Laboratory Intern Resume examples & templates
Copyable Laboratory Intern Resume examples
The roots of laboratory internships trace back to the mid-20th century when the post-WWII scientific boom created unprecedented demand for trained lab personnel. What began as informal apprenticeships evolved into structured programs by the 1970s, with universities partnering with research facilities to provide hands-on experience. Today's lab interns operate in a dramatically different environment—one where digital lab notebooks have replaced paper records and automation handles routine tasks that once consumed hours of an intern's day. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, laboratory-related internships have seen a 17.3% increase since 2019, reflecting growing interest in scientific careers despite economic fluctuations.
The modern lab intern doesn't just wash glassware (though yes, that still happens sometimes!). They're increasingly involved in experimental design, data analysis, and even co-authorship on publications. Many labs now seek interns with computational skills alongside traditional wet-lab techniques—a shift that's reshaping entry requirements. As research becomes more interdisciplinary, tomorrow's lab interns will likely need to navigate multiple scientific domains, from genomics to materials science, preparing them for careers that might not even exist yet.
Junior Laboratory Intern Resume Example
Samantha Chen
Boston, MA | (617) 555-8742 | schen293@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/samanthachen
Analytical biology graduate with hands-on laboratory experience through university research and internship work. Skilled in basic cell culture techniques, PCR protocols, and experiment documentation. Seeking to leverage my knowledge of laboratory procedures and data collection to contribute to research initiatives while continuing to develop technical skills.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Boston University, Boston, MA
Minor in Chemistry | GPA: 3.7/4.0 | May 2022
Relevant Coursework: Cellular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry
EXPERIENCE
Laboratory Intern – Biogen, Cambridge, MA
January 2023 – Present
- Assist senior scientists with sample preparation and processing for drug development research
- Execute basic cell culture maintenance for 3 ongoing research projects
- Document experimental results in electronic laboratory notebook with 97% accuracy rate
- Prepare buffer solutions and reagents following established SOPs
- Collaborate with a team of 6 researchers to maintain laboratory equipment and inventory
Undergraduate Research Assistant – Department of Biology, Boston University
September 2021 – May 2022
- Conducted PCR amplification of bacterial DNA samples under faculty supervision
- Maintained bacterial cultures and prepared growth media for lab experiments
- Assisted with data collection and basic statistical analysis using Excel
- Presented research findings at undergraduate research symposium (Spring 2022)
Laboratory Assistant (Work-Study) – Chemistry Department, Boston University
January 2020 – December 2020
- Prepared laboratory materials for undergraduate chemistry courses
- Maintained inventory of chemicals and disposed of waste according to safety protocols
- Assisted teaching assistants during lab sessions for first-year chemistry students
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Laboratory Techniques: Pipetting, Cell Culture, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, Microscopy
- Equipment: Spectrophotometer, pH Meter, Centrifuge, Autoclave, Biosafety Cabinet
- Software: Excel, GraphPad Prism (basic), Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN)
- Safety: Biosafety Level 1 & 2 protocols, Chemical handling, Waste management
CERTIFICATIONS
Laboratory Safety Training – Boston University (2021)
Bloodborne Pathogens Certification – American Red Cross (2022)
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Fundamentals – Online Course (2023)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Languages: English (Native), Mandarin Chinese (Conversational)
Professional Memberships: American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Student Member)
Mid-level Laboratory Intern Resume Example
Benjamin Cooper
Oakland, CA 94607 • (510) 555-3142 • bencooper87@email.com • linkedin.com/in/bencooper87
Laboratory professional with 5+ years of experience in clinical and research settings. Skilled in sample preparation, data analysis, and lab equipment maintenance. Known for meticulous documentation and ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining accuracy. Looking to use analytical expertise and team collaboration skills in a full-time laboratory technician role.
Experience
Senior Laboratory Intern – Pacific Research Institute, Oakland, CA
June 2021 – Present
- Assist principal investigators with complex research projects, including a 14-month longitudinal study on biomarker identification
- Prepare and process an average of 37 biological samples daily while maintaining 99.7% accuracy rate
- Train and mentor 4 junior laboratory interns on proper sample handling techniques and equipment usage
- Document experimental procedures and maintain detailed records using electronic lab notebook systems
- Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, reducing instrument downtime by 31% compared to previous year
Laboratory Intern – NorCal Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
August 2019 – May 2021
- Performed routine testing on patient samples including blood chemistry, urinalysis, and microbiology cultures
- Collaborated with medical technologists to process approximately 85-100 specimens per shift
- Maintained inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents, implementing a new tracking system that reduced waste by 22%
- Assisted in validation of new automated analyzer, collecting and organizing calibration data
Research Assistant (Part-time) – UC Berkeley Department of Molecular Biology
January 2018 – July 2019
- Supported graduate students with data collection for enzyme kinetics experiments
- Prepared buffers, media, and reagents according to standard protocols
- Maintained laboratory glassware and equipment in sterile condition
- Helped compile experimental results for departmental presentations (got a shoutout in the acknowledgments section of 2 published papers!)
