Biochemist Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Biochemist Resume examples

What happens when you combine the precision of chemistry with the complexity of living systems? You get biochemistry—a field where molecular mysteries meet real-world applications. From developing life-saving pharmaceuticals to creating sustainable biofuels, biochemists operate at the fascinating intersection of multiple scientific disciplines. The field has seen remarkable growth, with the emergence of CRISPR gene editing technology transforming everything from agriculture to medicine in just the past decade. (Not many scientific tools go from discovery to Nobel Prize in under 10 years!)

The demand for skilled biochemists continues to climb, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 15% growth rate through 2029—nearly three times faster than the average for all occupations. This surge isn't surprising given biochemistry's expanding footprint in unexpected industries. Beyond traditional pharmaceutical roles, today's biochemists are tackling climate change through carbon capture research, revolutionizing food production with plant-based proteins, and even developing biodegradable alternatives to plastics. As we face increasingly complex global challenges, the biochemist's toolkit of analytical thinking and molecular expertise will become more valuable than ever.

Junior Biochemist Resume Example

Mira Patel

Boston, MA • (617) 555-8921 • mira.patel@email.com • linkedin.com/in/mirapatel

Professional Summary

Recent Biochemistry graduate with research experience in protein isolation techniques and CRISPR applications. Lab skills include gel electrophoresis, PCR, and Western blotting with hands-on experience using HPLC and mass spectrometry. Seeking to leverage my analytical skills and wet lab expertise in a research-focused biochemist role.

Experience

Research Assistant – Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA
January 2023 – Present

  • Support senior scientists in developing assays for small molecule drug screening, resulting in identification of 3 promising compounds for further testing
  • Perform sample preparation, protein purification, and analytical testing of biological samples using HPLC and LC-MS/MS
  • Maintain detailed documentation of experimental procedures and results in electronic lab notebook
  • Present weekly findings to research team, incorporating feedback into experimental design

Laboratory Intern – Davis Biochemical Research Institute, Cambridge, MA
May 2022 – December 2022

  • Assisted in enzyme kinetics studies focusing on metabolic pathway regulation
  • Conducted protein isolation and purification using chromatography techniques
  • Prepared chemical reagents and maintained inventory of laboratory supplies
  • Collaborated with grad students on a project investigating enzyme inhibition that led to a poster presentation

Undergraduate Research Assistant – Boston University, Department of Biochemistry
September 2020 – May 2022

  • Performed PCR, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting for faculty research on cell signaling
  • Cultured mammalian cell lines and assisted with basic cell-based assays
  • Collected and looked at data using GraphPad Prism, contributing to a publication in J. Biochem Research (credited in acknowledgments)

Education

Boston University – Boston, MA
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Minor in Computational Biology
GPA: 3.78/4.0
Graduated: May 2022

Relevant Coursework: Advanced Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics

Technical Skills

  • Laboratory: HPLC, PCR, Western blotting, gel electrophoresis, protein purification, cell culture, mass spectrometry
  • Computational: Python (basic), R programming, GraphPad Prism, MS Office Suite
  • Analytical: Statistical analysis, experimental design, protocol optimization
  • Safety: BSL-1 and BSL-2 lab safety protocols, chemical handling

Certifications & Professional Development

  • Laboratory Safety and Hazardous Materials Training (2022)
  • Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Certification (2023)
  • Introduction to Bioinformatics Workshop – Broad Institute (2021)

Professional Affiliations

  • American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Student Member)
  • Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) – Boston Chapter

Mid-level Biochemist Resume Example

Adrian T. Winters

Boston, MA | (617) 555-8241 | atwinters@emailpro.com | linkedin.com/in/adriantwinters

Detail-oriented biochemist with 6+ years of experience in protein analysis, assay development, and drug discovery. Proven track record of optimizing analytical methods that reduced testing time by 31%. Strong background in chromatography techniques with expertise in HPLC/UPLC and mass spectrometry. Team player who thrives in collaborative research environments while maintaining independent project ownership.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Biochemist – Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA (March 2021 – Present)

  • Lead protein characterization studies for 3 pre-clinical drug candidates, developing custom assays that identified key binding mechanisms
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot analytical challenges, reducing experiment failure rate from 17% to 4.2%
  • Oversee method transfer to QC lab, ensuring reproducibility across different instrument platforms
  • Train and mentor 2 junior scientists in protein purification techniques and data analysis
  • Author technical reports and SOPs for regulatory submission packages

Biochemist II – Biogen, Cambridge, MA (July 2018 – February 2021)

  • Developed and validated 7 bioanalytical methods for protein quantification using LC-MS/MS
  • Optimized sample preparation workflows that decreased processing time by 31% while maintaining analytical sensitivity
  • Collaborated with computational team to integrate automated data processing, eliminating ~14 hours of manual analysis per week
  • Presented research findings at quarterly team meetings and contributed to 2 peer-reviewed publications

Research Associate – Moderna Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA (August 2016 – June 2018)

