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Table of contents

Biotechnologist resume examples
Choose the right resume format
How to create a biotechnologist resume in 5 easy steps
How to make your application stand out with a cover letter
Biotechnologist resume — key takeaways
Commonly asked questions about resume writing

Creating a resume for a biotechnologist job can feel tougher than optimizing protein expression and purification, but it doesn’t have to be.

We’re here to help you transform your expertise into a standout resume. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through each section of your resume step by step, providing valuable insights on how to showcase your unique strengths and make a resume that catches the eye of employers in the biotechnology industry.

Let’s dive in!

This guide includes:

Detailed examples of biotechnologist resumes.
Tips on how to show off your biotech knowledge and lab skills.
Key sections to include in your resume.
Templates and formats for different career stages.

Ready to write your biotechnologist resume? Our Resume Builder is here to guide you through each step. It offers job-specific content suggestions you can add to your template of choice with just a click, helping your application shine.

Biotechnologist resume examples

Entry-level biotechnologist resume example

Resume entry level example biotechnologist

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Why this resume works.

Clear and professional layout
This resume is neat and easy to read, with headings and bullet points that make it simple to follow. It quickly shows Elizabeth’s qualifications, making her a great fit for the job.
Focused objective
The resume starts with a clear statement of Elizabeth’s goals and passion for biotechnology, setting a positive tone from the start.
Measured achievements
Including detailed accomplishments, like conducting successful gene cloning or growing cells by 15%, shows Elizabeth’s impact in previous roles.

Experienced biotechnologist resume example

Resume experienced example biotechnologist

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What makes this resume a great example?

Outlines relevant work experience
The work history highlights Joe’s experience in various biotech settings, showcasing his ability to improve lab processes and contribute to significant research projects.
Proves results with numbers
Shows specific achievements, like improving PCR efficiency by 25% and designing and executing experiments, demonstrating Joe’s impact.
Includes relevant education
Joe’s educational achievements and professional certifications can effectively show his qualifications and commitment to continuous learning and development.

Need more inspiration? Check out these resume examples to help you craft a compelling resume!

Browse other popular samples

Strategic Planning Analyst Resume Example

Choose the right resume format

When it comes to creating a standout resume, the resume format you choose can help you showcase your experience and skills effectively.

Here are three popular options to consider:

If you’re a seasoned biotechnologist, the chronological format is for you. This format is particularly useful for those who have a strong work history and want to emphasize their professional development. It lists your jobs from the most recent to the oldest, highlighting your career growth and progression.
If you’re starting out or transitioning to a new career, the functional resume format may be your best option. This format focuses on your skills and knowledge rather than your job history, making it an excellent option for those with limited work experience or those looking to shift into a new field.
If you’re in the middle of your career, consider the combination resume format. This format is perfect for those professionals who want to balance their skills and work history. It blends the chronological and functional styles, providing a comprehensive overview of your experience and qualifications.

When formatting your resume, choose a professional, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Calibri in an 11-12 point size. Ensure your resume is well-organized, with clear headings and bullet points for readability.

By the way, the ideal resume length is one to two pages. If you’re just starting, keep it to one page, but if you have extensive research experience, you can extend it to two pages.

If you need more than two pages, consider creating a CV. CVs have no length limit and allow you to include additional sections to highlight your expertise and suitability for a biotechnologist role. Reviewing these CV examples can help you decide if you’re better served by a CV or a resume.

Next, we’ll discuss how to make your resume visually appealing and stand out to pharmaceutical and research institutions.

Pick a resume template

Create your resume

Your resume template can help your application make a positive first impression.

For most roles in the biotech space, a professional yet simple template is the way to go. A clean and organized layout is crucial if you apply to research institutions, pharmaceutical companies or biotech-related jobs. This will help your skills and experience shine through clearly.

Feeling adventurous? You can choose a modern or creative template to add a touch of personality. These templates often include subtle colors and stylish fonts, which can help your resume catch the eye of potential employers.

Also, choosing templates compatible with popular tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs make it easy for you to edit and customize your resume.

Ready to get started? With the right template and these tips, you’re well on your way to crafting a resume that gets you the interview for the biotech role you have your sights on.

How to create a biotechnologist resume in 5 easy steps

Creating an impressive resume is an important step toward landing your dream job as a biotechnologist. Let’s go through some easy-to-understand tips to help you build a perfect resume!

Step 1

Know what employers want

Before building your resume, take some time to understand the job you’re applying for. Carefully read the job description and note the keywords they’re looking for, such as “laboratory techniques,” “research experience” and “problem-solving skills.”

