to contribute to innovative projects in healthcare and environmental sustainability as a research assistant.
Skills
Create a bulleted list with 6 to 12 skills showcasing your research knowledge. Focus on hard skills like machine learning, quantitative analysis and statistics. Also, include a few soft skills, which tell an employer how you work and how you work with others.
Work history
Whether you already have experience in research or starting your career, your work experience shows what you’ve already accomplished in your career.
In your work history section, include your role, the name of the employer, and the dates worked. With each entry, include three bullet points with quantifiable achievements. These accomplishments should highlight your research skills. If you’re new to the field, emphasize your transferable skills.
For example:
Graduate Researcher
Center for Health Policy Research, University of ABC, City, State
September 2019 – May 2021- Led a project examining the social determinants of health in underserved communities, utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Collected and analyzed survey data using statistical software (SPSS, R) to identify correlations between health outcomes and socioeconomic factors.
- Presented research findings at national conferences and contributed to a publication in a leading public health journal.
No formal experience yet? You can list your volunteer work, internship and other similar experiences in place of your work experience.
Education
Create a robust education section including relevant courses, research projects, capstone projects or thesis, membership organizations, internships, fellowships, volunteer work and clubs.
For example:
Master of Science in Biotechnology
University of XYZ, City, State
May 2023Relevant Coursework: Advanced Molecular Biology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics,
Genetic Engineering Techniques, Research Design and Methodology, Bioprocessing and Industrial Applications, Ethical Issues in Biotechnology
Thesis: “Optimization of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing in Eukaryotic Cells.”
Conducted extensive laboratory research on gene editing techniques, resulting in a publication in the Journal of Biotechnology.
Extracurricular Activities: Biotechnology Student Association.
Served as Vice President; organized seminars and networking events with industry professionals.
Graduate Research Symposium: Presented research findings, receiving the “Best Presentation” award.Remember, CVs are thorough. Don’t shy away from including information that will help you stand out.
Optional sections
Based on your career objectives and the purpose of your CV, you may choose to include additional sections to help you stand out.
For example:
- Conferences — Include your role, name of the event and year.
- Presentations — Include your topic, the event and the year.
- Awards and honor — Include the name and issuing institution or organization.
- Professional affiliations — Use the full name followed by its acronym.
- Research interest — Write a concise and strong sentence or two.
- Certifications and licenses: Write the certification title, institution and year of completion.
- Language — Include your level of proficiency, like native, business, or conversational. If you’re applying for a job in another country, use their language-level framework.
- Collaborative projects — Include a few lines explaining your role as well as the purpose and outcome of the project.
- Hobbies — This can be a conversation starter and help present you as a well-rounded candidate. If you can make it relevant to the role, even better.
See why MyPerfectResume is a 5-star resume builder
Action Verbs for a CV
Empower your quantifiable accomplishments by combining them with action verbs. These are only a few examples your researcher CV could use.
- Analyze
- Author
- Collaborate
- Collect
- Conduct
- Design
- Develop
- Evaluate
- Execute
- Facilitate
- Implement
- Interpret
- Manage
- Optimize
- Present
- Publish
- Review
- Synthesize
- Train
- Validate
Find more examples using these and other action words in our 300+ CV examples.
Best Skills for a CV
These are examples of the best skills you could include in your research CV:
- Statistical Analysis
- Data Collection
- Programming
- Literature Review
- Research Design
- Qualitative Analysis
- Quantitative Analysis
- Technical Writing
- Data Visualization
- Laboratory Techniques
- GIS and Spatial Analysis
- Experimental Techniques
- Bioinformatics
- Project Management
- Ethical Compliance
Looking for other skills? Check out our AI skills Generator. Input the role you’re applying for, and you’ll get a list of possible skills for your researcher CV.
