Biologist Resume examples & templates

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Copyable Biologist Resume examples

Nearly 75% of all the antibiotics we use today were discovered by biologists studying soil samples—a reminder that the ground beneath our feet remains one of medicine's most valuable resources. Biology has expanded far beyond the microscope-and-specimen days of Darwin. Today's biologists are decoding CRISPR technologies, developing lab-grown organs, and racing to catalog disappearing species before they vanish forever. The field has fractured into dozens of specialized disciplines—from computational biology (where coding skills are now as important as pipetting) to conservation genomics—creating career paths that simply didn't exist a decade ago.

Job growth in specialized biological sciences is outpacing traditional research positions, with bioinformatics specialists seeing a 31% projected growth rate through 2030. The days of the lone biologist in a lab are largely gone, replaced by cross-functional teams tackling complex challenges like antibiotic resistance and climate adaptation. For those entering the field now, the intersection of biology with data science, engineering, and even policy work offers unprecedented opportunities to make meaningful contributions to both scientific understanding and urgent global challenges.

Junior Biologist Resume Example

Emma Reeves

Portland, OR 97214 • (503) 555-7219 • emma.reeves92@gmail.com • linkedin.com/in/emmareeves92

Recent Biology graduate with research experience in microbiology and ecology. Previously completed two internships focusing on water quality assessment and soil microbe analysis. Strong lab skills including PCR, gel electrophoresis and microscopy techniques. Looking to leverage my analytical abilities and field experience in an entry-level biologist position that contributes to environmental conservation efforts.

EXPERIENCE

Research Assistant – Pacific Northwest Ecological Institute, Portland, OR
January 2023 – Present

  • Assist senior researchers in collecting field samples from 6 watershed locations in the Columbia River Basin
  • Process and analyze water quality samples using spectrophotometry and other analytical methods
  • Maintain detailed documentation of 47+ field samples per week, ensuring proper chain of custody
  • Help compile data for quarterly reports on water contamination trends
  • Clean and calibrate lab equipment according to strict protocols

Biology Lab Intern – Green Valley Agricultural Research Center, Eugene, OR
May 2022 – December 2022

  • Conducted soil microbe analysis to determine impacts of different fertilization methods
  • Performed PCR and gel electrophoresis to identify bacterial species present in samples
  • Created and maintained bacterial cultures for ongoing experiments
  • Collaborated with 2 other interns to develop more efficient sample processing workflow, reducing processing time by 17%

Undergraduate Research Assistant – University of Oregon, Biology Department
September 2021 – April 2022

  • Assisted graduate students with plant propagation experiments in the department greenhouse
  • Recorded growth measurements and environmental conditions 3x weekly
  • Prepared slides for microscopic examination of plant tissue samples
  • Entered research data into department database and helped identify inconsistencies

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Biology – University of Oregon, Eugene, OR
Graduated: May 2022
GPA: 3.78/4.0
Concentration: Environmental Biology
Relevant Coursework: Microbiology, Ecology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Environmental Science, Biostatistics

CERTIFICATIONS

Wilderness First Aid – Red Cross (2022)
Laboratory Safety and Chemical Handling – University of Oregon (2021)

SKILLS

  • Laboratory Techniques: PCR, gel electrophoresis, microscopy, spectrophotometry, bacterial culturing
  • Field Work: Sample collection, environmental monitoring, GPS navigation
  • Data Analysis: R, basic Python, Excel, statistical analysis
  • Equipment: Autoclave, centrifuge, micropipettes, pH meters, dissolved oxygen meters
  • Communication: Technical writing, research presentations, team collaboration
  • Software: ImageJ, GraphPad Prism, BLAST, Microsoft Office Suite

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Active member of the Oregon Ecological Society
Volunteer stream monitor for the Willamette Riverkeeper program
Fluent in Spanish (conversational)

Mid-level Biologist Resume Example

Michael Trent, MS

San Diego, CA | (619) 555-2178 | m.trent@emaildomain.com | linkedin.com/in/michaeltrent

Marine biologist with 5+ years researching coastal ecosystems and conducting field studies. Experienced in designing experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and presenting findings to diverse audiences. Known for balancing rigorous scientific methodology with practical conservation applications. Looking to leverage my expertise in a senior research role focused on climate change impacts on marine biodiversity.

