Microbiologist Resume Examples - Templates, Skills & Writing Tips

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Table of contents

Microbiologist resume example
Related resume examples
Choose a resume format for your microbiologist resume
How to write a microbiologist resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your microbiologist resume
Frequently asked questions from job seekers

As a microbiologist, you’re not just a scientist; you’re a microbial detective, uncovering the hidden secrets of our world. Your days are filled with the thrill of peering into the microscopic realm, where you analyze, identify and cultivate microorganisms. From sanitation to disease research, your work can be vital to public health.

So, whether you’re studying pathogens, engineering microbes for biotechnology or exploring the diversity of life on Earth, your role as a microbiologist is nothing short of captivating. Now, you just need a resume that captures all of that. Sound difficult? It doesn’t have to be.

With the help of some easy-to-follow instructions on how to write a resume and some excellent resume examples for reference, the task can be much simpler than you think.

Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive microbiologist resume in a matter of minutes.

Keep reading to learn more about:

Examples of resumes for microbiologist applicants with and without experience.
What makes a microbiologist resume example great in 2024.
Tips and tricks for writing a resume for a microbiologist.
What to include in every section of your microbiologist resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

Want a professional resume generated in just minutes? Use our professional AI Resume Builder for professional suggestions, advice and step-by-step help writing every section.

Microbiologist resume example

Entry-level microbiologist resume example

Resume entry level example microbiologist

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What makes this a great microbiologist resume sample?

It focuses on skills.
This candidate has little formal work experience, so focusing on skills allows him to emphasize his strong points.
It uses numbers.
Adding numerical data to your resume is a great way to demonstrate both the impact of your work and your ability to self-assess. This sample microbiologist resume uses numbers to make the candidate’s achievements feel more concrete.
It lists completed coursework.
Completed coursework is usually not necessary for a resume education section, but entry-level candidates who are fresh out of college can use this extra bit of information to show some expertise without on-the-job experience.

Experienced microbiologist resume example

Resume experienced example microbiologist

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What makes this a great microbiologist resume sample?

It focuses on experience.
This candidate has over a decade of experience, so it makes sense to give her work history the most space.
It uses active verbs.
Instead of using predictable resume cliches like “responsible for,” this sample resume for a microbiologist sticks with action-oriented language like “collaborated” and “designed.”
It’s professional.
A simple layout with professional branding convey a sense of responsibility and competence.

Choose a resume format for your microbiologist resume

To land the job you want, you need to get the right information in front of a recruiter. How do you accomplish that? By selecting the right resume format.

Experienced applicants should consider a chronological resume format to highlight work experience and a strong career progression.
Applicants with little to no experience should consider using a functional resume format.
Midlevel applicants with three to five years of relevant experience should consider a combination resume format to showcase a balance of skills and work experience.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume to highlight your candidacy.

Select an appropriate microbiologist resume template

Create your resume

While every resume template will have the same basic sections — a professional summary or resume objective, skills, work history and education — you can customize the look and feel of your resume by selecting the right template.

Some artistic careers benefit from resumes that show off uniqueness and character. In those cases, a creative resume template is appropriate. For a microbiologist, however, we recommend something more pared down and professional. Try one of our modern resume templates for a professional look without distractions.

How to write a microbiologist resume in 5 simple steps

While there are some basic rules for writing a great resume, top candidates for competitive microbiologist jobs know that the key to getting noticed is to write a resume that is specific to the industry and the role they seek. It’s worth noting that many microbiologist jobs will require a curriculum vitae, or “CV” instead of a resume. For help writing a CV, check out our CV examples or our CV builder tool to help you get started. Now, let’s return to the topic of resumes!

A great resume begins with studying the job description. Then, you’ll need a resume profile that introduces your skills and experience. Next, you’ll explore both of these in detail with a skills section and a work experience section. Your education, certifications and awards come next, followed by any optional sections you decide to include, like hobbies or volunteer work.

Every one of these sections affords you with a valuable opportunity to showcase your strengths. Let’s learn how to tailor each section of the job so employers notice you’re who they’re looking for!

Step 1

Study the microbiologist job description

Tailoring your resume to a specific job listing is not just a helpful suggestion; it’s a critical strategy in today’s competitive job market.

When you tailor your resume to a specific job listing, you ensure that it closely matches the qualifications, skills and experience sought by the employer. This alignment immediately grabs the attention of hiring managers and demonstrates that you’re a strong fit for the role.

Hiring managers typically spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume. A tailored resume quickly communicates that you’ve taken the time to understand the job’s requirements and have the qualifications they’re looking for, making a positive first impression.

Plus, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are automated systems designed to scan and filter resumes based on keywords and specific criteria. Tailoring your resume to the job listing ensures that your document contains the relevant keywords and phrases, increasing your chances of passing through the initial ATS screening.