Why is this important? Many biotech companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes. These systems look for those specific keywords related to the job. By including them in your resume, you’re more likely to make it past the ATS and into the hands of a hiring manager, increasing your chances of getting an interview.

Step 2

Start with a strong introduction

Creating a resume for a biotechnologist starts with a solid resume profile that grabs attention immediately. Make sure your resume stands out with an impressive opening.

If you’ve got a lot of experience, go for a professional summary. This is a brief overview of your best achievements and skills. In just a few sentences, highlight your years of research experience.

If you’re new or switching careers, try a resume objective. This section focuses on your career goals, even if you come from an unconventional background. Emphasize your passion for biotech and any relevant skills you’ve gained from other experiences.

Check out these examples to help you write your introduction:

Professional summary example:

Results-driven biotechnologist with over 10 years of experience in molecular biology, genetic engineering and bioprocessing. Proven expertise in developing and optimizing laboratory protocols, conducting high-throughput experiments and analyzing complex data sets. Skilled in using advanced biotechnology tools and techniques, including CRISPR-Cas9, PCR and next-generation sequencing. Passionate about leveraging scientific knowledge to drive innovation and improve healthcare outcomes.

Resume objective example:

Motivated and detail-oriented recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology. Strong foundation in molecular biology, biochemistry and genetic engineering, with hands-on experience in laboratory techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis and cell culture. Eager to apply my academic knowledge and laboratory skills in a professional setting. Passionate about contributing to innovative research and advancing the field of biotechnology.

Step 3

Showcase your skills

When creating your resume, it’s important to highlight skills that show you’re well-rounded and ready for the job. You’ll need to include both hard and soft skills.

Hard skills are the specific abilities you learn through education or training. These are your expertise in biotechnology, your understanding of lab techniques and your ability to conduct experiments.

Soft skills are more about personality and how you interact with others. They include traits like how well you communicate, work with a team and solve problems.

Here’s a simple way to understand the difference:

Hard Skills

Biotechnology techniques
Data analysis
Lab safety
Experiment design
Microscopy

Soft Skills

Communication
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Time management

Here’s an example of a strong skills section for a biotechnologist:

Skilled in using software like R and Python to interpret scientific data.
Proficient in PCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing.
Experienced in maintaining a safe and clean laboratory environment.
Strong ability to collaborate with a diverse team to achieve research goals.

Pro tip

One of the most important abilities to remember to add to your resume would be technical skills. These skills are required in the biotechnology field and include your job-specific knowledge, such as using laboratory techniques, data analysis and proficiency with scientific equipment and software.

Step 4

Detail your work experience

Consider your resume an opportunity to show your passion for biotechnology and clear successes. List your work history and what you’ve accomplished in each role. Did you develop a new lab technique? Did you contribute to a successful research project? These achievements show your impact and value.

Use strong action words to describe your accomplishments. Words like “developed,” “analyzed,” “conducted” and “improved” make your achievements stand out. They show you were active and made a difference in your previous roles.

Here’s a work history entry example for you:

Biotechnologist, BioLab Inc.
Brookfield, WI
June 2021 – May 2024

Conducted experiments to test new genetic engineering techniques.
Developed a more efficient method for DNA extraction, reducing processing time by 20%.
Analyzed data from experiments and presented findings to the research team.
Collaborated with senior scientists on projects that led to published research papers.

Pro tip

Quantify your achievements and responsibilities to make your resume as clear and impressive as possible. Just like in science, where data and measurements matter, using specific numbers and results in your resume makes a big difference.

Step 5

Add your education history

As a biotechnologist, you need to highlight your education. This is where you tell people about the degrees you’ve earned or are working on. If you’re still in school or just graduated, don’t worry! You can include the most relevant science classes you’ve taken.

How to list education on a biotechnologist resume:

EDUCATION:

Master of Science in Biotechnology
University of Springfield, Springfield, IL
Expected graduation in 2026
Relevant coursework: advanced genetic engineering, biotechnology research methods, bioethics

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
University of Springfield, Springfield, IL
Graduated in 2024
Honors: Dean’s List (2023, 2024)

CERTIFICATIONS:

Lab Safety Certification, completed in 2023
Advanced Biotechnology Training, completed in 2022

Additional sections to enhance your resume

Research projects

This section highlights your problem-solving skills, technical expertise and contributions to scientific advancements. It also demonstrates your commitment to the field and ability to conduct independent research.