EXPERIENCE

Research Biologist | Pacific Marine Research Institute | San Diego, CA | June 2021 – Present

  • Lead 3 concurrent research projects examining effects of temperature variation on kelp forest ecosystems, managing $187K in grant funding
  • Designed & implemented sampling protocols that reduced field collection time by 28% while maintaining data integrity
  • Mentored 4 graduate students and 7 undergraduate interns in field techniques and lab protocols
  • Published 3 peer-reviewed articles in Journal of Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology, with 2 manuscripts in preparation
  • Collaborated with state agencies to translate research findings into actionable conservation strategies

Field Biologist | Ocean Conservation Alliance | La Jolla, CA | April 2019 – May 2021

  • Conducted monthly field surveys of intertidal zones across 14 sites to monitor population dynamics of key invertebrate species
  • Created & maintained databases of 5+ years of historical monitoring data (finally got those old Excel files organized!)
  • Presented research findings at 3 regional conferences and 2 community education events
  • Assisted in writing successful grant proposals totaling $142,000 for continuation of monitoring programs

Research Assistant | University of California San Diego | San Diego, CA | Sept 2018 – April 2019

  • Supported Principal Investigator’s research on microplastic impacts on filter-feeding organisms
  • Maintained laboratory cultures of marine invertebrates and performed water quality testing
  • Processed tissue samples for microscopy and chemical analysis

EDUCATION

Master of Science, Marine Biology | University of California San Diego | 2018
Thesis: “Thermal Tolerance Thresholds in Intertidal Crustaceans of Southern California”

Bachelor of Science, Biology | University of Washington | 2016
Minor: Environmental Studies | GPA: 3.8

CERTIFICATIONS

AAUS Scientific Diver Certification (2019, renewed 2022)
Wilderness First Responder (2020)
R Programming for Ecological Data Analysis – Advanced Certificate (2021)

SKILLS

  • Experimental Design & Field Sampling
  • Statistical Analysis (R, SPSS, Python)
  • PCR & DNA Extraction Techniques
  • GIS Mapping (ArcGIS, QGIS)
  • Scientific Writing & Grant Preparation
  • Microscopy & Lab Equipment Maintenance
  • Water Quality Testing & Analysis
  • Scientific Diving & Boat Handling
  • Project Management & Team Leadership
  • Public Speaking & Science Communication

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Trent, M., Johnson, K., & Ramirez, S. (2022). “Temperature anomalies and reproductive success in Macrocystis pyrifera.” Journal of Marine Biology, 87(3), 412-429.

Trent, M. & Wilson, P. (2021). “Microplastic accumulation in filter-feeding invertebrates of the Southern California Bight.” Coastal Ecology, 45(2), 118-133.

Senior / Experienced Biologist Resume Example

Samantha R. Winters, Ph.D.

Portland, OR • (503) 555-9872 • s.winters@emaildomain.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/samanthawinters • ResearchGate: researchgate.net/profile/SamanthaWinters

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Marine biologist with 9+ years of research experience specializing in Pacific Northwest coastal ecosystems and conservation biology. Led 4 major research initiatives resulting in 11 peer-reviewed publications and secured $1.73M in grant funding since 2018. Skilled in experimental design, field research, and translating complex biological findings for both scientific and public audiences. Looking to leverage my expertise in a senior research position focused on marine conservation and climate adaptation strategies.

