Biologist resume template & examples

Resume guide for a biologist resume

Fitly here to help. Our resume builder and tested resume examples for over 500 professions will give you the edge needed to stand out in your search for a rewarding biologist position. This resume guide and accompanying biologist resume example will cover the following key topics:

• Selecting the optimal resume format for biology careers
• Including comprehensive contact information
• Utilizing a compelling summary
• Detailing your biology-related work experience
• Highlighting relevant technical and soft skills
• Documenting your education & certifications
• Choosing a professional resume layout and design

Let's dive in!

How to write a biologist resume

Before you begin, it’s important to know what key sections your biologist resume should contain. These typically include:

• Profile
• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills

Your resume should showcase the unique expertise you bring as a biologist. Start by researching the organization and role to which you’re applying. Understand the employer’s priorities and tailor your resume to demonstrate how your scientific skills and experience can address their specific challenges. Follow these expert guidelines:

• Focus on your accomplishments, not just routine tasks. Anyone can list responsibilities, but highlighting specific scientific contributions or discoveries adds valuable impact.
• Customize your resume for each application by matching the tone and emphasis to the employer’s culture and job description.
• Maintain a polished, professional appearance with a resume template that looks clean rather than overly formal or intimidating.
• Incorporate relevant keywords to ensure your resume is easily understood by both human readers and applicant tracking systems.

Selecting the best resume format for biology careers

Your resume should be clear, professional, and simple to navigate—qualities that reflect an excellent biologist.

The reverse chronological format is generally the best choice, presenting your most recent scientific roles first, then moving backward through your experience.

If you are changing career fields or have a strong set of skills but less direct experience, consider a functional resume format that emphasizes competencies over chronology. A hybrid format mixing both styles can also be effective depending on your background.

Explore our diverse resume templates to find the format that best suits your unique situation. Many examples showcase these formats in real-world biologist resumes.

Remember to choose a clean, modern, and professional layout that reinforces your scientific credibility.

Including your contact information

The resume header is your chance to clearly present whose resume it is and how to reach you. Ensure this information is easy to find and presented professionally.

Be sure to include:

• Your full name
• Your professional email address
• Your phone number
• Your LinkedIn profile or professional webpage (if applicable)

Avoid including:

• Your home address
• Personal details unrelated to your professional profile

Crafting a compelling summary

Biology is a scientific and analytical profession, but your biologist resume should also convey your passion and dedication. The summary section is your opportunity to humanize your resume and dispel any stereotypes of scientists as detached or overly technical.

Think of the summary as a concise story of your expertise and character. This section allows more creative freedom than others, which mostly follow bullet-point formatting.

Use active, energetic language and highlight your most impressive achievements and professional values. Don’t merely restate your resume points; instead, provide a snapshot of your scientific approach, collaborative skills, and research impact.

Below you will find adaptable biologist resume summary examples to inspire your own.

Detail your biology-related work experience

Following the reverse chronological format, begin this section with your current or most recent scientific role and work backward. Limit your history to the last 10–15 years to maintain relevancy and avoid potential biases.

Include only experience pertinent to biology or related scientific fields. For additional roles, consider a separate "Other Experience" section.

Under each employer, list your responsibilities and key achievements in concise bullet points, avoiding personal pronouns. Start each bullet with a strong action verb such as conducted, analyzed, developed, published, or collaborated.

Go beyond listing duties by describing measurable outcomes, such as successful research projects, publications, or grant achievements. Quantify your impact whenever possible to distinguish yourself effectively.

Examples of weak bullet points that anyone could write include:

• Conducted experiments in biology lab
• Assisted with data collection and analysis
• Prepared reports and documentation

Improved, more specific bullet points could be:

• Designed and executed molecular biology experiments leading to a 15% increase in protein yield
• Analyzed large datasets using R, identifying new correlations published in peer-reviewed journals
• Coordinated cross-departmental research projects that secured $250K in external funding

See the biologist employment history resume sample below for illustration:

Highlight relevant key skills

Biology heavily emphasizes technical skills, and your resume should reflect this in about 90% of the content. Nevertheless, incorporating both technical and interpersonal skills illustrates your well-rounded qualifications. Technical skills might include expertise in laboratory techniques, data analysis software, or field research methods. Soft skills encompass collaboration, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Tailor your skills section thoughtfully for each position, selecting those most relevant to the job description. Maintain a master list of competencies that you update regularly to streamline this process.

Fitly offers a range of pre-written key skills for biologists within our resume builder, with options to add customized skills as needed.

Below is a sample skills section from our biologist resume template:

Document your education & certifications

The education section of your resume highlights the academic qualifications that underpin your expertise as a biologist. Since biology is typically a formal discipline, hiring managers expect to see relevant degrees listed clearly.

Most biologists hold undergraduate degrees in biology, ecology, genetics, or related fields, often complemented by graduate studies. There's no need to include high school details if you have advanced education.

Be sure to include any certifications or specialized training pertinent to biological research or industry requirements. Consider listing:

• Advanced degrees, such as a Master's or PhD in Biology or related sciences
• Specialized certifications like Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB) or Laboratory Animal Technician credentials
• Workshops and continued education in bioinformatics, ecological field methods, or molecular techniques
• Relevant internships and research assistantships especially for early-career candidates

Select a professional resume layout and design

Effective layout, design, and format are critical for capturing and directing recruiters’ attention toward your biologist resume. These elements form the essential first impression to hiring managers.

To communicate your scientific professionalism and attention to detail, opt for a clean, classic resume design. As biologists are associated with meticulous research skills, your layout should reflect clarity and organization.

Consider what your resume template conveys about you; a simple and elegant design is ideal for traditional biology roles, while a subtle creative touch might suit innovative research environments.

For inspiration and ease, explore our field-tested resume templates, where structure and formatting are expertly handled for you.

Biologist job market and outlook

The field of biology remains vital across healthcare, environmental conservation, pharmaceuticals, and academic research. Opportunities for biologists are projected to grow steadily in the coming years due to ongoing scientific advancements and increased environmental awareness.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates about a 5% growth rate for biological scientists from 2021 to 2031, which is about as fast as the average for all professions.

The demand is driven by expanding biotechnology sectors, environmental policies, and the need for research in medical sciences.

As of recent data, the median annual salary for biologists is approximately $80,000, with top earners exceeding $130,000 depending on specialization and experience.

The outlook for biologists remains positive, offering diverse opportunities in academia, industry, and government roles.

Key takeaways

Biology is a dynamic and essential field with steady job growth projected through the next decade, reflecting sustained demand in research, healthcare, and environmental sectors.

Employers seek biologists who offer validated scientific skills, analytical expertise, and effective communication abilities to advance projects and discoveries.

Salaries for biologists vary by specialization and experience, with considerable potential for advancement.

Your resume should be tailored, concise, and highlight measurable achievements and relevant skills to stand out in this competitive field.

With the right approach and presentation, your biologist resume can open doors to impactful scientific careers.