Research Assistant Resume Example
If you're hoping to start a career as a research assistant, you'll need experience in collecting data samples and analyzing data sets. For a successful research assistant application, you'll want to submit a professional resume that showcases your relevant skills. In this article, we'll discuss how to create a research assistant resume that catches the eye of employers, with tips and examples to help you write your own.
The aim of this article is to equip you with all the knowledge required to create a resume that positions you to succeed in your research assistant applications. You'll find valuable tips on writing a resume that best showcases your unique skills and achievements. There is also extensive guidance on how to structure your resume to match the job description, and to reflect your experience levels to impress HR specialists and employers. Read on to learn the tips Jobseeker careers experts recommend as the best for your research assistant resume.
Core sections to include in a research assistant resume
The key sections to include in a research assistant resume are similar to those for any role or profession.
If you have no work experience as a research assistant or have just started in the industry, you could consider using a functional or skills-based format, which emphasizes your skills and education. Likewise, an entry-level resume might focus more on soft and transferable skills, as well as details about internships, voluntary work or relevant training you've completed.
Work experience is typically the most important resume section for research assistant applicants with some prior experience. As such, it's best to use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format. Use your work experience section to highlight your career achievements and show how you meet the job description. Offer evidence of the impact you had on successful outcomes for the company.
For senior research assistant applications, concentrate on your work experience and any accolades or achievements that prove your status as a highly experienced candidate. Use a reverse-chronological resume format with additional sections. Some elements to include in a senior resume for maximum impact might include awards, publications, conference presentations or professional memberships. By adding these sections, it's likely that your resume will be longer than a junior resume.
The order you present these sections can vary according to your career stage, but it's still essential to include each of the following:
Resume Header
The resume header is the place to add your name and contact details, along with your LinkedIn URL if you have a profile, so employers can find more information about your career journey and skills. You don't typically need to add a photo, or any other personal information to this section. Make sure your resume header is as brief as possible and doesn't take up too much valuable space. Choose a clear, professional design that sets the tone for your application.
Make sure the email address you list in your header is professional-looking and doesn't contain any inappropriate content such as nicknames or unsuitable language. Opt for an email address based on your name or profession, or a combination of both. Finally, check your contact details before sending your resume, to ensure everything's up-to-date.
Terry Sanders
terry.sanders@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY
linkedin․com/in/terry–sanders123
Resume Summary
Your resume personal profile is a short, concise paragraph to highlight two or three key skills and achievements in research assistant roles. You may also see this section named as 'resume summary' or 'resume objective'. Resume summaries tend to focus on your career experience, while resume objectives cover your ambitions and plans for the future. In addition, your objective should highlight why you're an ideal candidate for research assistant roles by showing key skills and qualities that reflect the job description.
Alternatively, use this summary to introduce your personal career ambitions and explain why research assistant roles are a good fit for you at this stage of your career.
A strong resume summary focuses on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for research assistant roles in a clear, quantifiable way. It also gives an insight into your personal qualities, to help the reader understand why you're a suitable candidate. Take a look at some strong examples of how to approach a research assistant resume summary in the graphic below.
Good example:
Highly motivated research assistant with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and previous experience as a Research Associate. Skilled in conducting complex laboratory experiments, data analysis, and scientific report writing. Proficient in various molecular biology techniques, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong attention to detail and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge
Bad example:
Research assistant with some science background and past work in research settings. Have done experiments and worked with data and reports. Know some lab techniques like working with DNA and cells. Can work with others and handle different tasks at once. Pay attention to details and interested in learning more about science
Alternatively, a poor resume summary would include bland, generic information that does little to prove your suitability for the role, while failing to provide any useful insights on you as a person or as a candidate. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your research assistant resume summary.
Employment History
In your work experience section, list any previous relevant roles you've worked in, as well as your key achievements as a research assistant. For each entry, list the job title, the name of the employer, its location and the dates you worked there. Add each job in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent role.
Also include some bullet points for each job mentioned, showcasing your achievements so the employer can see the impact you made on the company. Pay attention to the job description and make sure each point is relevant to research assistant roles.
