Biology CV Examples & Templates

Candidates in the biology field need a balanced mix of soft and hard skills to perform their jobs and attract the hiring manager’s attention. For example:

• Investigation 
• Research and observation
• Documentation & reporting
• Foreign languages & level of proficiency
• Cultural competence
• Analytical and quantitative skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Statistical test and outcome prediction
• Community outreach
• Natural resource management

Your ideal resume format depends on your years of experience, skills and qualifications: 

• The functional format works best for candidates starting their careers and those changing industries. It focuses on your skills instead of experience.
• The combination format is ideal for candidates with under three to nine years of experience. It balances skills and experience. 
• The chronological format focuses on the applicant’s extensive experience. It works perfectly for candidates with a decade or more of experience. 

Choose a professional resume template to ensure you make the most out of the resume white spaces. And, remember to use action verbs and keywords from the job description to impress the hiring manager.

Employers seek candidates with a bachelor’s degree while technicians need an associate’s degree. You will need to complete a doctoral or professional degree to work as a researcher. 

Certifications add value to your skills and help set you apart in the candidate pool. Consider a certification for your focus of study; a few examples are:  

• ASCP Board of Certification (BOC)
• ASBMB Certification
• Certified Wildlife Biologist®
• Certified environmental consultants (BBEC)
• Applied Biostatistics Certificate
• Certificate in Advanced Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance (PDF)
• General Biology Certificate

Remember to include the issuing institution and, if applicable, the expiration date.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for the life, physical and social science occupations is $72,740. For example:

• Biological technicians $48,140 per year
• Microbiologists $79,269 per year
• Wildlife biologists $64,650 per year

These are salaries in related occupations: 

• Agricultural and food scientists: $74,160 per year
• Biochemists and biophysicists: $102,270 per year
• Environmental science and protection technicians: $47,370 per year
• Medical scientists: $95,310 per year
• Zoologists and wildlife biologists: $64,650 per year

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth for this occupation during this decade, with 147,900 annual job openings and 98,700 additional new jobs over the decade. In comparison, BLS projects a 5% growth for all occupations nationwide.