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3 PhD Resume Examples Made to Work for 2024 

PhD Student Resume

Phd application resume.

• Write Your PhD Resume

With the role of a PhD student, you’re the intellectual powerhouse driving groundbreaking research and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. Your expertise allows you to dive deep into complex subjects, developing innovative solutions and pushing the boundaries of what’s already known. 

At the same time, you’ll need to balance your responsibilities as a teacher as well, imparting your knowledge to the undergraduates at your institution. Crafting a resume and creating a cover letter that demonstrate your ability to shine in this diverse role is no easy task.

Luckily, we’re here to guide you through the maze of showcasing your academic journey. With our varied PhD application resume examples , you’ll find the ideal resume template to help you craft your own winning resume in no time.

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Thankfully, Liam does a great job highlighting his internship and project achievements and how both are applicable in helping sustainably improve production.

• One strategy you can use to boost the chances of your PhD student resume to clinch an enrolment slot into the health sciences department is by harnessing the achievements from a volunteer project that brought screening services to a marginalized community.

• Therefore, achievements in increasing student participation and engagement accompanied by metrics in improved grades and assessment scores would go a long way to prop your suitability.

Related resume examples

• Research assistant

Adapt Your PhD Resume to the School You’re Applying to

As an aspiring PhD student, your resume is your scholarly calling card, showcasing the intellectual artillery you bring to the academic battlefield. 

This is where you can showcase your skills and express why you’re the right person to join the program. To do this, tailor your skills section to align with the specific requirements of your desired program and department. 

Highlight your expertise in research methodologies, statistical analysis, and any specialized software or equipment you’ve mastered. For the more technically inclined, don’t shy away from showcasing hard skills like Python, Matlab, Java, or Tableau.

You can also include a couple of soft skills because they’re essential for giving lectures and mentoring students. Just remember to reinforce them with demonstrable examples in the experience section later. 

Want some pointers?

15 top PhD skills

• Microsoft Office
• Google Sheets
• Research Methodologies 
• Academic Writing
• Public Speaking
• Lesson Planning
• Grant Proposals
• Grading Essays
• Collaborative Research

Your PhD work experience bullet points

From conducting groundbreaking research to publishing papers, your journey as an academic is about more than just the day-to-day grind. In the experience section of your resume, the real spotlight should be on your transformative contributions. 

If this isn’t your first PhD, highlight achievements from your previous studies like securing research grants, publishing impactful papers, or successfully leading research projects. If you’re moving up from postgraduate studies, highlight the best and most impressive accomplishments from your master’s and bachelor’s degrees. 

Add some numbers to make your accomplishments pop. This could be the number of students mentored, successful experiments and research projects, or the reach of your published work. 

• Highlight the number of your articles or research papers that were published in reputable journals.
• Quantify the success of research projects with metrics such as project scope, budget management, or studies carried out.
• Demonstrate your ability to secure research funding by specifying the number and value of grants obtained.
• Showcase your impact as a mentor or tutor by talking about the number of students you’ve guided or the way they were able to improve their grades through your help.

See what we mean?

• Created engaging course materials using Articulate Storyline, resulting in a 39% increase in student engagement and comprehension
• Managed EHR software to document patient assessments, vital signs, and medication administration, maintaining 99.99% accuracy in recordkeeping
• Partnered with farmers to develop customized crop management plans, resulting in a 31% increase in yields
• Assisted in the development and implementation of assessments, leading to a 33% reduction in student dropout rates

9 active verbs to start your PhD work experience bullet points

• Innovated 
• Collaborated

3 Tips for Writing a PhD Resume With Little Prior Experience

• Mention your involvement in conferences and workshops. This will showcase your ability to engage with and contribute to the broader scholarly community.
• Echo your passion for knowledge throughout your resume, and look into the future. Outline your career objectives , illustrating your commitment to making a lasting impact through your PhD studies.
• Any and all academic achievements look great on a PhD resume, so make sure to add them. Talk about your GPA, awards won, or competitions you’ve participated in to show your drive as a college student.

3 Tips for Writing a PhD Resume for Your Second PhD

• Research is often independent, and academics are sometimes considered lone wolves. That’s why it’s important to emphasize your leadership and collaboration skills explicitly. The school needs to know you can mentor students and collaborate with other colleagues effectively—so turn up the enthusiasm for this area!
• If you’re going for a research role, it’s essential to be at the forefront of your field—following all the latest papers and studies. You can show this by mentioning your participation in research initiatives or the conferences you like to attend. 
• Show that you put just as much effort into your students as you put into your research by sharing student performance and engagement metrics. You can also discuss your favorite lecture and seminar-planning techniques to convey your passion and commitment. 

Absolutely! While not mandatory, a tailored career summary can be a powerful tool. Customize it for the PhD position, mentioning the specific program and academic role. Don’t forget to highlight things like research methodologies, data analysis, and any unique contributions to your academic field.

Choose a clean and professional format that prioritizes your academic achievements and research experience. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent structure, much like you would in a research paper. 

Include skills that align with the specific requirements of the PhD program and your academic discipline. Highlight technical and soft skills relevant to research, teaching, fieldwork, and collaboration.

• • 2+ years of experience in how the AI development lifecycle impacts systems, distributed computing, and cloud-native paradigm
• • Main research focused on how blockchain security could be enhanced by 65% within decentralized infrastructure
• • Other research projects (36+), looking at how future trends could impact network security in AI automated systems
• • Had 16+ publications in the Journal of Computer Science and secured +$16M in grant funding over the last two years
• • Assisted 13+ senior researchers and computer science professors in completing various applications by debugging codes
• • Participated in various other aspects of the software development process, including assessing briefs, writing code, and testing systems to ensure 100% accuracy
• • Built 10 full-stack web applications with Java and Ruby
• • Was tasked to help 5 researchers with the development of for-academia software with a focus on security
• • Analyzed the code specifications and transformations to comply with 100% of all security, accuracy, and client-briefed protocols and parameters
• • Met all mandatory schedule dates within the development process - receiving 98% approval in customer satisfaction

9 PhD Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your PhD resume must highlight your extensive research and expertise in your field of study. Tailor it to showcase how your unique skills are transferable to the job you're applying for. Demonstrate your proficiency in critical thinking and problem-solving through concrete examples of your work. Articulate your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, as this is key to standing out.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Lecturer in Molecular Engineering and Bioengineering Researcher: Biomedical Engineering, Ph.D. resume example

Electronic Product Design and Engineering Lab Technician, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering resume example

APTA Certified Physical Therapist, Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science resume example

Data Scientist: Niched In Statistics, Appplied Mathematics, and Machine Learning resume example

Resume Guide

Guide Overview

Additional Resumes

Extra Reads

Writing Your Ph.D. Resume

Resume Header Tips

Ph.D. Resume Summary

Resume Experience Section

Systematizing Your Experience

How to Include Your Degree

Ph.D. in Progress on Resume

Skill Set for Ph.D. Resumes

Certifications on Resume

Additional Sections

Key Takeaways

George C. Jones's 8-year-Odyssey to his doctoral degree in engineering is finally complete. All he has to do now is complete his Ph.D. resume.

Little does George know that within the next three years, he'd apply to 500+ roles and still not be any closer to working in the renewable energy sector.

A little birdie told us why.

Everywhere George applied, he was labeled as an "egghead": book-smart with no real-world experience.

At least that's the story his resume told.

Unfortunately, George's sad "tale" depicts many graduates’ job searches.

By 2030/31, the US is expected to have 221,000 Ph.D. graduates . While this may be fantastic news for the academic community, the job pool is limited.

Swimming into the big blue sea - a.k.a. the "real world" - would require Ph.D. graduates to adapt their resumes to the business or industry requirements.

And listing vague bullets pinpointing your experience just won't do.

Enhancv knows how to translate your skills, knowledge, and achievements to ensure your resume stands out in the vast talent pool.

Because a well-written Ph.D. resume , showing skills, passion, and knowledge, is your ticket to the moon and beyond.

Our exclusive, Ph.D. resume guide will answer some of the following questions for you:

• What are some of the biggest, unintentional mistakes Ph.D. graduates tend to make when writing their resumes?
• Perfecting the top one-third of your resume: how to get recruiters' attention every time?
• 102 of the most popular Ph.D. skills you need to add to your resume right now!
• Lacking much professional experience: how to align your academic background with job expectations?
• Get inspired with more ideas about formatting, writing your resume summary, and including your academic body of work in a way that works.

4 additional Ph.D. resume samples and why they work

Ph.d. bioengineering graduate.

This Ph.D. Bioengineering Graduate has certainly focused her effort on getting that tenure-track position.

Here’s why her resume works.

Within the top one-third of Dr. Taylor’s resume (the headlines, summary, and skills section), you’ll find many relevant keywords for the job advert.

She has also used the summary to qualify and quantify her results to help recruiters better understand her strengths.

The experience section is split into two parts: the first one notes all relevant teaching experience; the second section showcases depth and knowledge of research.

Dr. Taylor has included industry experience and strengths to further define her skill set and show results.

This approach would also be very helpful for any Applicant Tracking System (ATS) reviewing the resume, as it cross-aligns the candidate’s talents with the job requirements.

Ph.D. mechanical engineering

If you’re wondering how to translate your academics into real-life experience, check this example out.

Dr. Aubry’s resume headline highlights his area of expertise and his Ph.D. degree, while his summary qualifies his key academic achievements, contributions, and success.

Dr. Aubry’s skills section focuses more on the technology he is apt at within the specified job requirements.