A good work experience section pulls the reader in with clear examples of where you've put the skills necessary for the job into good use in your career to date. This typically includes evidence of how your skills and activities contributed to positive outcomes for the organization. Review some strong examples of resume work experience sections in the graphic below.
Good example:
Research Associate, January 2022 - Present
Innovative Insights Research Group, Aurora
- Successfully secured $500,000 in grant funding for groundbreaking cancer research, leading to 3 publications in top-tier journals
- Developed and validated a novel biomarker assay, increasing diagnostic accuracy by 30% in clinical trials
- Co-authored 5 peer-reviewed articles, including a high-impact study cited over 200 times, advancing the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases
Bad example:
Research Associate, January 2022 - Present
Innovative Insights Research Group, Aurora
- Assisted in various research projects, contributing to the team's overall success and advancement in the field
- Played a key role in securing funding and supporting research initiatives within the department
- Collaborated with team members to produce impactful research outcomes and enhance project effectiveness
The example above can give you some idea of what not to include in your resume work experience section. A poor resume work experience section would typically use vague descriptions of activities in previous jobs, while focusing too much on responsibilities rather than achievements. Failing to focus on the skills and experience that match the job description is likely to harm your chances of success.
Education and Qualifications
In your education section, include details of your most relevant research assistant qualifications and educational achievements.
A research assistant role tends to require candidates to have a university or college degree, so make sure you list yours in your resume. A Bachelor of Science in Biology degree or similar is the most suitable for this job, but you could also include any other relevant qualifications that show your literature review proficiency or lab techniques mastery.
List every relevant qualification, including the name and level of the course, the name of the school, college or university, its location and your graduation date. You can enhance this section by adding bullet points that show any outstanding grades, awards or achievements and any specialist subjects you studied. These details can make you stand out from other candidates.
If you were a member of any clubs or societies, or volunteered for any causes while studying, you could also mention these in your education section.
Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2017 - 2020
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Publications and Projects
Adding resume sections for projects and publications can be an effective way of proving your credentials to prospective employers. They show your reputation, standing and contributions to the academic discourse. Consider including key projects you've delivered or worked on, as well as and published works, such as books, chapters, journal articles and articles for magazines or newspapers.
The two most widely-used citation styles are the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Both of these include variations on author name, year of publication, article title (if necessary), publication name, volume, issue, page numbers and publisher. While the MLA style is more suitable for humanities subjects, APA is the citation style of choice for scientific and engineering subjects. Here's an (APA-style) example publication that you might see included in a research assistant resume:
Terry Sanders. How Research Assistant is Shaping the Future of Science. Published in The Global Times, 2009.
Hard and Soft Skills
Adding a list of your key skills provides a quick reference for the reader of what you can bring to a research assistant role. Skills such as data analysis software or attention to detail are particularly useful for research assistant jobs. Again, include any skills that match those listed in the job description. Focus particularly on technical skills required for research assistant jobs and transferable skills that show your qualities as a research assistant.
How to include hard skills on your research assistant resume
Hard skills are the key technical skills required for research assistant positions. They include specific industry knowledge and abilities that you could learn on the job, or through a specialist qualification. Furthermore, your list of hard skills provides a strong indication to the reader of your expertise in research assistant roles, and how well you'll fit into the position. Include around four or five key hard skills that are listed in the job description. These skills will help to convince the hiring manager that you're a good fit for the position.
The best resume hard skills sections focus on specific technical skills necessary for the job, showcasing skills that you have particular expertise in. There are some examples of valuable hard skills for a research assistant resume below.
- Data analysis software
- Statistical analysis expertise
- Literature review proficiency
Soft skills on your research assistant resume
In your soft skills list, include any personal characteristics that make you a good fit for a research assistant job. Soft skills tend to be more universal than hard skills, but they're no less important. Indeed, without soft skills, you may struggle to adapt to research assistant roles or meet the standards expected of you. So make sure you include several key soft skills on your resume. Think of your best soft skills and add up to five that match the requirements of the job description.
An effective research assistant resume soft skills section should be targeted to include skills that reflect your personality and unique characteristics, while also matching the job description. The graphic below includes some examples of good resume soft skills.