  • Conducted stability studies of mRNA constructs under various storage conditions
  • Performed routine protein expression and purification using FPLC techniques
  • Maintained detailed experimental records and managed inventory of lab supplies
  • Assisted senior scientists with data compilation and preliminary analysis

EDUCATION

Master of Science, Biochemistry – University of Massachusetts, Boston (2016)
Thesis: “Structural Characterization of Novel Protein-RNA Interactions in Cellular Stress Response”

Bachelor of Science, Chemistry – Boston College (2014)
Minor: Biology | GPA: 3.78/4.0

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Protein Purification & Characterization: FPLC, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, ELISA
  • Analytical Techniques: HPLC/UPLC, LC-MS/MS, spectrophotometry
  • Enzymatic Assays: Kinetics, inhibition studies, high-throughput screening
  • Molecular Biology: PCR, cloning, recombinant protein expression
  • Data Analysis: GraphPad Prism, JMP, basic R programming
  • Software: Waters Empower, Agilent OpenLab, Spotfire
  • Lab Equipment: Maintenance and troubleshooting of analytical instruments

CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Waters UPLC Operation & Maintenance Certification (2019)
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Training (2018, renewed 2021)
Radiation Safety Certification (2017)
Member – American Chemical Society (2014-present)

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Winters, A.T., et al. (2020). “Novel Approach for Quantification of Low-Abundance Proteins Using Targeted LC-MS/MS.” Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis, 14(3), 225-237.

Chen, K., Winters, A.T., Zhang, L. (2019). “Stability Profiles of mRNA-based Therapeutics Under Various Storage Conditions.” Biotechnology Progress, 35(2), 112-128.

Senior / Experienced Biochemist Resume Example

Melissa C. Thornton, Ph.D.

Boston, MA • (617) 555-8219 • m.thornton@emaildomain.com • linkedin.com/in/melissacthornton

Biochemist with 9+ years of experience specializing in protein analysis and enzyme kinetics. Proven track record of developing novel assay methods that reduced analysis time by 43% while maintaining precision standards. Published researcher with 7 peer-reviewed publications and experience mentoring junior scientists. Looking to bring technical expertise and leadership to a senior biochemist role at a pharmaceutical research organization.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Biochemist | Vertex Pharmaceuticals | Cambridge, MA | October 2019 – Present

  • Lead team of 4 research associates in developing high-throughput screening methods for enzyme inhibitor discovery, resulting in identification of 3 lead compounds currently in pre-clinical testing
  • Optimized protein expression systems for difficult-to-express membrane proteins, increasing yield by 278% and enabling structural studies previously deemed unfeasible
  • Collaborate with computational chemistry group to validate in silico predictions through wet-lab experiments (hit rate improved from 12% to 37%)
  • Authored 4 internal technical reports and 3 peer-reviewed publications; presented findings at 2 international conferences
  • Serve as technical liaison between research and process development teams, facilitating smoother transitions from discovery to scale-up

Research Biochemist | Biogen | Cambridge, MA | June 2016 – September 2019

  • Designed and executed protein stability studies for biologic drug candidates, identifying formulation conditions that extended shelf-life by 14 months
  • Developed novel fluorescence-based assay for measuring protein-protein interactions that reduced analysis time from 3 days to 6 hours
  • Characterized enzymatic activity of therapeutic protein candidates using steady-state kinetics and stopped-flow techniques
  • Trained and mentored 3 junior scientists and 2 graduate student interns

Associate Scientist | Alkermes | Waltham, MA | August 2014 – May 2016

  • Performed routine biochemical analysis of drug formulations including HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting
  • Assisted senior scientists with method development and validation for release testing
  • Maintained lab equipment and managed inventory of reagents and supplies
  • Documented experimental procedures and results according to GLP standards

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Biochemistry | Boston University | Boston, MA | 2014

Dissertation: “Structural and Functional Analysis of Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Proteins”

B.S., Chemistry | University of Massachusetts | Amherst, MA | 2009

Minor: Molecular Biology | Graduated summa cum laude

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Protein Purification & Characterization: FPLC, HPLC, mass spectrometry, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting
  • Enzyme Kinetics: Michaelis-Menten analysis, inhibition studies, transient kinetics
  • Spectroscopy: UV-Vis, fluorescence, circular dichroism, stopped-flow
  • Molecular Biology: PCR, site-directed mutagenesis, recombinant protein expression
  • Analytical Techniques: DSC, ITC, DLS, analytical ultracentrifugation
  • Data Analysis: GraphPad Prism, Origin, R, basic Python scripting
  • Project Management: Research planning, timeline development, resource allocation

PUBLICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

  • Thornton MC, et al. “Novel fluorescence polarization assay for high-throughput screening of kinase inhibitors.” J Med Chem. 2022;65(12):8721-8730.
  • Laboratory Safety Certification (renewed 2023)
  • Project Management for Scientists, BioTech Learning Institute (2021)
  • GLP/GMP Compliance Training (2018)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

  • American Chemical Society (ACS), Member since 2009
  • Protein Society, Member since 2014
  • Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), Boston Chapter

How to Write a Biochemist Resume

Introduction

Breaking into the biochemistry field or advancing your career requires more than just lab skills—you need a resume that effectively showcases your scientific expertise. As someone who's reviewed hundreds of biochemist resumes, I can tell you that hiring managers typically spend just 7.4 seconds scanning your document before deciding whether to continue reading. Your resume needs to quickly communicate your technical capabilities, research experience, and analytical skills in a way that stands out from other candidates.