His roles as a lab technician, contributor, and research assistant also hint to recruiters that he’s results-oriented and can show how his work affected the industry.

Finally, his strengths section cross-aligns soft skills that are important for the role, including mechanical engineering knowledge, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and technical writing.

Apta certified physical therapist

In some industries, a specific certification can be a real game changer to meeting ATS standards.

Dr. Brubaker knows this and that’s why she has used her resume to highlight her American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) certification within various sections (headline, summary, and certification).

Another reason why Dr. Brubaker’s resume works is that it pinpoints her niche of expertise with tangible results.

Her education section not only lists all of her degrees, but she has turned recruiters’ attention to the grant funding her Ph.D. thesis secured (an outcome of the project).

Did you notice how she curated the experience section? Dr. Brubaker started with her more job-oriented responsibilities, followed by a leadership role.

if you’ve participated in any extracurricular activities during your studies, they could indicate various soft skills on your resume, including leadership, initiative, organization, etc.

data scientist, ongoing Ph.D. in statistics

Are you a current Ph.D. student, wondering how to include your ongoing degree on your resume?

Charles Flack’s resume includes some of the best how-to practices.

Charles uses the resume headline and summary’s first section to specify his research niche, which is followed by his ongoing Ph.D. Status.

N.B. Remember that the recruitment process is one of building trust with honesty. If you note in your resume that you’re a Ph.D. graduate (without this being the reality), recruiters will find out.

Continuing with Charles’s resume summary. It goes on to include an array of expertise and soft skills (e.g. leadership, adaptiveness, perfectionism) all within achieved results in academia.

His experience section includes roles in leadership, technical writing, and private tutoring, denoting individual skills and contributions.

The strengths Charles has included are more specific and tie in with data science roles. Those include quantitative problem-solving, deep learning, and iterative process.

21 Ph.D. related resume examples to help you get inspired

• Entry-Level
• Grant Writer
• Lab Technician
• Research Associate
• Research Assistant
• Lab Assistant
• Lab Manager
• Finance Intern
• Data Science Intern
• Entry Level Engineering
• Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer
• Software Engineer Intern
• Nursing Student
• Data Analyst Entry Level

Quick steps to success in writing your Ph.D. resume to get recruiters’ attention

Let's start with a big no-no: your academic CV, the one you used to secure that tenure position, is a No-go. Put simply - it lacks personality .

HRs and the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) need more context to your experience.

Unfortunately, here comes one of the biggest disadvantages you may face, leaving academia. Often, Ph.D. graduates get rejected as they lack practical work experience .

Don't get discouraged. Instead, find a resume format that works for you.

For Ph.D. graduates that have less work experience, we recommend a functional-skill-based format . It will help you highlight your unique skill set and academic excellence.

Also, it'll align your niche area of expertise with the role expectations.

Now that we've settled the formatting debate, let's look at a couple of more quick pointers for your Ph.D. resume.

1. The top one-third of your resume - the resume header and summary - is crucial to getting a high score on the ATS.

That's why you should try to include as many of the advert's relevant requirements within this section.

2. Expand your qualifications and skills within the experience section.

Don't just list plain bullets, but focus on the outcomes of your studies, research, or publications.

How to write your experience bullets:

3. Speaking of impact, detail your accomplishments within your academic work.

Focus on the picture and your research's influence on the scientific field, business/ industry, or communities.

Bonus: Remember to always list all work and academic experience that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Your Ph.D. experience can open many doors for you, giving you a front-row seat on the cutting edge of new technologies.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves, here are a couple more bits and pieces to keep in mind when writing your Ph.D. resume.

What recruiters are looking out for in your Ph.D. resume:

• What methodology or technology have you used to prove your research?
• If you've ever led teams, were you able to manage them successfully?
• Would your niche area of expertise contribute to the organizational goals?
• Can you bring to the table more than just theoretical knowledge?
• How fast can you adapt to a non-academic environment and deliver tangible results?

Ph.D. resume's five most important sections:

• Resume header with keywords from the job description
• Resume summary cross-aligning requirements with experience
• Resume experience to expand on the summary
• Education section, listing all diplomas
• Professional achievements in research and publications

Your Ph.D. resume should balance your knowledge with how fast it can be applied in a real-world environment.

That's why you need to be precise about the resume sections you chose to prove your merit.

Mythbusters: Your PhD resume header under the Enhancv microscope

After endless hours of searching different platforms, you've finally found that cancer research position that perfectly matches your profile.

Avoiding all emotional attachment and excitement, you finally decide on the following header:

2 PhD resume header examples

Let’s look at the bright side of things. If the organization would like to get in touch with Dr. Garnett, they'd easily find his contact details .

But on the other hand, he is making one huge mistake: Dr. Garnett isn't taking advantage of the power of the top section of his resume. More specifically - his headline .

This crucial section could provide Ph.D. graduates with an opportunity to include all relevant keywords that could match their profile. And at the same time, tease their professional story.

This may be obvious, but this example works as it shows that Dr. Garnett is not only a Ph.D. graduate, but his specific area of research and interest, which should supposedly match with the role he’s applying for.

A rule of thumb for headers is to never be vague about your research and expertise.

You could list your Ph.D. degree within your resume title so that it’s the first thing recruiters (and the ATS) see.

In the case of Dr. Garnett, his resume title could read “Dr. David Garnett, Ph.D.”.

Our suggestion is to be wary about the organization you’re applying for because if the culture is more informal, this may come off as “pretentious”.

Ph.D. resume summaries: HRs’ favorite instrument for advanced career storytelling

The Ph.D. resume summary is a really useful section for good first impressions and explaining your experience.

The summary can be used to highlight your skills, strengths, and achievements. While telling the story of your professional growth.

We know how important real-world examples are for you.

So, without further ado, here's how Dr. Lucina Collard rewrote her resume summary. And in the end, got the attention of a prestigious software development company.

2 PhD resume summary examples

Dr. Collard may have spent too much time in the lab, as her Ph.D. resume summary just lists what courses she took and her thesis statement.

No results, no outcomes.

In the end, she did decide to include some soft skills and passions, but without actually pointing out the “why” behind her work. This doesn’t make sense at all.

Here’s what her modified resume summary looked like in the end:

This summary works for one simple reason: it qualifies the achievements.

Dr. Collard has noted that within the past 6 years, she has been specializing in the job advert keywords “robotics” and “mechatronics”. The award is also a nice touch to paint the big picture of her experience.

Dr. Collard is apt at achieving results within a dynamic environment. That includes various professionals from different backgrounds.

When talking about her thesis, she goes on to show her familiarity with the process.

Editing Dr. Collard’s summary may seem just like one small step for her, but it’s actually a giant leap to securing an interview.

Making your Ph.D. resume experience section stand out for all the right reasons

When listing their experience section, most Ph.D. graduates are probably making the same mistakes.

The first one: leaving out your academic practice, thinking that recruiters only want to see work experience.

That's not true at all.

Your education would not only prove your technical capabilities, but also your soft skills. But, more on that in the following paragraphs.

The second error: those tricky job titles.

You'd find 1000+ resumes, listing each experience using the given academic titles; e.g. Professor, Lecturer, Post Doctorate Student, Graduate Student, etc.

Robotic vs personalized approach: 1:0.

The ATS, reviewing your resume, is set to recognize keywords that are vital for the job. The faster those appear at the top of your experience, the better.

Instead of listing that you used to be a "Lecturer at XYZ University", go with "Data Science and Machine Learning Lecturer at XYZ University".

Third slip-up: those tricky experience bullets.

Some Ph.D. graduates just list all their courses, research, and publications.

This isn't the way to go.

You should rather align your knowledge with the job description to prove tangible results.

A couple of questions to help:

• What did this course help me learn and achieve that could be applicable to the job I'm applying for?
• How did leading lectures help me to cooperate better within the learning environment?
• What grants did my publications secure for the educational institute?
• What effects did my research have on the big-picture subjects within the field?
• The more you can get into the actuality (and practicality) of your education, the higher your chances are to get your first interview booked.

Let’s look at an example of how your experience can be showcased within your resume as crucial for the job.

Phd resume experience examples.

• • Got PhD in Philosophy
• • Took Philosophy of Mind, Brain, and Behavior Course
• • Took Ethics Course
• • Wrote Diploma on ‘To Be Or Not To Be: The Ethics of The Human Existence In The 21st Century’

This experience section is pretty negligent and robotic. Did you just get a diploma during those three-plus years?

You may be exiting from a leading higher education institution, but putting in the extra effort to your resume shows that you are diligent.

And that you’re actually invested in getting that particular job.

• • Contributed 60+ publications to the university scientific journal, niching within human rights, ethics, and the big why of human existence
• • Peer-reviewed publications for 12+ philosophy colleagues and professionals with a focus on consistency and validity of the thesis
• • Collaborated with 10+ professionals from arts, science, and biotech fields to question and understand the ethics behind their projects
• • Apart from the scientific paper for my final thesis, entitled 'To Be Or Not To Be: The Ethics of The Human Existence In The 21st Century’, published a short video on the university website to help inspire young professionals of philosophy to always stay alert

There’s no ground for comparison between the two examples. But let’s look at some of the basics.

The first experience bullet hints that the professional can write technical papers for their niche.

Next, the candidate showcases an eye for detail, collaboration, and teamwork.

Finally, they have found a way to get their thesis submitted on time and also make it more understandable.

On a side note - did you notice how a better job title could be a complete game-changer?

One bonus tip on better systematizing your Ph.D. experience

General practice is that you'd create one single resume experience section.