How to list your research projects on your resume:

Gene Editing for Disease Resistance in Crops:

Employed PCR, gel electrophoresis and next-generation sequencing for gene identification and modification.
Conducted field trials to evaluate effectiveness.
Achieved a 30% increase in disease resistance in modified crops.

Development of a Bioinformatics Tool for Genome Analysis:

Developed algorithms for sequence alignment and variant detection.
Utilized Python and R for coding and data visualization.
Improved data processing speed by 50%, enabling faster genome analysis.

Publications

Including a publications section on your resume demonstrates your contributions to the scientific community and your ability to communicate research findings effectively.

How to list publications on your biotechnologist resume:

Jane Smith, Robert Brown, and Shirley Henderson. “CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Gene Editing in Wheat: Enhancing Disease Resistance.” Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology, vol. 45, no. 2, June 2023, pp. 123-135.
Emily Clark, Michael Thompson, and Shirley Henderson. “Development of a Bioinformatics Tool for Genome Analysis.” Bioinformatics Advances, vol. 12, no. 4, Dec. 2022, pp. 456-470.

Professional affiliations

Adding professional affiliations to your resume shows your engagement with the scientific community and commitment to staying current in your field. It also demonstrates your dedication to professional growth and your active involvement in relevant organizations.

American Society for Microbiology (ASM), member since 2020.
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), member since 2019.

Honors and awards

By listing your honors and awards, you provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments and recognition, which can significantly enhance your resume and increase your chances of securing a desirable position in the biotechnology field.

How to list honors and awards on your resume:

Best Research Paper Award, American Society for Microbiology (ASM), June 2023:

Recognized for outstanding research on the use of CRISPR technology in microbial genetics.

National Biotechnology Conference Poster Competition, National Biotechnology Association, May 2021:

Won first place for presenting innovative research on bioinformatics tools for genome analysis.

Technical proficiencies

This section demonstrates your ability to effectively use industry-standard software, equipment and techniques, which is essential for employers seeking candidates who can hit the ground running. Your technical skills can set you apart from other candidates and show you have the practical abilities to succeed.

BLAST
CLUSTALW
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

How to make your application stand out with a cover letter

Create your cover letter

One of the best ways to ensure your application shines is by writing a fantastic cover letter.

Think of a cover letter as your chance to make a memorable first impression. A great cover letter can excite potential employers to read your resume and learn more about you.

Show your passion for science and biotechnology by explaining what excites you about these fields. Be detailed and discuss any specific projects or experiments you’ve done, demonstrating that you are careful and pay attention to detail. Keep your cover letter organized and easy to read, which will show that you are also organized in your work.

If you’re feeling a bit unsure about where to start, looking at cover letter examples can give you an idea of what to include and the tone to use. There are also online tools, like a cover letter builder, that can help you create a professional-looking letter with templates and phrasing suggestions so you don’t have to start from scratch.

When you apply for a job, sending your resume and a cover letter gives a complete picture of your skills and dedication. This combination shows you are serious about the job and ready to take on the challenge.

As you apply for that biotechnologist job, here are a few key points to keep in mind.

Biotechnologist resume — key takeaways

Pick the perfect template

Start with a professional and clean resume template. Think of your resume as a snapshot of you — it should look neat and organized. Choose a layout that’s easy to read and highlights your key information immediately.
Write a clear and engaging intro

This is your chance to grab the reader’s attention. Write a brief summary of who you are as a biotechnologist, what you’re passionate about and some of your top accomplishments.
Highlight your key skills

As a biotechnologist, you have some unique abilities. Make sure to list them! Include skills like conducting experiments, analyzing data and using biotechnology tools and software.
Show off your experience

List the places you’ve worked or the projects you’ve participated in. Include details like the name of the company or project, your role and responsibilities, specific quantifiable achievements or contributions and how your work made an impact.
Mention your education

Your education is a big part of your qualifications. List your degrees, certifications and any special training you’ve completed or are in the process of completing.
Write a great cover letter

A cover letter is your chance to add a personal touch to your application. Even if it’s not required, it can make a big difference. Use your cover letter to explain why you’re passionate about biotechnology, highlight some of your key achievements and show a bit of your personality.

Commonly asked questions about resume writing

Last Updated: June 18, 2024

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Karla is a content writer dedicated to guiding job seekers to career success with compelling articles, resumes and cover letters. Her M.S. in Screenwriting and B.S. in Comparative Literature equip her to create engaging job application materials.