Resume Structure and Format

Keep your biochemist resume clean and organized—just like your lab notebook. The structure should follow a logical flow:

  • Length: 1-2 pages (fresh graduates stick to one; experienced researchers can use two)
  • Format: Use a simple, professional font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) at 10-12pt
  • Sections: Contact info, summary, skills, experience, education, publications (if applicable)
  • Margins: 0.5-1 inch all around
  • File type: PDF (preserves formatting across different systems)
Pro tip: Name your file strategically—"JaneDoe_Biochemist_Resume.pdf" helps hiring managers find your document easily when they've downloaded multiple applications.

Profile/Summary Section

Your summary should be a 3-4 line paragraph highlighting your expertise, specialization, and what makes you unique. Think of it as your "scientific abstract." For example:

Weak: "Hardworking biochemist with lab experience seeking a position in pharmaceutical research."

Strong: "Biochemist with 4+ years specializing in protein purification techniques and HPLC analysis. Reduced sample processing time by 31% through optimization of chromatography protocols at

Meridian Biosciences. Seeking to leverage expertise in biomarker identification to support Novus Pharmaceuticals' oncology research program."

Professional Experience

This is where you prove your scientific credibility. For each position:

  • Start with accomplishment-focused bullets rather than just listing duties
  • Quantify results whenever possible (percentages, time saved, publications)
  • Highlight technical skills used in each role
  • Show progression of responsibility if you've been at one organization
  • Include relevant internships or research assistantships if early in your career

Example bullet point: "Developed modified Western blot procedure that increased antibody sensitivity by 27% while reducing reagent costs by $1,875 annually."

Education and Certifications

For biochemists, education often carries significant weight. Include:

  • Degrees with major/minor, university name, location, graduation year
  • Relevant coursework (for recent graduates)
  • Thesis or dissertation title (if applicable)
  • GPA if above 3.5
  • Certifications (e.g., lab safety, specialized equipment training)
  • Continuing education or workshops in specialized techniques

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. To get past these digital gatekeepers:

  • Study the job description and mirror key terms in your resume
  • Include specific techniques you've mastered (PCR, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry)
  • Mention relevant software (ChemDraw, LIMS, statistical packages)
  • Don't abbreviate important keywords the first time they appear
  • Avoid tables, headers/footers, and text boxes which can confuse ATS

Industry-specific Terms

Sprinkle these throughout your resume (but only if you genuinely have experience with them):

  • Technical skills: chromatography, spectroscopy, PCR, ELISA, Western blotting
  • Equipment: HPLC, mass spectrometer, fluorescence microscopy
  • Software: BLAST, PyMOL, GraphPad Prism, R
  • Methodologies: assay development, protein purification, recombinant DNA technology

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic descriptions instead of specific techniques
  • Forgetting to list relevant publications or presentations
  • Overloading with technical jargon without explaining impact
  • Neglecting transferable skills like project management or team leadership
  • Including irrelevant personal information (hobbies unrelated to science)

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for running tests on samples and maintaining lab equipment."

After: "Analyzed 75+ serum samples weekly using ELISA and Western blot techniques to identify novel biomarkers for early-stage pancreatic cancer detection, contributing to research that secured $235K in additional grant funding."

Your biochemist resume should reflect both your technical prowess and your ability to apply that knowledge to solve real problems. Focus on tangible contributions, specialized skills, and the measurable impact of your work. And don't forget—have a colleague proofread your resume before sending it out. Even scientists make typos sometimes!

Soft skills for your Biochemist resume

  • Cross-functional team collaboration, particularly bridging gaps between research staff and commercial stakeholders during product development phases
  • Clear communication of complex scientific concepts to non-technical audiences (I once explained protein folding to our CEO using just a napkin and a coffee stirrer)
  • Conflict resolution when managing limited lab resources and equipment scheduling among competing research priorities
  • Adaptive problem-solving under changing experimental conditions – especially when reagents don’t behave as expected
  • Mentorship of junior lab personnel while balancing own research responsibilities
  • Detail-oriented documentation that still captures the “big picture” implications of research findings

Hard skills for your Biochemist resume

  • HPLC/UPLC Analysis and Method Development
  • Protein Purification Techniques (SEC, IEX, Affinity)
  • PCR and qRT-PCR
  • Recombinant Protein Expression in E. coli/CHO systems
  • Bioassays (ELISA, Cell-based)
  • ChemDraw/SciFinder Structure Elucidation
  • Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
  • GMP Documentation
  • R Programming for Biostatistical Analysis