But what if while writing your Ph.D. resume, you realize that in the past six years, all your experience is for the same institution?

Here's an idea to spice up your experience section. You can create a couple of experience sections, based on functionality.

Thus highlighting job advert keywords and, at the same time, including more details.

So you could have some of the following headers, under which you could classify your work:

• Research Experience
• Technical Experience
• Analytical Experience
• Leadership Experience
• Mentorship Experience
• Teamwork Experience
• Higher Education Experience

Feel free to align your transferable skills, which would be beneficial for the job you're applying for.

How should you include your degrees within your Ph.D. resume education section?

Here's the advice you've probably been waiting for; introducing…

… "How to write about your degree without sounding like a snob?"

And there are two possible scenarios at play.

The first is that you're applying for a job related to your area of study.

You should list your Ph.D. degree in detail, including research topics, method expertise, and publications.

As you're writing for non-specialized audiences, don't go overboard with the complex terms. Instead, weave keywords from the job requirements within your education section.

In the second case scenario, you're applying for a job that has nothing to do with your degree.

Keep your education section plain and simple with your degree, university/college, dates, and location.

Either way, remember to always list all of your degrees in chronological order, starting with the latest.

This isn't just some made-up rule or HR caprice. Your resume education helps recruiters determine if:

• Your basic training and knowledge would fit the job
• You stayed focused on your coursework and graduated on time
• You would be a good fit for the team. Some companies tend to hire graduates from the same university

Ph.D. in progress: Should you include your potential degree on your resume?

Being transparent on your Ph.D. resume is what builds that fantastic initial relationship with the company you're applying for.

Thus, you have to be very clear and precise, especially in your education section.

If you're still pursuing your Ph.D. degree, shift the focus from the future to what you've achieved so far.

Your education section could answer any of the following questions:

• How applicable your degree is to the job opening?
• Which of the courses you've completed would help the company grow?
• Is your education a stepping stone within your professional experience?
• What is your expected graduation date?

Being on the course to completing your Ph.D. is definitely commendable, but sometimes life happens. And you may be forced to drop out of your Ph.D. education.

Should you then list the degree you didn't complete?

The answer is 100% yes, as your Ph.D.:

• fills gaps within your professional experience
• is valuable experience
• has helped you gain new knowledge

Making it clear to recruiters that your degree is "Incomplete" or that you "Didn't Graduate" is very important.

List your degree, dates, university/college, and status.

If you get to the interview stage, recruiters will ask you why you dropped out. Be prepared to talk about why it wasn't the best option for your career at the time, or hint at the circumstances.

Even if it's hard to believe, HR managers are people - just like you and me - and they are able to show understanding and compassion.

Ph.D. resume: Is there a dream skill set your potential employers would like to see?

Recruiters review your resume to see how your experience aligns with the role, with a big focus on transferrable skills.

Or in other words, what else can you bring to the table to help the business or institution grow?

And transferable skills can be both hard (or technical ) and soft skills .

Your hard skills include the technology you used to complete your studies.

Consider the opportunities you've has to:

• test and measure antennas parameters in an Anechoic chamber
• audit in a lab environment renewable energy sources' efficiency
• develop software, using Python, to patch cybersecurity risks

The list can go and on and on. Your Ph.D. has probably provided you with a pretty solid technical background.

When writing your resume’s separate technical skills section, ever wonder which technology should go first?

Rule of thumb: align the technology within the job description with your expertise.

The more proficient you are at a certain skill, the sooner you should list it.

Wondering what some of the most popular Ph.D. resume hard and technical skills are?

Check out our list, based on some of the most popular industries.

PhD resume technical skills for various roles:

15 hard skills for opportunities in business consulting:

• Knowledge of different business-crucial frameworks, including Benchmarking, Balanced Scorecard, Porter’s Five Forces, The GE-McKinsey Nine-Box Matrix, The BCG Growth-Share Matrix, Core Competencies
• Data Management and Analysis
• Advanced Data Modelling
• Strategy, Planning and Implementation
• Assessing and Managing Risk Using Frameworks
• Statistics and Understanding Correlations
• CRMs: Salesforce, Zendesk, Bitrix24, etc.
• Lead Generation Software: Zendesk Sell, Pipedrive, HubSpot, etc.
• Project Management Software: Jira, Hive, Asana, etc.
• Employer and Customer Satisfaction Surveys
• Proposal Writing
• Scheduling Software: Calendly, Google Calendar, Doodle, etc.
• Revenue Optimization and Sales

15 technical skills for biology, biotech, biochemistry, and medical research:

• Design, conduct, and analyze scientific research
• Tissue Culture
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
• Gel Electrophoresis
• Western Blot
• Molecular (Gene) Cloning and various techniques
• Flow Cytometry
• Mass Spectrometry
• Confocal Microscopy
• Cell-Based Assays
• Radioimmunoassays
• Data Analysis in biotechnology, bioinformatics, and medical research
• Laboratory and Equipment

15 engineering technical skills to add to your PhD resume:

• Manufacturing: Forging, Welding, Assembling, etc.
• Quality Control
• Industrial /System Design and Analysis
• Conceptual, Logical, or Physical Data Modeling
• AI and/ or Machine Learning
• Design Tools: AutoCAD, SolidWork, 3dsMax, etc.
• Programming Languages: C++, Python, Java, etc.
• Equipment Diagnosis
• Project Management: Trello, Zoho, Microsoft Project, etc.
• Data Analysis Software: Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Qlik Sense, etc.
• CNC Programming
• Advanced Physics
• Structural Analysis
• Nanotechnology

15 recommended computer science technologies:

• Programming languages: C++, PHP, Swift, etc.
• Software engineering and development: Atom, GitHub, Chrome DevTools. etc.
• Cloud Platforms
• Data migration and deployment
• Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
• Integrated Environments Management
• Network Maintenance
• Cybersecurity
• Machine learning AI
• Business Intelligence and Statistical Analysis Tools
• SQL Consoles
• SAS Development and Forecasting
• Data Modelling Tools: ER/Studio, Archi, Ludichart, etc.
• Automation Tools

15 academic and research technical skills:

• Technical Literacy
• Presentation and visual: Tableau, Prezi, PPT, etc.
• Learning platforms: Moodle, Classroom, Teams, etc.
• Surveys: Google Forms, MailChimp, Kahoot, etc.
• Data-Processing Software: SPSS, RStudio, NVivo, etc.
• Academic Networks: Google Scholar, Academia.edu., ResearchGate, etc.
• Academic Research and Technical Writing
• Email Writing
• Data and Information Analysis
• Copyright and License
• Videoconferencing: Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, etc.
• Applications for Securing Grants and Funding
• Peer Reviews and Co-Writing Interdisciplinary Technical Papers

Moving on to your PhD resume soft skills

There's still no precise formula for how soft skills are gained and applied in the workplace.

How many times have you seen an advert that requires "a can-do attitude and teamwork"?

Yet soft skills are on all recruiters' must-have checklists.

In the case of Ph.D. applicants, these transferable skills are built thanks to all the healthy habits you've maintained through your education, including your:

• collaboration
• ability to meet deadlines

Soft skills hint to recruiters more about your character and style of work.

Here are some ideas as to which ones you can include within your resume:

37 PhD soft skills to spice up your resume:

• Critical / Logical Thinking
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Brainstorming
• Creativity and Innovation
• Meeting Deadlines
• Working Under Pressure
• Negotiation
• Project Management
• Organization
• Prioritization
• Flexibility
• Independent Work
• Ethical Decision-Making
• Leadership or Mentorship
• Collaboration
• Teaching or Lecturing
• Conduct Meetings
• Supervision
• Feedback and Evaluation
• Motivating Others
• Communicating Ideas
• Presentation
• Constructive Debating
• Leading or Participating in Group Discussions
• Public Speaking
• Accelerated Learning
• Attention to Detail
• Writing Proficiency
• Quantitative Literacy
• Listening and Reflection

When describing your leadership or mentorship soft skills, here are a couple of questions you could answer within your resume to qualify your achievements:

• What actions did you take to maintain a constant and successful team dynamic?

Mix in extracurricular certificates

Back in the day, you earned a couple of extracurricular certificates and wondering if you should include those on your Ph.D. resume.

Again, it's a matter of analyzing how necessary your certification is for the job.

E.g. if AICPA's CPA certificate is listed as obligatory within the job description - and you have earned yours - you know what to do.

Certificates show that you're willing to put in the extra effort to stay relevant. Proving that you're committed, flexible, and a life-long learner.

So, think about the relevancy the certificate would have within your field.

Then, consider including some of these popular certificates:

Top 50 PhD certificates from various institutions for your resume:

• Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) - Certified Professional
• ACRP - Clinical Research Associate Certification
• ACRP - Clinical Research Coordinator Certification
• American Health Information Management Association - Coding Specialist Physician-Based Certification
• Nationally Registered Certified Patient Care Technician
• National Healthcare Association (NHA) - EKG Technician Certification
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PhD resume: let’s get creative with a few more resume sections

When completing your Ph.D. resume, you should always find ways to stand out from the crowd.

That’s why we’ve compiled for you some of the most popular sections which you could add to your resume.

Before doing so, always question each section's relevance to the job you're applying for.

