Scientific CV example and template (plus how-to guide)

Updated 6 March 2023

When applying for scientific jobs, such as scientist or research assistant, you can create a curriculum vitae (CV) to describe your relevant qualifications. A quality CV can provide employers with details about your professional experience, academic background and career achievements. Knowing how to prepare a comprehensive CV can help you secure employment in the scientific field and advance in your career. In this article, we provide a scientific CV example and template, describe how you can write this type of CV and offer tips to help you apply for jobs in the scientific field.

Scientific CV example

Here's a scientific CV example you can reference while creating your own:

Marnie Smith 020 7438 3209 | marnie.m.smith@email.com | London

Professional Summary
Analytical and detail-oriented Research Scientist with five years of experience executing laboratory tests in the biotechnology sector. Demonstrated ability to maximise efficiency through the application of analytical methodologies. Knowledgeable about laboratory procedures and equipment.

Experience

Research Scientist | September 2019–Current
Bioscience Research and Laboratory | London

prepare and execute testing of samples using physical and chemical tests to ensure quality
maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to keep it working properly
apply analytical methodologies to increase productivity, streamlining operations by 14%
contribute to weekly lab meetings to communicate findings and progress to 12 laboratory technicians
handle biomedical samples and dispose of samples safely to maintain compliance

Laboratory Assistant | January 2017–September 2019
Crossroads Research Facility | London

provided technical and clinical support to prepare and test samples efficiently
inputted research data into a processing system to maintain accurate observational records
conducted research to contribute to four biomedical projects for publications in scientific journals

Education
Bachelor of Science in biotechnology, Central London University
London

Scientific CV template

You can follow this template to write a CV for scientist jobs and other roles in the scientific field:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]
[job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City]

(strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[job duty]
[job duty]

Education
[Degree], [Name of School or University]
[City]

How to write a scientific CV

If you're applying for scientific jobs, follow these steps to create an effective CV:

1. Format your CV

Begin by choosing a format for your scientific CV. If you have at least three years of experience in a relevant position, choose a chronological format. This type of CV highlights your recent experience to show employers your qualifications in the scientific field. If you're a recent graduate or have limited professional experience, you may choose to use a functional CV format. A functional CV emphasises the relevant skills you have for the position, such as knowledge of laboratory equipment.

2. Provide your contact information

At the top of your CV, provide your contact information. In this area, write your full name in a bold font. If you have a relevant certification or advanced degree, such as a doctorate, you can include this credential after your name. Below your name, list your phone number, email address and city. Having this information on your CV ensures an employer can contact you to schedule an interview or discuss your application in more detail.

3. Write a professional summary

Below your contact information, write a professional summary describing your qualifications for the scientific role. In this section, you may highlight your relevant work experience, academic qualifications or top skills. It's also beneficial to include one or two of your career accomplishments in this section. For example, you may describe the results of a successful experiment you've conducted. Your professional summary can help you show employers why you're a quality candidate for the scientific role.

4. Explain your work experience

Create a new section to explain your work experience. In this section, list your past jobs in chronological order. Provide your job title, employment dates, employer's name and location for each job on your CV. Briefly describe your top duties and achievements in a bulleted list for each position. Start each bullet point with a strong verb, such as 'performed', 'researched', delivered' or 'executed'. Be specific and use quantifiable data to show the results of your work. Here are some example bullet points for a scientific CV:

collected and analysed specimens, documenting observations to make determinations
maintained compliance by disposing of chemical waste in a safe, timely manner
completed detailed scientific reports, presenting findings at two to three conferences per year
collaborated with four other researchers to prepare and execute laboratory tests
implemented a new waste management programme, resulting in a 12% cost savings

5. List your skills

In a new section, list your skills for the scientific position. Choose skills an employer has specifically identified in a job posting to align your CV with the position. For example, if an employer wants candidates with knowledge of regulatory compliance, include this skill on your CV. While the skills you list on your CV can vary depending on the position, some common scientific skills you may include are:

laboratory processes and equipment
research methods
grant writing
database management
chemical maintenance
regulatory compliance
project management
critical thinking
scientific analysis
communication
organisation

6. Describe your education

At the bottom of your CV, describe your education. You may choose to move your education section ahead of your work experience if you've recently graduated with a scientific degree. In your education section, provide the full name of your degree and field of study, such as a Bachelor of Science in biology or Master of Chemistry. Provide the name of the school or university you attended and the location.

7. Include additional sections

Depending on your level of experience, you may choose to include additional sections on your CV. While optional, additional sections can further showcase your scientific skills and competencies. Make sure additional information you include relates to the position to which you're applying. For example, if you're applying to be a biologist, you may add a section to describe your publications in biology journals. Some other additional sections you may include are:

research
awards or honours
grants or fellowships
conferences or presentations
professional associations
certifications or continuing education
volunteer work

8. Proofread your CV

Before you send your scientific CV to employers, proofread it for accuracy and consistency. Make sure you follow the same formatting throughout your CV. Check all the information on your CV, including employment dates and statistical data. Review the document for spelling, grammar and punctuation to ensure it's professional. It may be beneficial to ask another person, such as a friend or colleague, to help you proofread your CV. They may notice potential errors you may have missed or offer feedback about areas you can improve.

Tips for writing a scientific CV

Here are some additional tips to help you write a CV for scientific jobs:

Identify keywords. Review a job description to identify keywords an employer uses to describe the position, especially words and phrases related to the job's duties or skills. You can use those same keywords to help your CV pass an applicant tracking system.
Emphasise your achievements. While it's important to describe the duties and skills you've gained in your professional or academic experiences, make sure to emphasise your achievements as well. Highlighting your accomplishments, such as a successful grant proposal, shows employers how you may excel in the new position.
Keep it concise. Aim to keep your scientific CV around two pages in length. Keeping your CV concise ensures employers can review it quickly and understand your top qualifications for a scientific job.

The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

Scientific CV example and template (plus how-to guide)