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry
University of California, Berkeley – 2018
Certifications
- Clinical Laboratory Safety and Procedures – American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (2020)
- Bloodborne Pathogens Safety Training – OSHA Certified (renewed annually)
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Certification (2021)
Skills
- Sample preparation & processing
- Microscopy (light, fluorescence)
- PCR techniques & gel electrophoresis
- Spectrophotometry
- Cell culture maintenance
- ELISA & immunoassays
- Lab information management systems
- Quality control procedures
- Data analysis (Excel, GraphPad Prism)
- Equipment calibration
Additional Information
Active member of the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
Volunteer lab instructor for weekend science programs for high school students
Fluent in Spanish (conversational)
Senior / Experienced Laboratory Intern Resume Example
Marcus J. Rodríguez
Portland, OR | (503) 555-2194 | mjrodriguez@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/marcusjrodriguez
Experienced laboratory professional with 8+ years progressing from internship to senior research roles. Specialized in biomedical sample processing with extensive experience in PCR techniques, flow cytometry, and cell culture protocols. Known for developing
innovative workflow solutions that reduced processing times by 31% while maintaining quality standards. Looking to leverage my technical expertise and team leadership experience in a principal research position.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Laboratory Associate (formerly Laboratory Intern)
Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Portland, OR
January 2019 – Present
- Oversee daily operations of biochemistry lab, managing 3 junior technicians and coordinating with 5 research teams
- Implemented new sample tracking system that reduced processing errors by 27% and improved turnaround time by 16 hours
- Designed and executed 14 independent research protocols for enzyme kinetics studies
- Train new staff on laboratory protocols, safety procedures, and equipment operation
- Authored 3 sections of the lab’s revised standard operating procedures manual, now used across all department locations
Laboratory Technician II
Cascadia Biosciences, Portland, OR
March 2016 – December 2018
- Performed routine and complex analytical procedures including HPLC, GC-MS, and immunoassays
- Maintained detailed documentation of 200+ experiments in electronic laboratory information management system
- Collaborated with research team to troubleshoot experimental failures, improving first-run success rate by 43%
- Prepared reagents and calibrated equipment according to strict quality control guidelines
Laboratory Intern
Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR
September 2014 – February 2016
- Assisted principal investigators with sample preparation and basic analysis for oncology research
- Processed blood and tissue samples for DNA extraction and PCR analysis
- Maintained cell cultures for ongoing experiments (remember to feed the HeLa cells on Thursdays!)
- Created Excel spreadsheet templates that reduced data entry time by 4.5 hours per week
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Biochemistry
Portland State University, Portland, OR (2018)
Thesis: “Kinetic Analysis of Novel Protease Inhibitors in Cancer Cell Lines”
Bachelor of Science in Biology
University of Oregon, Eugene, OR (2014)
Minor in Chemistry
CERTIFICATIONS
- Advanced Laboratory Safety Certification (2020)
- Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) Training (2019)
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Certification (2017)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- PCR/qPCR techniques
- Flow cytometry
- Cell culture
- HPLC/GC-MS analysis
- Western blotting
- Immunoassays (ELISA)
- Laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
- Microscopy (fluorescence and confocal)
- Statistical analysis (SPSS, R)
- Grant proposal writing
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
- Co-author on “Novel Approaches to Enzyme Kinetics in Cancer Research” – Journal of Biochemical Methods (2021)
- Presenter, “Workflow Optimization in High-Volume Testing Labs” – Regional Laboratory Sciences Conference (2019)
How to Write a Laboratory Intern Resume
Introduction
Landing that perfect lab internship means competing against dozens—sometimes hundreds—of other science students. Your resume is often your first (and sometimes only) chance to catch a PI's attention. I've reviewed thousands of lab intern applications over my 15+ years in scientific recruitment, and trust me, the difference between getting called for an interview or landing in the rejection pile often comes down to resume quality. Let's break down exactly what makes a lab intern resume stand out.