• Publications or Projects - focus on topic, methodology, and impact; include your grant ID code, if your research won any funding
• Academic Awards - once more, consider if those would shine a better light on your expertise
• Conference Presentations - this would showcase your public speaking abilities
• Language Skills - be honest when listing your language proficiency

One final word of warning - your Ph.D. resume offers limited space to showcase your expertise, so try to make the most out of it.

key takeaways

• The extra effort to align your Ph.D. skills with the job you're applying for always gets recruiters' attention.
• Include as many relevant keywords within the header and summary of your Ph.D. resume.
• Have separate sections, detailing how your academic background has helped you attain experience, skills, and certifications.
• List chronologically all degrees you've earned through your education, with an adaptable approach to details.
• Remember that the recruiters or the ATS assessing your resume may not be that scientifically literate. Substitute complex terminology with impact and results.

Looking to build your own PhD resume?

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Resume for PhD application example

You’ve wrapped up your degree and are keen to embark on your PhD journey.

But before you can get stuck in, you’ll need to secure your place by putting forward a compelling PhD application and resume.

If you’ve never written an academic-style resume before, the process can be daunting. That’s why I’ve created this step-by-step guide to writing a resume for a PhD application.

I’ve also included a PhD resume example, to give you a better idea of what you need to include. Here’s what I’ll cover in the guide:

Guide contents

PhD application resume example

• Structuring and formatting your resume
• Writing your resume summary
• Detailing your education
• Detailing your relevant experience

Resume templates 

As you can see from the resume example above, a PhD resume is structured differently to a traditional resume. Instead of focusing on work experience, academic experience and accomplishments are prioritised.

However, the fundamental resume writing rules stay the same. Therefore, the candidate has put forward their information in a way which is clear, concise and formatted for easy reading.

PhD application resume structure & format

PhD programmes receive thousands of applications, meaning the university admissions teams are generally very time-strapped.

As such, you need to structure and format your resume to make it as easy as possible for them to review.

First impressions count and a cluttered or disorganised application won’t do you any favours.

Instead, you should aim for a clean, well-organised and professional appearance throughout.

Formatting Tips

• Length: While academic resumes are generally longer than standard resumes, it’s still best to aim for a short, relevant and concise document. For PhD applications, a length of one or two A4 pages is ideal. This is more than enough space to highlight your suitability without overwhelming the reader with irrelevant information or excessive detail.
• Readability: The information on your resume should be laid out logically, with clear section headings for easy navigation. Break up large chunks of text into small, snappy paragraphs and include bullet points where appropriate.
• Design: Opt for a clear, legible font and stick to it throughout – consistency is important. Ensure your headings are formatted for attention by using bold text or a slightly larger font size.
• Things to avoid: Steer clear of elaborate designs, fancy fonts, images or logos – they’re simply not needed and might distract from the all-important written content.
• Things to consider: resumes ‘rules’ differ from country to country, so if you’re applying to an international university, take some time to research what’s expected of you.

Structuring your resume

Organise your content into the following sections for ease-of-reading:

• Contact details – These should always be at the very top of your resume.
• Personal statement – A brief introductory summary of your qualifications, skills and experience in relation to the PhD.
• Core skills – A short and snappy list of your most relevant skills, tailored to the PhD.
• Education – A detailed breakdown of your relevant qualifications, especially your undergraduate and postgraduate degree(s).
• Career summary/research experience – An overview of any relevant work or research experience, angled towards your chosen field of study.
• Additional information – A space to detail any other relevant information which may boost your application.

Quick tip: While the simple resume format above is usually ideal, academic institutions often have their own preferred structure. Double-check their guidelines before you start writing – their preferences should be prioritised – and use a resume template if you want to speed things up without sacrificing quality.

Resume Contact Details

Commence your resume by sharing your basic contact details

• Phone number
• Email address
• Location – Rather than listing your full address, your town or city, such as ‘New York’ or ‘Boston’, is enough.
• If you have one, add a link to your LinkedIn profile or a portfolio of work.

Resume for PhD Personal Statement

Your summary / personal statement is essentially your first impression on the reader and is a great way to hook their attention.

It should provide a snappy summary of who you are and why your qualifications, skills and ambitions make you a perfect candidate for the PhD.

Tips to consider when creating your personal statement:

• Tailor to the PhD: Every PhD programme should have a description available, which you can use to tailor your personal statement ( and your resume as a whole). Focus on proving you have the appropriate educational background, skillset and knowledge to carry out the project.
• Prove your enthusiasm: It’s important to put forward your drive and motivation for your field and explain why the specific PhD is so well-matched to your wider interests and ambitions.
• Avoid clichés: Clichés and generic phrases like “I’m a motivated team player” and “gives 110%” won’t impress the admissions team.
• Keep it short: A paragraph length of around 8-15 lines is perfect. This is only an introduction – the detail can come later on in your resume.

What to include in your resume for PhD personal statement?

• Your academic background – Give a brief overview of your undergraduate degree and/or masters and how they’ve brought you towards this PhD.
• Impressive results – PhD students are normally academically extraordinary, so make sure to point out any impressive results or feedback – whether that’s your degree as a whole or a particularly relevant assignment/project grade.
• Relevant skills – Use the PhD project description to find out what the university is looking for in candidates. Then, try to incorporate the core skills into your summary.
• Relevant experience – Not everyone will have any relevant research or work experience to their name at this stage, but if you do, make sure to briefly highlight it here.
• Interests, goals & motivations – Give a brief insight into your motivation for taking on a PhD, why you’re so committed to your specific research topics(s) and what you think you can add. It’s also helpful to summarise how the course will fit into your wider career ambitions/goals.

Core skills section

Next, create a punchy list of core skills, organised into 2 or 3 columns of bullet points.

Use the project description to identify the required skills and knowledge, then use your findings to inform your list.

This will help the busy admissions team to see that the PhD is right for you at a glance.

Education & Qualifications

A PhD resume is all about academic achievements and qualifications, so this section should make up the bulk of your resume.

Working in reverse chronological order, provide a detailed breakdown of your undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

If you have any other academic qualifications that are particularly relevant to the PhD subject, they might be worth listing, too.

Structuring your education

By working to a considered structure, you can ensure your education is easy to navigate and that your key achievements stand out.

For each of your relevant qualifications, break up information into the following sections.

Start by detailing the type of qualification, the title, the achieved grade, the academic institution at which you studied and the year you graduated.

MSc – Environmental Engineering (Distinction)

St James University (2018)

Course content

Next, discuss your thesis or dissertation title (if applicable), the modules you studied and any relevant projects you were involved in.

What you choose to write here should be tailored to the PhD you’re applying for – focus the detail on the most relevant aspects of the qualification.

Thesis: “Identification of the Bacterial Profusion and Variety in Nuclear Waste Disposal”.

Modules: System Analysis in Urban Water Management; Process Engineering in Urban Water Management; Air Quality Control; Waste Management; Ecological Systems Design, and Remote Sensing and Earth Observation.

Project: “Research Study for Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment”

Key achievements (optional)

Finish up with a snappy list of key results, accomplishments or learning outcomes you achieved.

This might be an impressive grade for a highly relevant assignment, an award you won or a quote of exemplary feedback from a tutor.

Career & Research Experience

Next up is your career & research summary, which should be tailored to the PhD in question.

You could include relevant research experience here, as well as any related employment (even if temporary or voluntary).

Make sure to be selective with the type of employment you list, though. For example, a part-time waiting on job isn’t worth including, but a laboratory or tutoring job might be. Ultimately, it should be related to your field or have helped you develop relevant skills or knowledge.

When discussing your research roles, make sure to detail the techniques you used, the skills developed and any interesting findings.

Structuring your experience section

Ensure your career & research section is clear, scannable and easy to read by working to the following structure:

Outline the dates of employment/contract, the role title and the organisation or institution you worked for.

Aug 2018 – Sep 2019 Research Intern Hydro Continental, New York

Give a brief overview of the position or research project as a whole, discussing the team you worked with (or lead), who you reported to and what the goal of the project was.

“Undertook a short-term assignment pertaining to the Economics of climate change in order to research and drive improvements in energy consumption and emissions; reported to the Executive Engineer.”

Key responsibilities

Then use bullet points to pinpoint your duties and responsibilities within the role, making sure to mention any relevant techniques or skills used that could benefit your candidacy.

• Employed the Marginal Abatement Cost (MAC) curve tool to present carbon emissions abatement options.
• Built partnerships and participated in open discussions with other country modellers and research associates.
• Amassed and processed varied data from multiple sources.

Writing your resume for PhD

Applying for a PhD is a daunting yet exciting time, but a flawless resume can help you achieve your goals.

Remember to tailor your resume to the specific PhD you’re applying for and aim to make a compelling case for your suitability and aligned goals.

Before you send off your resume, try to get a second opinion from a current or previous tutor, trusted family member or friend.

It’s also worth checking the finished document with our quick-and-easy Resume Builder , to eliminate the risk of overlooking mistakes.

Best of luck with your PhD application!

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A Scientist Resume Example to Get That Next Academic Position

If you decided to pursue a career in science after grad school, inevitably, you’ll have to make several important decisions. The first is whether you will pursue a career in academics/education sector, or you will work in the private sector. While this post will largely focus on the challenges of finding a job in academia, it will also provide some counter points for those looking for a position in the industry. That’s a first.

Secondly, to keep your career path on the right trajectory, you’ll also need a great resume. That’s why we have included a detailed and compelling scientist resume sample as well that you can use to model your application. So let’s dig in!

