Research CV Examples & Templates

Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW
By Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW, Career Advice Expert Last Updated: December 04, 2024
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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

  1. 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: example

  2. Personal 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 2023

    Relevant 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. 

  6. 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. 

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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

  1. 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. 

  2. 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:

    Use the STAR method or the PAR method to answer questions effectively and keep track of your answers. 

  3. 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?
  4. 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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