Certifications for CVs
Certifications and licenses can empower your qualifications and highlight your expertise. These are only a few examples of different research areas:
- Research Ethics Certification
- Certified Research Scientist (CRS)
- Certified Market Research Analyst (CMRA)
If you’re in technology, consider these:
- Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
- AWS Certified Data Analytics in your Specialty
For candidates in the medical field:
- Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)
- Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC)
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certification
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
- Certified Medical Research Associate (CMRA)
Pair your CV with a matching cover letter
FAQ
How to write research interest in a CV?
- Write a clear header. For example: “Research Interest” or “Research Focus.”
- Use bullet points to spell out your interest.
- Be as specific and concise as possible. For example, instead of listing AI in the healthcare industry, use the Application of AI-Driven Predictive Analytics for the Early Detection of Chronic Diseases.
- Incorporate keywords from the application, if possible.
- Avoid industry jargon. Everyone should be able to understand your CV, not every reader will have the same knowledge in your field.
How to put research experience on a CV?
To highlight your research experience above other experiences, create a section and title it “Research Experience.” Then, follow the same format as in your work history by including the name of the research, the organization you worked with and the dates.
For example:
Research Volunteer
Local Health Department, Marietta, Georgia
June 2020 – June 2001
- Supported ongoing research projects on the impact of telemedicine in chronic disease management, collecting and analyzing patient feedback data.
- Assisted in research reports and presentations for stakeholders, highlighting key findings and recommendations for improving telehealth services.
You can also include your research experience as a job under your work history, following the same format.
How to write a CV for a research internship?
A CV for a research internship follows the same format as above. Your focus will be on your academic background. Create a thorough education section, including your relevant coursework and extracurricular activities, if any.
If you already have had research experience, include it as a separate section to catch the reader’s attention.
How to write research publications in a CV?
To effectively present your research publications in a CV, create a dedicated section titled “Publications.” Use bullet points for clarity and ease of reading. Be constant in your formatting throughout this section. Select a citation style that aligns with your industry—such as APA, MLA, or Chicago—and apply it uniformly to all entries
If you’re using a few selected publications to tailor your CV, add it to your title “Selected Publications.” Then, use bullet points to point the reader to your portfolio. For example:
- Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2023). The impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare outcomes. *Journal of Medical Informatics*, 45(2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmi.2023.01.001
- Smith, J. (2022). Exploring machine learning techniques for predictive analytics in chronic disease management. *Master’s Thesis, University of Health Sciences*. https://www.universityhealthsciences.edu/thesis/smith2022
- Full publication list available at www.website.com.
Best Practices
- Use measurable achievements to describe your research skills and experience.
- Use action words to empower your research CV.
- Tailor your CV to your target researcher job.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your research CV.
- Format your researcher so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
- Lie about your research experience and skills.
- Boast about your “incomparable” research abilities.
- Include irrelevant personal information, such as your ethnicity and age.
- Forget to proofread. A research CV with errors is unprofessional.
Interview Tips
Research, research, research
As you start the application process, research the opportunity and learn as much as possible.
Learn about their mission and values. This will help you prepare a better application and answer interview questions with knowledge and confidence.
Use their official channel, like their “About Us” section, news, and ask previous participants or employees.
Practice at home
Find commonly asked interview questions and do a mock interview at home. Ask a trusted person for feedback on your answers and body language.
For example:
- Tell me about a time you created a goal and achieved it.
- Why did you choose this career?
- What Two or Three Things Are Most Important to You in Your Job?
Use the STAR method or the PAR method to answer questions effectively and keep track of your answers.
Prepare questions for the interview
Write down at least three questions to ask during or at the end of the interview. This is your chance to interview the interviewer.
For example:
- What’s the ideal candidate you’re looking for?
- Why did you choose to be a part of this institution?
- What do you expect from the candidate in the first 30 days? 90 days?
- What’s the day-to-day like?
Gather your references
As soon as the application process starts, prepare your reference sheet. You can use the same format as your CV. Your references should be able to vouch for your expertise in the field and who you are as a candidate. Ask managers and colleagues or, if you are about to enter the field, professors, classmates and mentors.
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