Be Prepared to Earn Your Academic Stripes

In some disciplines e.g. Arts and Humanities, receiving your PhD is your lead into academia. However, merely earning that title is just the beginning in most scientific disciplines. Here are some challenges you may face before you are hired onto any permanent position at a college or university:

• You’ll need to build up your skills and experience by working on multiple short-term projects, post-doctoral work, and temporary jobs.
• Your first jobs in academia will likely be part-time adjunct positions.
• Plus, you will need to compete for the best internships, externships, and assistantships while you attend school to qualify for positions in more prestigious research institutions.

Most importantly, you will be up against some very talented people when you apply for academic work. That’s why your resume must be spot on. Here are some great tips for that.

Choose an Objective or a Professional Summary

The first item on your resume should be a summary of your experience, or a career objective . The one you pick depends on a single factor; your experience. If you have more than two years of experience in academics, you should write a brief, professional summary. If you have less than two years of experience, stick with a career objective.

What’s the difference? A professional summary will highlight your experience and job related achievements. A career objective will highlight your skills, and show that your career is on a growth track.

Below is a quick career objective sample for a scientist:

Recent PhD graduate seeks assistant professorship in the Life Sciences department of a major college or university. One year experience in field biology research. Currently working as a part-time instructor at Wakefield community college in the sciences department. 

Are you pursuing a job in the private sector? Good news! The same advice applies.

Choose a Chronological or Functional Resume

If you have significant experience in academics, or the business sector, you should leverage that experience with a chronological resume . This will provide context to your skills.

On the other hand, if you are light on experience, try a functional resume format. This will lead off with your skills. By doing this, you can showcase skills you have developed both as a graduate student as well as skills you have learned on the job, and through research projects.

Once again, this tip works well for all job-seekers in the science disciplines.

Treat Academic Work as You Would Any Work Experience

Whether you lead with your skills, or your work experience, you should always place work experience ahead of your educational history. However, some of your educational experience does belong in the work history section of your resume. This includes:

• Work on Research Projects
• Work as a TA
• Post-Doc Work
• Internships

As part of each entry, you should provide bullet points listing what you accomplished. For example, if you completed a research project, list the research questions you asked or answered as part of that research.

If you are looking for work outside of academics, doing this can show hiring managers the practical results of the work you did as a student.

Resume Sample for Scientist (Word Version)

Download resume example (.docx)

Scientist Resume Example (Text Version)

Professional Summary

Experienced Ecology Professor with a decade of experience motivating, educating, and mentoring students in the life sciences at undergraduate and graduate levels. Adept at explaining complex scientific concepts to students of all abilities. Communicates well with students, peer tutors, and department heads.

Work Experience

Ecology And Biology Instructor 8/14/2009 – Present Rutger Research University, Wales MI

• Tenured 12/15/2014
• Head of Life Sciences Curriculum Committee
• Graduate Research Mentor
• Lecturer: Biology Levels 100 – 300, Ecology Levels M100 – M300
• Mentored Master’s And PhD Candidates
• Earned 14.2 Million Dollar Marine Life Institute Grant For Middle American Riverways Research Projects

Biology Instructor (Adjunct) 01/05/2008 – 8/14/2009 Lake Forest Community College, Wales MI

• Ecology And Biology Lecturer And Lab Instructor
• Assistant Head of Lake Forest CC Science Department
• Head of Biology Tech And Field Research Assistant Internship Program

Skills And Qualifications

• Curriculum Design
• Conducting Student Evaluations
• University Level Instruction
• Grants Writing
• Research Leadership
• Authoring Scientific Papers

One Last Tip: Don’t Forget to Include Any Academic Honors You Have Received.

This includes listing any instances of your having been published in scientific journals and peer-reviewed journals, faculty rewards and other accolades. The easiest way to list your papers is to include some of the most relevant titles and provide a link to your Google Scholar profile for more information.

Elena runs content operations at Freesumes since 2017. She works closely with copywriters, designers, and invited career experts to ensure that all content meets our highest editorial standards. Up to date, she wrote over 200 career-related pieces around resume writing, career advice... more

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PHD Researcher resume examples for 2024

A phd researcher resume should highlight a range of skills, including proficiency in programming languages such as Python and C+ data analysis, and research design. The ability to analyze data using statistical analysis and visualization software is also highly valued. As Dr. Jason Schenker Ph.D. , Professor and Program Coordinator of Research, Measurement, and Statistics at Kent State University, notes, "With reductions in state funding for many public universities, they are looking for ways of enhancing their revenue, and the ability to obtain grant money helps with that." In addition to grant work, it's important for phd researchers to demonstrate their ability to work collaboratively, mentor students, and present their findings at conferences. Some phd researchers may also have experience in renewable energy, molecular biology, or national security, depending on their research projects.

PHD Researcher resume example

How to format your phd researcher resume:.

• Match the job title on your PhD Researcher resume to the job you're applying for
• When describing work experience, highlight your achievements and research outcomes, not just responsibilities
• Fit your PhD Researcher resume onto one page, focusing on the most relevant and impressive information
• Legal researcher Professor Jan Levine of Duquesne University suggests: 'Formal recognition from one or both of the two major leading research companies, Westlaw and Lexis, is usually helpful. Plus, listing experience doing research and applying it for a law review article or upper-level course paper, as a research assistant for a faculty member, or for a judge or law firm during an externship/internship or summer job'
• Professor Jan Levine also notes: 'While research skills are important, conveying what was found is even more important...Demonstrating the application of the fruits of research in a written document, such as an office memorandum, appellate brief, law review article, or another professional setting or context'
• According to Professor Jan Levine : 'Understanding how to plan a research effort, knowing how to update research, so it is timely, finding materials online and in print...demonstrating a critical examination of sources, and knowing to find and use non-legal sources of information to apply to a legal problem...are all important skills for PhD Researchers'

Choose from 10+ customizable phd researcher resume templates

Choose from a variety of easy-to-use phd researcher resume templates and get expert advice from Zippia’s AI resume writer along the way. Using pre-approved templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your phd researcher resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.

PHD Researcher resume format and sections

1. add contact information to your phd researcher resume.

PHD Researcher Resume Contact Information Example # 1

Hank Rutherford Hill

St. Arlen, Texas | 333-111-2222 | [email protected]

2. Add relevant education to your phd researcher resume

Your resume's education section should include:

• The name of your school
• The date you graduated ( Month, Year or Year are both appropriate)
• The name of your degree

If you graduated more than 15 years ago, you should consider dropping your graduation date to avoid age discrimination.

Optional subsections for your education section include:

• Academic awards (Dean's List, Latin honors, etc. )
• GPA (if you're a recent graduate and your GPA was 3.5+)
• Extra certifications
• Academic projects (thesis, dissertation, etc. )

Other tips to consider when writing your education section include:

• If you're a recent graduate, you might opt to place your education section above your experience section
• The more work experience you get, the shorter your education section should be
• List your education in reverse chronological order, with your most recent and high-ranking degrees first
• If you haven't graduated yet, you can include "Expected graduation date" to the entry for that school

Check More About PHD Researcher Education

PHD Researcher Resume Relevant Education Example # 1

Doctoral Degree In Chemistry 2012 - 2015

University of California, Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA

PHD Researcher Resume Relevant Education Example # 2

Doctoral Degree In Chemistry 2009 - 2012

3. Next, create an phd researcher skills section on your resume

Your resume's skills section should include the most important keywords from the job description, as long as you actually have those skills. If you haven't started your job search yet, you can look over resumes to get an idea of what skills are the most important.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing your resume's skills section:

• Include 6-12 skills, in bullet point form
• List mostly hard skills ; soft skills are hard to test
• Emphasize the skills that are most important for the job

Hard skills are generally more important to hiring managers because they relate to on-the-job knowledge and specific experience with a certain technology or process.

Soft skills are also valuable, as they're highly transferable and make you a great person to work alongside, but they're impossible to prove on a resume.

Example of skills to include on an phd researcher resume

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Chemistry is the branch of science that tells us about the composition, properties, and structure of elements and compounds. The processes these elements undergo and how they undergo change all come under the branch of chemistry.

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

DOE, DOX, or design of experiments is a term used to refer to a part of applied statistics whose main focus is to conduct and observe controlled tests with the ultimate goal of understanding and explaining how information and results might vary under different hypotheses and circumstances and how such variables affect the results and tests. Design of experiments is used in marketing, politics, various sciences, and, of course, experiments.

Synthesis refers to the process of combining a number of things to become something new. Depending on the field of work, this may mean combining ideas, products, and new influences into a new service or product. Overall, the process is focused on reviewing and analyzing different data points to make something new.

Experimental design is the process of researching in an objective and controlled manner to maximize precision and draw specific conclusions about a hypothesis statement. It is a concept used to efficiently organize, conduct, and interpret the results of experiments to ensure that as much useful information as possible is obtained by conducting a small number of trials. This minimizes the effects of the variables to increase the reliability of the results.

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Top Skills for an PHD Researcher

• Python , 9.0%
• Chemistry , 7.7%
• Research Projects , 6.1%
• Data Analysis , 6.0%
• Other Skills , 71.2%

4. List your phd researcher experience

The most important part of any resume for an phd researcher is the experience section. Recruiters and hiring managers expect to see your experience listed in reverse chronological order, meaning that you should begin with your most recent experience and then work backwards.

Don't just list your job duties below each job entry. Instead, make sure most of your bullet points discuss impressive achievements from your past positions. Whenever you can, use numbers to contextualize your accomplishments for the hiring manager reading your resume.

It's okay if you can't include exact percentages or dollar figures. There's a big difference even between saying "Managed a team of phd researchers" and "Managed a team of 6 phd researchers over a 9-month project. "

Most importantly, make sure that the experience you include is relevant to the job you're applying for. Use the job description to ensure that each bullet point on your resume is appropriate and helpful.