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
Hear from experts:
Include sections for additional experience, such as teaching, leadership roles, or public outreach, to show well-roundedness beyond technical expertise. (1) Format your resume with consistent font styles and adequate white space for a polished, professional appearance. (2)
Certifications and Training
Under certifications and licenses, add any further qualifications that show you're a good fit for the job. These could be professional accreditations and licenses, or certifications that improve your level of suitability for the position. Therefore, list any official licenses and certifications, along with their dates, so employers can assess whether you've got the necessary qualifications to work as a research assistant.
See below for some suggestions of relevant certifications for a research assistant resume:
- CITI Program Certification, 2022
- GCP Certification, 2022
- CRA Certification, 2022
Optional Sections
If you need to provide further evidence of your suitability for the job, optional sections can be useful for a research assistant resume. Take a look at the sections below and add any that help you show how and why you're right for the job.
Hobbies and Interests
Listing your hobbies and interests can reveal key qualities that some employers may value. Your hobbies and interests are useful for a research assistant resume if you want to show a different side to your personality, or to stand out among other candidates. They can also be valuable if you're a junior candidate without much relevant work experience. Just make sure any hobbies and interests you include in your resume add genuine insight into your personality, in ways other sections of the resume can't.
Voluntary Work
Adding voluntary roles can be a useful way of showing relevant experience and skills for research assistant roles beyond your main employment history. Include the title of your volunteer role, who you volunteered for, as well as the dates you carried out the work. Provide brief details of your responsibilities and the impact you made.
References
Standard research assistant resumes don't tend to include references, but you might find them requested occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Be sure to prepare your referees in advance, so they've agreed to provide a reference and are ready to be contacted.
References can be provided upon request.
Best words to use in a research assistant resume
Add strong verbs to your work experience section to show the hiring manager the impact you made in your previous roles. Choose from the list of words below to make the best possible impression.
- Analyze
- Collaborate
- Collect
- Compile
- Conduct
- Interpret
- Investigate
- Organize
- Present
- Synthesize
Jobseeker's resume templates were created by careers experts to help you produce a professional resume in minutes. You can also find cover letter templates to complete an eye-catching job application that gets you noticed.
Example of a research assistant resume
The research assistant resume example below incorporates all the information from above into a full-designed resume template, so you can see how a final resume will look:
112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY
•
terry.sanders@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/terry–sanders123
Research Assistant with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and extensive experience as a Research Associate. Proficient in molecular biology techniques, data analysis, and laboratory management. Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. Skilled in utilizing various software tools for data visualization and statistical analysis, with a strong commitment to scientific accuracy and integrity.
Research Associate
2020
-2022
Quantum Innovations Lab (Tulsa)
- Developed and published 5 peer-reviewed research papers in top-tier journals, contributing to advancements in biomedical engineering
- Secured $250,000 in grant funding for groundbreaking research on renewable energy technologies, leading to two patent applications
- Led a multidisciplinary team in a successful 3-year project on AI-driven data analysis, enhancing predictive modeling accuracy by 40%
Data analysis software
Statistical analysis expertise
Literature review proficiency
Attention to detail
Critical thinking
Effective communication
CITI Program Certification
GCP Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Do's and don'ts of a research assistant resume
Tips to write the best resume
- Include any relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your current or most recent role, for maximum readability.
- Adapt your resume for every job application for maximum impact. Review the job description to understand the specific requirements for the role.
- Mention key skills that show you're suited to the job throughout your resume, as well as in the dedicated skills section.
- Proofread your resume to ensure it's free from spelling and grammar errors. Even minor errors can make a difference to your chances.
- Use a well-structured resume layout that optimizes headings, structure, margins, fonts and line spacing to make your document as accessible as possible to the reader.
Pitfalls to avoid with your resume writing
- Don't use passive language because it's less engaging for the reader. Change phrases like 'the target was exceeded' to 'I helped the team exceed the target'.
- Don't clutter your research assistant resume with too much information. Keep everything focused on showcasing your relevant skills and achievements.
- Don't add any hobbies or interests unless they directly showcase a skill or experience that's relevant to the job.
- Don't include any personal details, such as a photo, your age or marital status. These can create unwanted bias in the recruitment process.
