Research Assistant Resume Examples for 2024

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Table of contents

Research Assistant resume examples
Related resume examples
Choose a format for your research assistant resume
How to write a research assistant resume in 5 simple steps
Add a cover letter
Key takeaways for your research assistant resume
FAQs from job seekers

Research assistants work in a variety of industries, including engineering, economics and education. While your duties will vary depending on the field you choose, there is one commonality — to land a desirable job you will need a strong research assistant resume.

We’re here to help. By following some simple instructions on how to write a resume and studying a few research assistant resume examples, the task of crafting a standout resume for yourself can be much simpler than you think. Here, you’ll learn exactly what you need to know to write an impressive research assistant resume in a matter of minutes.

This guide will show you:

Examples of research assistant resumes for different experience levels.
What makes a research assistant resume great.
Tips for writing research assistant resumes, including how to study the job description for keywords.
What to include in every section of your resume.
How to choose the right resume template and format for the role.

Ready to write your research assistant resume now? Use our professional Resume Maker for step-by-step help writing every section.

Research Assistant
resume examples

Entry-level research assistant resume example

Resume entry level example research assistant

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What makes this a great research assistant resume sample?

It’s an industry-appropriate resume template
This research assistant resume is written on a simple resume template, which is appropriate for a conservative field like research.
Packs in valuable information
This resume sample is well organized and uses each of the five resume sections to its fullest.
Utilizes the right resume format
Since this applicant is applying for an entry-level role, he has chosen a functional resume format to highlight his education and impressive skill set. The use of multiple skills sections not only lengthens the resume but takes the focus away from the applicant’s limited work experience.

Experienced research assistant resume example

Resume experienced example assistant researcher

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What makes this a great research assistant resume sample?

Utilizes a chronological resume format
Since this candidate is an experienced research assistant, she chose a resume format that highlights her impressive work experience. This format also puts a spotlight on her strong career progression from an assistant researcher to a lead researcher.
Uses data and metrics
To showcase the impact her work has had, this applicant uses data and metrics throughout her work experience section. These show potential employers the tangible results of her work and what she will bring to the table if hired.
Abundance of action verbs
Since recruiters sometimes read dozens of resumes in a single day, it’s critical that your content is engaging. Here, the applicant makes great use of language, using action words like “chronicled” and “redacted” to describe her work experience. This can help hold the attention of a busy recruiter.

Choose a format for your research assistant resume

To land the research assistant 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.

Here’s how to decide which one is right for you:

Applicants with no related experience should consider using a functional resume format which puts your transferable skills in research front and center.
Midlevel applicants with a few years of related experience should consider using a combination resume format, which is ideal for showing employers both your skills and work experience.
Experienced applicants who have five or more years of relevant experience should consider a chronological resume format to highlight your work experience as a research assistant and show off a strong career progression.

Visit our guide to learn more about how to format a resume for more information on how to best showcase your skills, training and experience.

Which template style is right for you?

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.

Since most fields that employ research assistants are conservative, such as academia and science, choosing an understated resume template is appropriate. Peruse our library of resume templates to view our selection of modern resume templates and simple templates to find one that fits your personal style.

How to write a research assistant resume in 5 simple steps

While there are some basic rules for writing a great resume, top candidates for competitive research assistant jobs know that the key to getting noticed is to write a resume that is specific to the industry and the role they seek. Here we teach you how to craft each section of your resume to show recruiters that you’re exactly who they’re looking for in five simple steps.

Step 1

Study the research assistant job description

A well-written research assistant resume is customized to include keywords that show employers that you have what it takes to perform the role. Why is this important?

Many employers run resumes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen out unqualified candidates based on preset keywords. If your resume doesn’t contain the right keywords, you’ll be eliminated before a human ever sees your resume. To make your resume ATS-friendly, you’ll need to customize it to the research assistant job description to improve your chances of landing a job interview.

But how do you know which keywords to use? Don’t worry — it’s a cinch.

While every role is different, a good research assistant job description should tell you everything you need to know about which keywords to add to your resume. The key to success is to study the job ad and make a list of the critical keywords you find there.

For example, if the job description for the research assistant role you seek asks for “experience creating research plans,” “recruiting trial participants” and “experience conducting inventory checks,” you’ll want to be sure to use those exact words in your research assistant resume. Look for opportunities in your professional summary, skills section and work experience section to add the keywords you’ve identified. Then, go through your resume and make sure what you wrote matches the wording in the job description so that the ATS recognizes it.

It may sound like a lot, but once you get used to the process, it should only take you a few minutes to do and you should see better results from your research assistant resume in the form of more interview invitations.

Pro tip

For some roles in academia or science, learning how to write a CV might be more appropriate. Study our guide to CV vs Resume: Differences Between the Two to learn which is right for you.

Step 2

Write a professional summary or resume objective

Depending on your level of experience, your research assistant resume should include either a professional summary or a resume objective to start. This is your resume profile, where you provide potential employers with a summary of your most relevant skills and experience and some professional highlights.

Research assistant applicants with less experience should choose a resume objective, which states your transferable skills and your career goals. Applicants with more direct experience in a research assistant role should use a professional summary, which outlines your skills and experience and highlights some of your most notable professional accomplishments.

Here are some strong examples for your research assistant resume:

Research assistant professional summary example:

Dedicated and results-oriented research assistant with three years of experience in an academic environment. Assisted in securing $1M in research grants through the ability to effectively communicate project significance and align with funding objectives. Proficient in conducting comprehensive research, analyzing data and providing valuable insights to support research projects. Adept at collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and assisting in the development of innovative solutions. Known for meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills and a track record of achieving research goals.