• Worked under a professor in a chemistry lab performing different research experiments.
• Evaluated significance of data, and prepared materials for presentations and publications.
• Discovered and characterized novel genes that encode regulators for G protein signaling (RGS).
• Trained graduate and undergraduate students on different analytical instruments such as GC-MS, HPLC-MS-MS and HPLC.
• Mentored summer intern students and entered Siemens Science Competition Semifinal.
• Simulated the phenomenon of disruptive selection in an evolutionary platform written in Python.
• Designed/conducted a response surface model to determine the optimum preheating conditions for whey protein isolate in emulsified meat products.
• Presented reports to professors, PhD students, and other members of the Academic Community.
• Performed high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on retinoids from mouse plasma.
• Assessed protein purity with Western blots and gel silver stains.
• Provided experimental proof between meteorological, geographical conditions, residential layout and the air quality.
• Assisted Marissa Jones, NCS IRB specialist in preparing NCS study documents for IRB submission.
• Analyzed large datasets and found patterns in methyl halide chemistry consistent with other Little Ice Age patterns.
• Experienced with the informed consent process and HIPAA patient bill of rights.
• Assisted with preparation of NIH / NIDA grant proposal and progress report, and IRB related updates and applications.
• Developed small-scale and large-scale purification strategies to obtain highly purified proteins.
• Studied the self-assembly behavior of nanoparticles.
• Engineered protein nanoparticles for drug delivery: drug loading, release and tumor targeting.
• Received Young Scientist Award of USA in Physics and Chemistry (2008).
• Trained one PhD student (three months).

5. Highlight phd researcher certifications on your resume

Specific phd researcher certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you've developed the appropriate skills.

If you have any of these certifications, make sure to put them on your phd researcher resume:

• Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)
• Clinical Research Assistant
• Professional Researcher Certification (PRC)

6. Finally, add an phd researcher resume summary or objective statement

A resume summary statement consists of 1-3 sentences at the top of your phd researcher resume that quickly summarizes who you are and what you have to offer. The summary statement should include your job title, years of experience (if it's 3+), and an impressive accomplishment, if you have space for it.

Remember to emphasize skills and experiences that feature in the job description.

Common phd researcher resume skills

• Research Projects
• Data Analysis
• Renewable Energy
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Scientist, Pharmacology Resume Samples

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• Provide leadership, develop research strategy, and coordinate pharmacology activities as the Pharmacology representative to drug discovery teams
• Design and interpret pharmacology studies to evaluate the activities of drug candidates, investigate their mechanisms of action, and explore novel therapeutic hypotheses
• Be responsible for communication between the drug discovery team and the pharmacology function and between R&D Leadership and drug the discovery team
• Formulate data-driven decisions by designing and executing experiments that inform thinking and critical decision making for our program teams
• Focus on developing and executing disease-relevant, in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the efficacy and mode of action of novel drug candidates
• Prepare, review and deliver scientific presentations for internal/external audience
• Proven record of scientific achievements demonstrated by publications and presentations
• Design and execute molecular imaging work plans supporting strategies for proof-of-target engagement and proof-of-biology of novel therapeutics
• Optimize efficiency and productivity through effective management of work flow
• Develop and execute novel in vitro assays to assess inhibition of viral, bacterial, or fungal growth by small molecules and/or biologics, and in vitro assays in support of vaccine development
• Participates in discovery teams to provide expertise and knowledge from the pharmacology discipline. Helps identify relevant models and works within team to establish work plan for in vivo PK/PD and pharmacology support
• Design and conduct in vivo studies in rodents to establish PK/PD relationships, and in vivo proof of concept for target validation in an immunology/inflammation-focused discovery environment
• Establish and maintain a network of external collaborators (academic and industrial) and in the fields of pharmacology and biology
• Represent Pharmacology on program teams and provide input on the design of the program’s research operating plan and strategy
• Work with relevant managers to devise “fit-for-purpose” nonclinical plans and manage execution of strategy
• Provide scientific and strategic leadership on new approaches to diagnostic imaging agent development in line with current guidance
• Manage the tactical implementation of nonclinical studies (Work Statements, Protocols, Study Reports)
• Work with other functions to produce fit for purpose documentation
• Devise nonclinical development strategy according to relevant guidelines
• Communicate strategy/progress updates to project team and key stakeholders
• Attend external site visits for project meetings and to monitor key phases of studies
• With notable publications and achievements within immunology
• Maintain detail records of laboratory experiments using electronic laboratory notebook or paper records as necessary
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience with characterization of immune cell populations in tumors by FACS is desired
• Notable publications and achievements within immunology and/or cancer biology
• Understands fundamental scientific problems and can apply knowledge to research and development projects and problems in a positive manner
• Ability to independently design, conduct, interpret, and communicate results related to in vivo studies aimed at validating clinical leads in our pipeline
• Possess in-depth knowledge in area
• Expertise in drug discovery and development with protein-based therapeutics including monoclonal antibodies is highly desired
• Experience with translational biology and/or early development of drug discovery programs is strongly desired
• Able to critically analyze and interpret data

15 Scientist, Pharmacology resume templates

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How to tailor your resume, how to make a resume, how to mention achievements, work experience in resume, 50+ skills to put on a resume, how and why put hobbies, top 22 fonts for your resume, 50 best resume tips, 200+ action words to use, internship resume, killer resume summary, write a resume objective, what to put on a resume, how long should a resume be, the best resume format, how to list education, cv vs. resume: the difference, include contact information, resume format pdf vs word, how to write a student resume, lead scientist pharmacology / toxicology resume examples & samples.

• Nonclinical/Biology expert on multiple cross-functional project teams
• Work with external partners (CROs and Academic Centres) to deliver high quality nonclinical data (Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology, GLP or non-GLP) to support project progression
• Manage Contract Research Organisations relationships and develop strategic partnerships as required. Develop good working relationships with external partners and leverage this to deliver high quality studies on time
• Preparation and review of nonclinical sections of key regulatory documentation
• Work with external experts to provide independent opinion/input and manage internal/external resources to complete required documentation on time
• Be actively involved in guiding and supervising less experienced staff through theoretical understanding
• As part of the Nonclinical Sciences team, this role will work closely with other stakeholders within and across functions (Regulatory Affairs, CMC, Clinical, Pharmacovigilance, External Alliances, Research Technology, Business Segment) and geographic locations to aid development of next generation imaging agents and support of product life cycle management
• Represent the company on a purely scientific or scientific promotional level at external meetings
• To co-author scientific papers for publication in refereed journals where appropriate
• A degree in Biology, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, Toxicology or a similar field
• Experience in the Pharmaceutical industry
• Experience of Product Safety Evaluation
• Experience as a Lead Scientist, responsible for the biology/nonclinical component of research/development projects
• PhD in a relevant field
• Imaging experience
• GLP (Good Laboratory Practice)

Senior Associate Scientist, Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Design and conduct in vivo studies in rodents to establish PK/PD relationships, and in vivo proof of concept for target validation in a dynamic, fast-paced discovery environment
• Directly enable the conduct of in vivo studies. Demonstrated expertise in small animal handling, dosing, recording of observations, blood and tissue collection and necropsy required
• Communicate effectively within the Preclinical Sciences group, which includes colleagues in PK/bioanalysis
• Experience in in vivo study conduct; animal handling, husbandry, dosing by multiple routes, observation recording, blood, tissue collection and limited necropsy
• Ability to generate protocols, and record data in a notebook (electronic or hardcopy)
• Knowledge of rodent models of immunology/inflammationStrong presence as well as sense of urgency and priorities as well as flexibility. The ability and strong desire to "make things happen"
• Decisive as well as collaborative
• High level of honesty and integrity
• Excellent interpersonal skills with particular emphasis on communication & relationship building
• Motivated to be part of an organization that aims to make a difference through cutting edge research
• Passion for the pharmaceutical industry

Senior Scientist, Molecular Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Biochemistry assay development and screening
• Mechanism of action studies
• Molecular pharmacology DPT representation
• Propose innovation
• 3 years of experience in a drug discovery environment
• Background in biology
• Experience in kinase, signaling

Pharmacology Associate Scientist Resume Examples & Samples

• Drive data driven decisions by designing and executing experiments that inform thinking and critical decision making for our program teams
• Focus on developing and executing in vivo disease-relevant assays to evaluate the efficacy and mode of action of novel drug candidates
• Provide technical support with routine lab-based activities including; compound administration, and sample collection
• Maintain active and timely records of experiments in appropriate databases and notebooks
• Contribute to the interpretation and active dissemination of data
• BS in pharmacology or a related biological discipline (e.g. cell biology, physiology, biotechnology or molecular biology)
• Work experience in an academic or biopharmaceutical laboratory
• Passion to drive science through hands on data generation
• Laboratory experience in providing hands on technical support with in vivo experiments
• Detail oriented self-starter, with strong abilities to problem solve and share ideas
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and accepting of coaching from others
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with data analysis, interpretation and presentation
• Experience supporting in vivo drug metabolism or pharmacokinetic studies
• Willingness to learn and master complex in vivo techniques
• Laboratory experience with developing novel in vivo assays
• Experience in one of the following areas of biology; cardiovascular, central nervous system, renal or respiratory