If you want a human hiring manager to look at your resume, you need to do what you can to make your resume ATS-friendly. Do this by taking note of key phrases that job listings use to describe their desired qualifications. Incorporate these keywords where possible.

Customizing your resume for each job listing is essential for capturing the attention of hiring managers and passing through ATS filters. It allows you to showcase your qualifications and experience in the best possible light, increasing your chances of landing interviews and ultimately securing the job you desire. Remember, the extra effort you put into tailoring your resume can pay off in the form of better job opportunities and career advancement.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Your resume profile is the opener to your microbiologist resume. This section is where you provide potential employers with a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and some professional highlights.

Candidates with less experience should choose a resume objective. This is a resume profile that focuses on your goals for your career development. Applicants with more experience in a relevant role should use a professional summary, which outlines your experience and some of the most important achievements of your career.

Here are some strong examples for your microbiologist resume:

Microbiologist professional summary example:

Accomplished microbiologist with nine years of experience in research, laboratory management and project leadership. Demonstrated expertise in microbial analysis, genetic engineering and assay development. Proven track record of delivering innovative solutions for complex scientific challenges. Adept at fostering cross-functional collaboration and driving research initiatives to successful outcomes. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and compliance within the scientific community.

Microbiologist resume objective example:

Microbiology graduate with one year of intensive internship experience in laboratory techniques, microbial analysis and research methodologies. Proven ability to contribute effectively to dynamic research teams while consistently expanding expertise in microbiology. Seeking a challenging entry-level microbiologist position to apply academic knowledge and practical skills to drive research excellence and deliver valuable scientific insights.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant microbiologist skills

Regardless of your experience level, hiring managers will be looking closely at the skills you list. Skills for a microbiologist resume should be added to your resume skills section and distributed throughout the rest of your resume.

It’s important for your resume to be balanced. Include a mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the measurable skills needed to perform a job. These are the technical abilities and knowledge that you’ve earned through your education and experience. Soft skills, on the other hand, are nontechnical. They are the personality traits and habits that help you get the job done. Below, we provide a side-by-side list of hard and soft skills to help you see the difference between the two.

Hard and soft skills for a microbiologist resume

Hard Skills

Microbial culturing
Aseptic technique
Microscopy
Microbial identification
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
Bioinformatics

Soft Skills

Attention to detail
Analytical thinking
Problem-solving
Communication
Time management
Deadline-driven

Here is an example of a strong microbiologist skills section:

Proficient in microbial culturing
Knowledgeable about lab safety and hazardous materials handling procedures
Skilled in microbial identification
Excellent attention to detail.

Pro tip

Even for jobs that don’t require interacting with the public, soft skills are important to list. Employers seek out candidates who already possess these skills because they are difficult to teach.

Step 4

Write a strong microbiologist work experience section

While the required background and experience will be different for each role, the key to getting noticed is writing a work experience section that demonstrates what you will bring to the table. Your work experience section should include your current and previous roles in reverse-chronological order with a succinct summary of your noteworthy achievements and responsibilities.

Here is an example of a great microbiologist work experience entry:

Microbiologist,
Vincenzo Laboratories
Carlsbad, CA
May 2021 – October 2022

Conducted extensive microbial research, including culturing and identifying over 300 bacterial and fungal species, to support ongoing studies on environmental microbiomes.
Utilized advanced molecular biology techniques, such as PCR and DNA sequencing, to analyze genetic material, track microbial populations and investigate microbial diversity.
Designed and executed 19 experiments to test the efficacy of novel antimicrobial agents, contributing to the development of potential new treatments for antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Managed and maintained laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration and functionality of instruments critical to research operations.
Collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary team of 13 scientists to develop research strategies, share findings and refine project objectives.

Pro tip

Make your credentials pop by using action words, data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager. Numbers demonstrate the concrete impact of your contributions.

Step 5

Showcase your education and training on your microbiologist resume

To be hired as a microbiologist, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. For a microbiologist, a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient. But for higher level research and experimentation, you may need to showcase a master’s or a doctorate degree. No matter the education level you’ve achieved, make sure you list your degrees in your resume’s education section. We’ll show you how.

How to list your microbiologist education:

Education:
Master of Science
Microbiology
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

Bachelor of Science
Biology
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

Certifications:
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP)

Pro tip

If you have professional certifications or special training, add them to your resume. For a microbiologist, certifications can demonstrate your knowledge of lab procedures and safety protocols.

Optional sections for your microbiologist resume

Awards and certifications

Adding accolades to your resume is a smart way to show off your abilities, achievements and qualifications. Awards in microbiology indicate your expertise and exceptional skills in your area of specialization. They signify that you have made notable contributions to the field, which can be especially valuable if you’re applying for a position where specialized knowledge is required.