EXPERIENCE

Senior Research Biologist – Pacific Northwest Marine Institute, Portland, OR
May 2020 – Present

  • Lead a team of 6 researchers and 3 technicians studying the impact of changing ocean temperatures on intertidal species diversity across 17 coastal sites
  • Secured $895K in competitive grant funding from NOAA and NSF for 3-year kelp forest resilience project
  • Developed novel field methodology that reduced sample processing time by 37% while maintaining 99.2% accuracy in species identification
  • Published 6 peer-reviewed articles in journals including Marine Ecology Progress Series and Conservation Biology
  • Mentor 2-3 graduate students annually and serve on thesis committees at Oregon State University

Research Biologist – Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Newport, OR
June 2017 – April 2020

  • Conducted population assessments of commercially important fish species including rockfish, lingcod, and salmon
  • Collaborated with commercial fisheries to implement sustainable harvesting practices, resulting in 28% recovery in rockfish populations over 3 years
  • Co-authored department’s first Climate Vulnerability Assessment for marine species (released 2019)
  • Designed and implemented eDNA sampling protocol that reduced field costs by $14K annually

Marine Research Associate – Coastal Ecosystems Research Center, Seattle, WA
August 2014 – May 2017

  • Assisted with long-term monitoring of intertidal communities at 8 sites throughout Puget Sound
  • Managed research database containing 15+ years of population data on key indicator species
  • Analyzed water quality parameters and their correlation with species abundance using R
  • Co-authored 3 peer-reviewed publications and presented findings at 5 scientific conferences
  • Trained and supervised 4-6 undergraduate interns each summer field season

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Marine Biology – University of Washington, Seattle, WA (2014)
Dissertation: “Trophic Cascades in Kelp Forest Ecosystems Following Predator Depletion”

M.S. Biology – Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR (2010)
Thesis: “Physiological Responses of Intertidal Invertebrates to Ocean Acidification”

B.S. Environmental Science – University of California, Santa Cruz (2008)
Minor: Conservation Studies

CERTIFICATIONS & SPECIALIZED TRAINING

Scientific Diver Certification (AAUS), Advanced Statistical Methods in R (2022), Grant Writing Workshop – NSF CAREER (2021), Wilderness First Responder (current), Small Vessel Operation License (current)

TECHNICAL SKILLS

  • Research Methods: Field sampling, PCR, eDNA analysis, transect surveys, mark-recapture, population modeling
  • Laboratory Equipment: Gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, DNA extraction, microscopy
  • Data Analysis: R (advanced), Python (intermediate), GIS mapping, statistical modeling
  • Software: ArcGIS, JMP, ImageJ, Primer-E, GenBank, EndNote

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

  • Winters, S.R., et al. (2022). “Multi-year patterns in kelp forest community structure following marine heatwave events.” Marine Ecology Progress Series, 673:45-62.
  • Johnson, K.L., Winters, S.R., & Chang, A.T. (2021). “Environmental DNA as a tool for monitoring biodiversity in marine protected areas.” Conservation Biology, 35(2):189-201.
  • Winters, S.R., & Petersen, M. (2019). “Trophic interactions among intertidal organisms in the face of changing ocean conditions.” Ecological Monographs, 89(3):412-430.

How to Write a Biologist Resume

Introduction

A well-crafted biologist resume can make all the difference in landing your dream job in this competitive field. Whether you're fresh out of grad school or a seasoned researcher with years of fieldwork, your resume needs to showcase your scientific expertise, research capabilities, and technical skills. I've reviewed thousands of biology resumes over my career, and the ones that stand out share certain key characteristics—they're focused, data-rich, and tell a compelling story about the candidate's scientific journey.

Resume Structure and Format

The structure of your biology resume matters almost as much as the content. Here's what works best:

  • Keep it to 1-2 pages (PhD-level researchers with publications can go to 2 pages)
  • Use a clean, professional design—fancy graphics aren't necessary
  • Choose a readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Georgia at 10-12pt size
  • Include clear section headings (Experience, Education, Skills, Publications)
  • Use reverse chronological order for work history
  • Save as a PDF to preserve formatting (unless instructions specify otherwise)
For academic or research-heavy biology positions, consider including a separate "Publications" or "Research" section before your work experience. This highlights your contributions to the field right away.