Scientist, Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Be responsible for communication between the drug discovery team and the pharmacology function and between R&D Leadership and drug the discovery team
• Experience with a range of target / assay types including: biochemical, cell-based, histology/immunocytochemistry, PCR, ELISA,, and in vivo pharmacology procedures
• Maintain active and timely records of experiments in appropriate databases and notebooks and contribute to the interpretation and active dissemination of data
• Must be flexible, able to apply his / her knowledge to new areas of research, and thrive in a fast-paced team environment
• Ph.D. in Pharmacology or a related biological discipline, or B.S./M.S. plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant industry experience
• Extensive laboratory experience developing and conducting predictive in vitro and in vivo assays

Senior Scientist, Oncology Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• PhD in Immuno-Oncology with 3-5 years of industry or academic relevant experience in cancer immunology and in vivo pharmacology with track record of scientific publications and high level of proficiency with multi-color flow cytometry and mechanistic studies of immune regulation
• Experience working with humanized mouse models is highly desirable
• Good people organizational and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal and team skills; track record of success working collaboratively

Senior Scientist Gpcr Mechanistic Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Design and develop cellular model systems for functional profiling of biased ligands at multiple signaling events
• Strong expertise in using plate based assays (fluorescence, luminescence, FRET, FP, high content imaging, label-free technologies, etc.) to characterize mechanism of drug action on GPCRs, enzymes, or ion channels drug targets at the functional, phenotypic, or biochemical level
• Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of GPCR receptor pharmacology
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to identify, learn and creatively apply new technologies to improve efficiency and data quality
• Must be flexible to learn and take on new tasks according to shift in priority
• Ability to multi-task, and independently design, execute experiments and communicate results to team members
• Collaborative, well-organized, with the ability to take the initiative to lead, influence and motivate others
• Must have a lot of passion and experience working with lab automation and applying new technologies into the drug discovery process
• Strong problem solving and communication skills
• A Ph.D in pharmacology, neurology, cell biology, biochemistry or a related discipline with 5+ years of assay development and execution experience in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry, or a M.Sc. with 15+ years of equivalent experience, is required
• Ph.D. in immunology and preferably focused on tumor immunology
• 8+ years of direct experience working with the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
• Expertise in immunology
• Competent with multiple in vivo approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of drugs aimed at modulation of the immune system
• Experience with mouse models of oncology including subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts, syngeneic, and leukemia models
• Direct experience working with the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry
• Must have experience with flow cytometry. Demonstrated experience with characterization of immune cell populations in tumors by FACS is desired
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts and strategies
• Must have demonstrated leadership and critical thinking skills

Senior Scientist, Cellular Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Independently design and implement various cellular in vitro assays using a wide range of methodologies
• Execute semi- and fully automated high throughput compound and biologics screens in support of internal drug discovery programs
• Develop and execute experimental strategies to define biomarkers, mechanisms of action and resistance of therapeutic agents of interest
• Properly document and report the experimental findings and provide scientific contribution to research projects/programs in multiple disease areas
• Work closely with members within department and across functional teams in support of research projects/programs at different stages
• Extensive job related laboratory research experience and medium/high throughput assay execution in academic or industrial setting
• Hands-on assay development and troubleshooting skills and proficiency with different high throughput screen formats
• Solid data analytical and problem solving skills and proficiency in standard scientific software used for data analysis
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of study reports, presentations and manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals
• Demonstrated ability to function and communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment and thrive in a team environment

Senior Scientist, Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Validate and integrate new technologies or methodologies, as needed, to address questions related to drug discovery programs and projects
• Evaluate outsourcing options and design work plans as appropriate
• Represent Pharmacology on program teams and provide input on the design of the program’s research operating plan and strategy
• Ensure timely communication and delivery of high-quality in vitro data to Therapeutic Area program teams
• Ability to understand and implement applicable regulations regarding the use of pathogens (e.g. virus, bacteria, fungi), human cell and tissue use, laboratory safety, health physics and chemical hazards in research
• Experience in the design, development and execution of in vitro assays for anti-infective drug development programs targeting antivirals, antibacterials, antifungals, and/or vaccines
• Strong collaborative skills
• Skill in troubleshooting experimental design, assay development and data analysis
• Experience in assay development in support of antibacterial, antifungal drug discovery

Scientist, / II Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Perform routine tissue sectioning using paraffin embedded blocks and frozen tissues
• Perform histological staining including H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, etc
• Perform microscopy analysis using bright field, fluorescent as well as confocal microscope
• Perform image capture, quantification and data analysis
• Manage tissue samples, blocks, slides as well as image inventories
• Identify, develop, and optimize new methods to generate reliable and reproducible data in a timely manner
• Independently execute designed experiment plans and interpret study observations
• Effectively and accurately record and report experiment results
• Troubleshoot effectively and think proactively
• Bachelors or Master degree in biology, pharmacology, pathology or related fields
• A minimum of 3 - 5 years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic or biotech/pharmaceutical industry setting
• Knowledge and experience with histological process
• Experience with microscopy and image analysis
• Excellent material and data managing and organizing abilities
• Excellent learning abilities
• Experience with brain histology, immunohistochemistry and imaging is highly preferred
• Experience with molecular and cell based assay is a plus
• Identify CROs or other collaborations that could enable models or apply expertise that is not available in-house. Collaborate, monitor and report CRO based studies to discovery project teams
• Directly enable the conduct of in vivo studies, as well as the ability to supervise/mentor other scientists/associates in the pharmacology group
• Data collection in electronic notebook or in hardcopy laboratory notebooks is critical
• Serve as a Principal Investigator on IACUC protocols. Able to draft protocols and present clearly to IACUC committee
• Communicate effectively within group to establish clear priorities and seek alignment on a work plan that meets discovery team needs
• Collaborate with pharmacology group at other Celgene sites to assure that best practices are used to evaluate targets in discovery from an in vivo perspective
• Solid understand of immunology discovery research, focused primarily on in vivo and ex vivo evaluations of small molecules targeted to immune/inflammatory disease targets
• Ability to provide expertise and guidance to discovery project teams with regard to animal models of disease and relevant PK/PD and biomarker assessments. Knowledge of the literature and current science in pharmacology assessments
• Ability to generate high quality data in a dynamic high paced environment
• Knowledge of outsourcing CROs and monitoring of studies at outsourced sites
• Knowledge of in vitro assessment of pharmacologic activity

Scientist, Cancer Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Independently design and execute studies to assess activity of biotherapeutics in xenograft and syngeneic mouse tumor models
• Develop, advocate, and execute lead optimization and translational strategies
• Independently analyze, interpret data, and present data in internal (lab meetings, journal clubs; leadership meetings) and external settings (collaborator meetings, conferences)
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely data in laboratory notebooks
• Ph.D. with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience with oncology biotherapeutics, and a strong track record of scientific and drug discovery achievement
• The position requires broad knowledge of oncology biology and in vivo pharmacology, including model selection and development, PK/PD/E studies, and drug combination strategies
• Strong organization, interpersonal, and communication skills (oral and writing) are essential
• Entrepreneurial and innovative perspective on drug discovery with the ability to translate concepts into action

Associate Principal Scientist, Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Conceptualize, design and develop biochemical and biophysical assays for high throughput screening and follow up characterization of hit classes of interest. The characterization should shed light on the mechanism of compound action on the target to enable medicinal chemistry design for lead identification and optimization
• Manage a portfolio of programs, create and implement hit finding plans and coordinate workflows and logistics within and across departments to meet project goals and milestones
• Champion new technologies and capabilities within the Biophysics group and provide coaching and leadership from the laboratory
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams and facilitate collaborations internally and externally
• 3 years of relevant postdoctoral/industry experience, biophysics expertise
• In depth knowledge of biophysics with experience in SPR technology and its application in mechanism of action studies are essential
• Strong communication and collaborative skills with an ability to influence and impact at a strategic level
• Demonstrated solid track record of scientific achievements and scientific mentoring/management experience

Associate Principal Scientist Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Experience using preclinical models to evaluate the pharmacology of novel cancer drugs
• A minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral experience; at least 2 years industry experience is preferred
• Candidate should be a strong team player with excellent oral and written communication skills and with a demonstrated ability to work independently to design experiments, interpret data, troubleshoot, and suggest next steps
• Proven skills in leading small scientific teams
• Develop general molecular biology tools, vectors and protocols geared towards advancing drug discovery activities
• Support next-generation sequencing characterization of proprietary in vitro and in vivo oncology models including, but not limited to, whole genome bisulfite sequencing and single cell RNA-Seq
• Perform genetic and pharmacologic validation of genetic/epigenetic targets using advanced molecular and cell biology assays
• Critically analyze and report/communicate data with the intent of informing colleagues and drafting innovative solutions
• Next-generation sequencing methods including library preparation
• Single cell strand specific qRT-PCR
• Flow cytometry and alternative protein quantitation methods
• Lentiviral shRNA and CRISPR knockdown/knockout technologies applied to patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and 3D organoid mammalian cultures
• Transgenic cell line creation
• Able to design complex experiments with scientific rationale
• Learning the drug development process
• Draw appropriate conclusions
• Developing skills in critical interpretation of scientific data and problem solving and reporting of scientific data
• Contributes individually as well as on cross functional teams
• Responsible for more complex assignments and for more than 1 project
• Able to evaluate CRO's
• Well versed in fundamentals of functional area
• Understands the context, impact and timely communication of data