Resume Structure and Format
Keep your resume clean and scannable. Lab managers and PIs typically spend just 6-8 seconds on initial resume review (yep, that fast). A cluttered document gets tossed immediately.
- Length: Stick to one page unless you have significant previous lab experience
- Font: Use readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10-12pt)
- Margins: 0.75" to 1" on all sides
- Organization: Reverse chronological format works best for most lab interns
- File format: PDF (maintains formatting across devices)
Name your file professionally—"FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf" rather than "final_resume_v3.pdf".
Profile/Summary Section
Skip the objective statement (it's outdated) and opt for a brief profile instead. Focus on your scientific background and lab skills. For example:
Third-year Biochemistry student with hands-on experience in PCR techniques, cell culture, and microscopy. Seeking to apply analytical skills and attention to detail as a Summer Research Intern at Meridian Laboratories.
Notice how this mentions specific techniques? That's what catches a lab manager's eye!
Professional Experience
Even with limited experience, you can highlight relevant skills. Course labs, volunteer work, and class projects all count.
- Focus on techniques you've mastered (PCR, Western blotting, cell culture, etc.)
- Quantify results when possible ("Conducted 37 gel electrophoresis runs with 94% accuracy")
- Highlight soft skills like documentation, teamwork, and problem-solving
- Include experience with relevant software (ImageJ, GraphPad, R, etc.)
If you've worked on a particularly interesting project, spend an extra bullet point explaining it. PIs love seeing genuine interest in research questions.
Education and Certifications
As an intern candidate, your education often takes center stage. Include:
- Degree program and expected graduation date
- GPA (if above 3.0)
- Relevant coursework (up to 6 courses directly applicable to the internship)
- Lab safety certifications (Biosafety, Chemical Safety, Radiation Safety)
- Technical workshops or training (even online courses count!)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many labs—especially at larger institutions or companies—use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. To pass through:
- Mirror language from the job posting (if they say "micropipetting," don't just say "pipetting")
- Include both spelled-out terms and acronyms (e.g., "Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)")
- Avoid tables, headers/footers, and text boxes that ATS systems struggle to read
- Don't try to game the system with hidden keywords—it doesn't work!
Industry-specific Terms
Show you speak the language of the lab. Depending on your field, consider including terms like:
- Specific techniques: ELISA, qPCR, CRISPR, flow cytometry
- Equipment: Confocal microscope, HPLC, mass spectrometer
- Software: MATLAB, Python, R, ImageJ, FlowJo
- Documentation: Laboratory notebooks, SOPs, batch records
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I see these errors repeatedly from intern applicants:
- Claiming expertise in techniques you've only observed
- Using vague statements like "gained lab experience" instead of naming specific skills
- Neglecting to mention safety training or GLP/GMP awareness
- Forgetting to proofread (nothing says "I lack attention to detail" like misspelling "pipette")
- Including high school achievements when you're already in college
Before/After Example
Before: "Helped professor with experiments in biology lab course."
After: "Assisted in experimental design and execution of bacterial transformation protocols; maintained detailed documentation and achieved 91% transformation efficiency using heat-shock method."
See the difference? The second version shows specific techniques, quantifiable results, and attention to documentation—all crucial skills in a laboratory setting.
Now go build that stellar lab intern resume! And remember, nobody gets every internship they apply for—even with a perfect resume. Keep refining, keep applying, and you'll find yourself pipetting away in no time.
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Laboratory Intern resume
- Cross-functional collaboration – comfortable working alongside researchers, technicians, and PIs with varying communication styles
- Meticulous attention to detail, particularly when documenting experimental procedures (saved our team from redoing a 3-week culture growth after spotting contamination indicators)
- Adaptability to shifting research priorities – helped pivot our project focus twice when funding parameters changed
- Time management across multiple concurrent experiments and administrative tasks
- Clear technical communication with both specialists and non-technical stakeholders
- Comfortable with constructive feedback loops in research settings
Hard skills for your Laboratory Intern resume
- PCR and RT-PCR techniques using Applied Biosystems thermal cyclers
- Cell culture maintenance (HEK293, CHO, and primary cell lines)
- Advanced microscopy (fluorescence, confocal, SEM)
- GraphPad Prism 9 for statistical analysis and visualization
- Western blotting and protein quantification methods
- HPLC operation and troubleshooting (Waters Alliance system)
- Lab automation programming using Hamilton STAR liquid handlers
- Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) protocols and procedures
- Electronic lab notebook documentation (LabArchives)