Research assistant resume objective example:

Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UCLA, eager to apply academic knowledge and hands-on experience gained from a successful summer internship at a leading medical research facility. Skilled in a range of laboratory techniques, including sample preparation, cell culture, microscopy and molecular biology assays. Seeking a research assistant position to leverage my strong analytical skills and laboratory expertise to contribute to impactful research projects in a collaborative environment.

Step 3

Highlight your most relevant research assistant skills

Regardless of your experience level, hiring managers will be looking closely at the research assistant skills you list. Skills for a research assistant resume should be added to your resume skills section and woven into your professional summary (or resume objective) and your work experience section.

It’s critical that you provide employers with a solid mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the measurable skills needed to perform a job, like analyzing data. These skills are easily taught in a classroom. Soft skills, like communication skills, are behaviors and personality traits that make you a great colleague. Both are critical in a research role. 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 research assistant resume

Hard Skills

Sample preparation
Data analysis
Safety protocols
Grant writing
Microsoft Office
Research

Soft Skills

Communication
Time management
Collaborative research
Attention to detail
Creative problem-solving
Strong writing skills

Here is an example of a strong research assistant skills section:

Proficient in Word and Excel
Sample collection and analysis
Strong scientific writing skills
Accurate data entry skills
High attention to detail

Pro tip

When writing your skills section, adding computer skills and other technical abilities is great. However, soft skills count, too. Try to find a mix of hard and soft skills to show that you’re a well balanced applicant.

Step 4

Write a strong research assistant 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.

Here is an example of a great research assistant work experience entry:

Research Assistant, University of Florida – Department of Chemical Engineering
Gainesville, FL
January 2021 – June 2022

Assisted in planning and conducting research projects focused on the design and optimization of natural biomaterials for a variety of clinical applications.
Participated in experiments related to complex interactions between the immune system and local stromal cell populations.
Contributed to refining protocols for data collection and analysis.
Coordinated participant recruitment and scheduling, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and informed consent procedures.

Pro tip

Make your research assistant credentials pop by using action words, data and metrics to capture the attention of a hiring manager.

Step 5

Showcase your education and training on your research assistant resume

To be hired as a research assistant, you’ll need to show employers that you have the required education and training. Top candidates for this role list their degrees, which often include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and certifications or special training in research assistant. There is no need to list your year of graduation unless you’re a very recent grad.

How to list your research assistant education:

Bachelor of Science: Chemical Engineering
University of Florida – Gainesville, FL

Pro tip

If you have professional certifications or special training, add them to your resume. You can include them in your education section or add a special section to your research assistant resume.

Optional sections for your research assistant resume

Awards and honors

Adding honors and awards on your resume is a smart way to show off your abilities, achievements and qualifications. The work of a research assistant is all about data and metrics, so including awards for exceptional performance can be a real boon to your resume. Awards and honors show the employer you’re truly dedicated to your field and capable of making significant contributions to an institution or organization, which ultimately will increase your chances of landing the job.

How to list awards on your research assistant resume:

William P. and Tracy Cirioli Term Professorship in Chemical Engineering, 2020-2023

Projects

Projects are a great addition to your resume because they show you’re capable of using theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. It’s one thing to learn something in class — it’s another thing to put the ideas into practice.

Projects are also a tangible demonstration of the types of skills — from problem-solving and time management to teamwork and leadership — that are valuable to employers. By listing them you show potential employers how you have applied your classroom learning into real life research.

How to list projects on your research assistant resume:

Experimental design and data collection:

Assisted in designing controlled experiments, setting up equipment and conducting data collection.
Collected biological samples
Conducted participant surveys

2. Literature review and background research:

Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to identify gaps in existing research.

3. Statistical analysis and data interpretation:

Analyzed collected data using statistical software to uncover trends, correlations and significant findings.
Generated graphs, charts and visualizations to present data insights.

Languages

Languages expand your communication abilities, giving you access to a wider variety of research subjects and stakeholders. Being multilingual can also open the door to international professional opportunities.

All else being equal, a multilingual candidate will often be more attractive to the employer. So, if you speak more than one language, be sure to list it on your resume.

How to list languages on your research assistant resume:

Fluent in Spanish and English
Proficient in Latin

Interests and hobbies

Adding hobbies to your research resume is appropriate as long as they’re benign, meaning not political or religious in nature. Adding these to your resume offers you an opportunity to show your personality and meaningfully connect with a potential employer. Plus, they can emphasize your transferable skills, like creativity or leadership — qualities you take from job to job.

How to list interests and hobbies on your research assistant resume:

Passion for reading, especially sci-fi and memoir
Film enthusiast
Avid Dungeons & Dragons player

Add a cover letter

Create your cover letter

Adding a research assistant 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 research assistant job starts with studying 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 research assistant resume

Follow our steps for a standout research assistant 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 research assistant resume — such as strong skills, an impressive work history or both — and then select the format that will help you put your best foot forward.
Be specific to the role

Use specific information from the research assistant job description rather than using 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 research assistant 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

Research assistants work in a variety of fields. If you’re applying for a job at a conservative academic or medical organization, you’ll want to choose a conservative resume design. For research roles in creative fields like marketing, your sales resume can be more colourful and creative.
Include a cover letter

Including a well-written research assistant cover letter can increase your chances of landing a job interview, so don’t miss the chance to include one with your application.

FAQs from job seekers

How do I list references on a resume?

How do I write a thank you letter after a job interview?

How important is font size on a resume?

How do I list technical skills on my resume?

What are core competencies and how do I list them on a resume?

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Heather is the Content Strategy Manager for Resume Now and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with more than ten years of experience writing about job search and career topics. She is based in San Francisco.