PhD Scientist, Molecular Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Strong records of publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Proven record as driver for scientific innovation
• Experience with imaging, liquid handling and automation platforms a plus
• Knowledge in Oncology including cell signaling, cell cycle and apoptotic pathways
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and scientifically driven, proficient reasoning skills in experimental design, data analysis and interpretation
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Ensure high quality experimental design and interpretation of projects involving molecular imaging in research and early development
• Design and execution of experimental strategies for target and pathway validation
• Implementation and validation of various cellular in vitro and ex vivo assays using a wide range of methodologies
• Cell line generation utilizing state-of-the art genetic manipulations and gene knock-down techniques
• Establishment of primary cell cultures, including 3D and co-cultures from different organs
• Proper documentation and reporting of the experimental findings and scientific contributions to research projects/programs in multiple disease areas
• Effective collaboration with members within department and across functional teams in support of research projects/programs at different stages
• Extensive job related laboratory research experience with tissue culture, cell line generation and cellular assay execution in academic or industrial setting
• Hands-on cellular assay development and troubleshooting skills, and proficiency with different cellular screening formats
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including preparation of study reports, presentations and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Proven ability to function and communicate effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment and thrive in a team environment

Pharmacology Scientist Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases Resume Examples & Samples

• Independently design, troubleshoot, develop and implement animal models for tropical infectious diseases to characterize in vivo the pharmacological properties of anti-parasitic small molecule inhibitors
• Collaborate with disease biology experts to develop innovative pharmacodynamics readouts and characterize mechanisms of resistance and action of potential new drugs
• Ensure best practices in data analysis by ensuring integrity and quality of data in a timely manner
• Be self-driven and able to contribute significantly on hypothesis, experimental design, interpreting primary pharmacological data, providing expert input, communicating results and report writing
• Execute smooth running of in vivo assays by liaising with key stakeholder
• Mentor junior research associates
• Comply with Novartis standards and practices for documenting and archiving research activities
• Maintain compliance with local and global standards in Health/Safety & Environment
• Keen interest and demonstrated experience in the field of anti-infective / chemotherapeutics. Specific knowledge or expertise in working with Plasmodium, kinetoplastics or Cyrptosporidium animal models will be an advantage
• Knowledge in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics concepts and data analysis is a plus

Scientist, M&S, Quantitative Pharmacology Resume Examples & Samples

• Develop and execute quantitative strategies in collaboration with the cross functional development project teams to include Clinical Pharmacology, Biostatistics, Clinical Sciences, and Regulatory Affairs
• Using population based modeling methodologies develop exploratory Pop PK and PK/PD models to aid in research and development programs spanning early non-clinical pharmacology efforts through clinical phase 3 dose-selection and dose justification
• Develop population PK and PK/PD covariate models to support global regulatory activities and market access applications
• Develop mechanistic, exposure-response and disease models to support on-going clinical development programs from early clinical development through market application and post-marketing commitments
• Establish and execute a variety of non-population based quantitative pharmacology analyses as appropriate to best address the needs of an on-going development program
• Work with colleagues within Clinical Pharmacology, Preclinical PK, Toxicology and Early Clinical Development to provide appropriate quantitative pharmacology support for FIH dose selection and study design
• Provide technical and subject matter expertise to the clinical project team on matters relating to quantitative pharmacology
• Expand the Quantitative Pharmacology and modeling & simulation capability through evaluation, implementation, and publication of new data analysis techniques, software, computational infrastructure, personal technical skill, as well as the strategic application of quantitative pharmacology and population based M&S methodologies across the development portfolio
• Work cooperatively and synergistically with the other members in the Quantitative Pharmacology function and across the organization
• Bio Analytic / Drug Metabolism Pharmacokinetics
• Immunoassays
• Mesoscale/ECL
• QPCR or FACS

Related Job Titles

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• CAREER COLUMN
• 08 April 2024

How we landed job interviews for professorships straight out of our PhD programmes

• Violeta Rodriguez 0 &
• Qimin Liu 1

Violeta Rodriguez is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Qimin Liu is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University in Massachusetts.

By staying organized in their job hunt, both authors received several job offers. Credit: Getty

We met during the last year of our PhD training, after securing placements at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Department of Psychiatry for our predoctoral internships — the final step of our clinical doctoral programmes. V. R. came from the University of Georgia in Athens and was pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology, and Q. L. came from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, and was working towards a PhD in clinical science and quantitative methods. It was amid the academic rigour and personal stress of the last year of our programmes that we became friends. We bonded over being immigrants and not speaking English as our first language while navigating the complexities of academia. We both wanted to forgo postdoctoral training and instead immediately become junior professors. Now, we’re assistant professors: V. R. is at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Q. L. is at Boston University in Massachusetts.

The odds we faced in the academic job market had seemed insurmountable, particularly to immigrants, and we had been cautioned by mentors and even junior faculty members about the challenge ahead. But we succeeded: we received a combined total of 27 in-person interviews, leading to 15 tenure-track assistant-professor offers across departments of psychology, paediatrics or psychiatry, schools of education and academic medical centres. (You can check out our hints for nailing job interviews in our other article .)

How to move labs

Despite the positive outcome, the process was stressful, fast and unpredictable. Our friendship became a sanctuary: amid the daunting job market and our own self-doubt, we understood and encouraged each other. We want to offer what our friendship provided us — understanding, support and encouragement — to researchers hoping to stay in academia after earning a PhD, so we are sharing our reflections and insights.

We must first make clear: no amount of job-search tips and tricks can substitute for good science and a strong publication record. To gauge our readiness, we looked up the CV of the most recent hire in each department that we applied to. We also made sure we had backup offers of postdoctoral positions. While navigating this process, we learnt that institutions were interested in candidates who planned to pursue external funding.

Qimin Liu is now an assistant professor. Credit: Qimin Liu

We had both obtained federal and private funding before — making us more competitive. We urge aspiring professors to prioritize their research contributions, external fellowship and grant applications and academic achievements above all.

To readers who’ve successfully navigated this process, many of our reflections and insights could seem obvious. However, this kind of advice can be the hardest to follow during a fast-moving job hunt, with several moving pieces involved and new considerations and job offers or advertisements emerging unexpectedly. Treat this as a checklist before beginning to fill out job applications.

Tips and tricks

Start your search early. Allow ample time to prepare for the job hunt; research potential options, such as jobs in academic medical centres, standard department positions or tenure-track jobs in related fields; and submit applications. Plan to reply to job ads long before the first deadline. Starting early gives you time to collect and incorporate feedback from mentors and colleagues.

Training: Free course on peer review

Prepare your networks. The academic job market can be unpredictable, with opportunities emerging unexpectedly. It is important to think about who can write letters for you — sometimes at short notice. Most of our applications required three letters of recommendation from all applicants. Others requested letters from only shortlisted candidates.

Plan ahead. The final drafts of materials took, on average, one to two months in total to prepare and polish. The initial drafts took about 8 hours, and the research statement required a total of 16 hours. (The research statement summarizes your research programme, the work you’ve done so far and what you plan to pursue in future. It can also highlight why a particular institution is well-suited to support your work.) Preparing drafted statements in advance made it easier to adapt them to different positions later — tweaking materials for specific positions took 30–60 minutes per application.

Research potential job opportunities. Don’t just rely on word-of-mouth or googling specific positions to find things you’re interested in applying to. Use online job boards (such as HigherEdJobs or Nature Careers ), and tap into your professional network by sending e-mails or LinkedIn messages to your mentors and colleagues, letting them know you’re on the job market. Scour social media and department websites to find available positions. We both posted on X (formerly Twitter) that we were job hunting, and several people reached out with opportunities.

Develop job application ‘templates’. Create a set of well-crafted templates for your application materials, such as cover letters and statements, on which you can easily fill in your name, relevant details and where you’ve previously worked. Having adaptable documents allowed us to respond quickly to new postings.

Tailor your application materials. Templates can take you only so far. Take the time to customize your application materials, including your CV, cover letter (each of ours was one page long) and research statement, to highlight your relevant skills, experiences and research contributions. Tailoring your materials to each position demonstrates genuine interest and increases your chances of standing out to hiring committees. Generic applications are easy for hiring managers to reject. Mentioning centres or institutes that align with your research; available resources, such as early-career programmes, that you want to take advantage of; and the names of people whom you are interested in working with can help to personalize your application materials.

Stay organized. Maintain a well-organized system to track application deadlines, requirements and submission statuses. Be ready to remind your letter writers to submit their recommendations. Keep a calendar or spreadsheet to ensure that all required materials are submitted on time and to track when to follow up. An example spreadsheet is provided below.

Practise for interviews and job talks. Run mock interviews with your peers or mentors. Practise answering common interview questions and develop concise, compelling responses that highlight your expertise, teaching abilities and fit. Treat these seriously — you’re likely to be nervous in the real interview, so try to recreate that while rehearsing, perhaps by inviting a relatively unknown colleague or professor to join the practice runs. V. R. recorded her job talk on Zoom and sent it to others for feedback.

Practising your job talk — a presentation of your academic research that is often a spoken version of your research statement — until you know it backwards and forwards will prepare you for the unexpected. In addition, rehearsing how you plan to respond to different questions, and practising saying that you want people to hold their questions until the end, can be helpful.

Prepare a start-up budget to get your lab running. Many academic positions include a start-up fund for incoming faculty members. It is typically used for summer salary and staffing or research costs. You might be asked for an estimated budget before, during or after the interview stage — so you should have one ready in advance. When preparing your budget, keep in mind the spending norms at the institution and for your discipline. Ask for more than you think you need, because this amount will often be reduced during negotiations.

As we look back on our job-hunting experiences, we are reminded of how much we grew in this process, in ways that are not related to just our jobs — and this growth continued in our interviews .

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-01044-1

This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged .

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