In a competitive job market, awards can set you apart from other candidates with similar qualifications. They catch the eye of hiring managers and make your resume more memorable.

How to list awards on your microbiologist resume:

2022 Lab Safety Award
2019 STEM Leadership Scholarship Award

Projects and research

Highlighting projects you’ve worked on showcases your ability to apply your knowledge and skills in real-world situations. It demonstrates that you have practical experience and can put your theoretical knowledge to use effectively. Certain projects may align closely with the job you’re applying for, allowing you to showcase your expertise in a particular area of microbiology. This can make you a more attractive candidate, especially if the job requires specialized knowledge.

Projects often involve solving complex problems or addressing specific research questions. By describing your role and contributions to these projects, you can demonstrate your problem-solving and analytical skills, which are highly valued in the field of microbiology.

How to list projects on your microbiologist resume:

Antibiotic Resistance Study
- Investigated the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in clinical isolates of staphylococcus.
- Designed and executed experiments to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of various antibiotics.
- Collaborated with a team of researchers to analyze the genetic basis of resistance using PCR and DNA sequencing.
- Presented findings at a regional microbiology conference.
Environmental Microbiome Analysis
- Led a research project to assess the microbial diversity in soil samples from contaminated industrial sites.
- Conducted metagenomic sequencing and data analysis to identify potential bioremediation candidates.
- Developed a comprehensive report detailing microbial community composition and potential remediation strategies.
Food Safety Assessment
- Conducted microbiological analysis of food products to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Designed and implemented a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan to mitigate microbial risks.
- Collaborated with the quality assurance team to implement corrective actions and improve food safety protocols.

Languages

In the field of microbiology, research and collaboration often extend beyond national borders. Proficiency in languages other than your native language can facilitate communication and collaboration with international colleagues, researchers and institutions.

Scientific literature is often published in various languages as well. Being multilingual can enable you to access a wider range of research papers, which can be especially valuable for staying up to date with the latest developments in microbiology.

Some research projects or job opportunities may require communication with non-English-speaking participants or access to data or samples from regions where a different language is spoken. Proficiency in relevant languages can open up these opportunities.

How to list languages on your microbiologist resume:

Fluent in German and English
Proficient in Russian

Interests and hobbies

If you have hobbies that are directly relevant to the microbiologist role or demonstrate skills that could be valuable in the workplace, you might consider including them. For example, if you have a hobby related to microbiology, such as citizen science involvement or running a science blog, it could showcase your passion and commitment to the field.

Some hobbies can help showcase valuable soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership or problem-solving. If a hobby has provided you with opportunities to develop and demonstrate these skills, it might be worth mentioning. In certain industries or companies with strong cultural values, mentioning hobbies that align with those values can be beneficial. For example, if a company values work-life balance and you have a hobby that demonstrates your commitment to a balanced lifestyle, it might be relevant.

How to list interests and hobbies on your microbiologist resume:

Passion for gardening
Amateru chef with an interest in gastronomy
Interested in personal wellness

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Adding a microbiologist cover letter to your application can help you stand out. Why? Because it gives you extra space to convince the employer that you’re the right person for the job.

Learning how to write a cover letter for a microbiologist job gives you a leg up because it allows you to add context to your resume, explain what excites you about the role and persuade potential employers that you are the perfect fit. Study our cover letter examples to learn how to express your unique candidacy in a compelling way and how to format your cover letter for success.

Or, if you want a job-specific cover letter in a matter of minutes, use our professional Cover Letter Builder, which offers professionally written text suggestions for every section. Use the wording as-is or customize it to suit your needs.

Key takeaways for your microbiologist resume

Follow our steps for a standout microbiologist resume:

Take care to write all five sections of your resume in a way that is specific to the job you seek. Your professional summary, skills, work experience and education section should all contain information that is targeted to the job ad.
Select the appropriate resume format:

Decide what you’d like to emphasize the most on your microbiologist resume — strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the template that will help you put your best foot forward.
Be specific to the role:

Use specific information from the job ad rather than generic resume filler when crafting your document. Again, a well-written job description will tell you the critical credentials you must emphasize on your resume.
Include both hard and soft skills:

Being a microbiologist requires a mix of technical and personal skills to do the job well. Study our list of hard and soft skills to be sure that you include a balance of both types in your resume.
Make your work experience section shine:

Accomplish this by using action verbs, data and metrics to show the impact of your work.
Choose an appropriate resume template:

If you still aren’t sure which resume design is the right fit, it never hurts to stick to the basics. Try a simple template for a professional resume that gets the job done.
Go the extra mile:

Including a well-written microbiologist cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so add one to your resume to give it the best chance of success.

Frequently asked questions from job seekers

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Hailey Brophy is an experienced writer with a diverse career in digital publication. She is passionate about using her unique skills and experiences to help job seekers find the information that they need to succeed.