Profile/Summary Section

The top of your resume should feature a concise professional summary that hooks the hiring manager. For biologists, this means:

  • Mention your specialization area (marine biology, microbiology, conservation, etc.)
  • Note years of experience (if more than 2)
  • Highlight 1-2 significant achievements or specialized skills
  • Include relevant degrees or certifications

Example: "Marine biologist with 4+ years studying coral reef ecosystems and 3 peer-reviewed publications. Skilled in PCR techniques, genetic sequencing, and statistical analysis using R. M.S. in Marine Biology from University of Miami."

Professional Experience

This section makes or breaks your biology resume. Lab managers and principal investigators want to see what you've actually done—not just job duties.

  • Start each bullet with an action verb (Conducted, Analyzed, Isolated, etc.)
  • Include specific techniques you've mastered (CRISPR, flow cytometry, Western blotting)
  • Quantify results where possible ("Reduced sample processing time by 27%")
  • Mention grants you helped secure or contributed to
  • Include fieldwork experience with details on environments and methodologies

Education and Certifications

For biology positions, your educational background carries significant weight. Include:

  • Degrees with full names (Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology, not just "B.S.")
  • Relevant coursework (for recent grads only)
  • GPA if above 3.5 and you graduated within the last 3 years
  • Research projects, theses, or dissertations with brief descriptions
  • Lab safety certifications (BSL-2 training, radiation safety, etc.)
  • Software proficiencies (R, Python, BLAST, ImageJ, etc.)

Keywords and ATS Tips

Many biology job applications first go through Applicant Tracking Systems before human eyes see them. To get past these digital gatekeepers:

  • Match keywords from the job description (techniques, equipment, organisms)
  • Spell out acronyms at least once (PCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction)
  • Include both common and scientific names where relevant
  • List specific equipment models you've operated (Zeiss LSM 880 confocal microscope)
  • Mention relevant databases you've worked with (GenBank, NCBI, etc.)

Industry-specific Terminology

Sprinkle your resume with biology-specific terms that show you speak the language. Some examples:

  • Lab techniques: qPCR, ELISA, spectrophotometry, gel electrophoresis
  • Research skills: experimental design, data analysis, biostatistics
  • Fieldwork terms: transect sampling, biodiversity assessment, population monitoring
  • Software: GraphPad Prism, JMP, SPSS, bioinformatics tools

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After reviewing countless biologist resumes, I've seen these errors trip up even brilliant scientists:

  • Listing every technique you've ever used without context
  • Forgetting to highlight transferable skills (project management, teaching)
  • Using too much jargon for industry positions (or too little for academic ones)
  • Omitting publications or presentations (even if they're in a separate CV)
  • Including irrelevant personal interests (unless they relate to biology)

Before/After Example

Before: "Responsible for laboratory testing and sample analysis."

After: "Conducted high-throughput PCR analysis of 75+ environmental samples weekly, identifying 3 previously undocumented bacterial species in wetland soil samples."

See the difference? The second version shows exactly what you did, the scale of

your work, and the meaningful outcome. That's what gets biology jobs!

Soft skills for your Biologist resume

  • Cross-functional collaboration (particularly with engineers and regulatory teams)
  • Translating complex findings for non-scientific stakeholders – I’ve developed this through years of interdepartmental presentations
  • Research resilience – the ability to adapt when experiments fail or yield unexpected results
  • Grant writing and technical documentation skills that actually engage readers
  • Mentorship of junior lab personnel (both formal and informal)
  • Field research adaptability – things rarely go as planned when you’re knee-deep in a marsh at 5am!

Hard skills for your Biologist resume

  • PCR/qPCR and gene expression analysis using Bio-Rad CFX software
  • Flow cytometry with BD FACSDiva and FlowJo data analysis
  • Western blotting and protein quantification using ImageJ
  • Confocal microscopy (Leica SP8) and tissue culture techniques
  • Statistical analysis with R (ggplot2, DESeq2) and GraphPad Prism
  • Next-generation sequencing data interpretation (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq)
  • Proficient in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing methodology
  • Python/Biopython for sequence analysis and data visualization
  • GLP/GMP compliance and laboratory documentation practices