- Don't forget to keep your contact information up to date, to ensure the employer can contact you if necessary.
How to make an ATS-friendly resume
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) help recruiters and employers to manage their hiring process. They can handle some of the more time-consuming and resource-intensive jobs, such as initial screening of resumes. Employers often receive hundreds of applications per vacancy, and ATS software can quickly and accurately scan and rank resumes based on their likely suitability for any role. When drafting your research assistant resume, there are a few guidelines to follow to give you the best chance of passing the ATS screening stage and progressing with your application.
Follow these simple rules when writing your resume, to make sure it's ATS compliant:
- Use a traditional resume format, such as reverse-chronological or functional. These will give your resume a structure that's easier for ATS systems to scan.
- Include keywords throughout your resume that align with the job description. ATS software tends to compare your resume to the job description for points of similarity, so careful, considered use of keywords should help your chances of success.
- Add each section with clear headings that match the established resume conventions, so ATS software can easily identify each part of your resume.
- Adopt a resume design that uses clear, professional design principles and leaves white space for your content to breathe. Use the most readable fonts and incorporate subtle design elements to enhance the readability of your document.
- Use simple, concise language to keep your resume to a maximum of one to two pages in length. This will make it easier for ATS software to read.
If you need help creating a professional resume, take a look at our expert career articles and variety of resume examples created by careers experts.
Frequently Asked Questions for a research assistant resume
Alongside your research assistant resume, it's important to produce a professional cover letter that creates a similar positive impact on the reader.
Firstly, choose whether you're going to write a full cover letter, or whether a brief email confirming your application and drawing attention to your resume will be sufficient.
A full, formal cover letter follows a traditional letter-writing structure and format. Add your header, the recipient's address an use professional greetings and sign-offs. In your first paragraph, introduce yourself and confirm the role you're applying for, along with your reasons for applying. Next, outline your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to the research assistant job description. Finish by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and adding a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to contact you for further information.
You can create a professional cover letter in just a few simple, easy-to-follow steps using Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates.
Writing a research assistant resume with no experience needn't be a daunting task. There are still plenty of ways to impress hiring managers with your resume. Use a skills-based resume format to highlight your relevant skills and education. This is more suitable for junior or entry-level roles where you might not have much work experience to showcase. Optional sections at the end of your resume can play a stronger role if you're lacking relevant work experience. Use certifications and training, hobbies and interests, volunteer roles and internships to show you've got the necessary skills for the job.
A strong resume headline can give the reader an immediate idea of your suitability for research assistant jobs. Resume headlines are also helpful for the ATS stage of the recruitment process, as they can help you reference the job title and one or two keywords for the role. Write a short, concise resume headline incorporating the job title, one or two key skills that match the job description and a reference to your reputation or track record.
See an example resume headline below:
- Aspiring Junior Research Assistant
- Innovative and Detail-Oriented Researcher
- Senior Research Assistant Specialist
The top resume format for your applications will vary according to a couple of factors. First, how much professional experience you have. Second, what type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. If you don't have much experience, for example if you're applying for a graduate role or changing careers, you might consider a functional resume format. This focuses on your skills and education above your work experience. For more senior roles where you have plenty of relevant experience, use a reverse chronological format. This resume structure places work experience at the heart of the document, using it as a showcase for your skills and achievements.
Takeaways for your research assistant resume
The best resumes focus on your skills and the value you've added to previous roles, rather than focusing on your duties and responsibilities. Choose the most suitable resume format for your experience levels, and focus on tailoring your resume based on the requirements listed in the job description.
Using the professional resume templates and resources of Jobseeker can help you create a great-looking resume that stands out from other applicants. Sign up today and follow the simple steps to get started. Whatever job you're applying for, a professional cover letter can make all the difference to your chances. Use Jobseeker's HR-approved tools and cover letter examples to inspire your applications.
Sources:
(1) Resumes & Cover Letters for PhD Students, Hardvard University: https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/161/2024/08/2024-GSAS_phd_resume_cover_letters-1.pdf
(2) Guide to Résumés and Curricula Vitae, National Institutes of Health: https://www.training.nih.gov/documents/16/Guide_to_Resumes_and_Curricula_Vitae.pdf
