INDUSTRY STATS
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Biology positions are at a 7% growth rate, which is as fast as average. With that said, there are currently 87,600 jobs in the market right now. The total number of jobs is expected to increase by 5,900 to 93,500 in the period of 2020-30.
What’s more, the median annual wage for the Biology jobs was $46,340 in May 2020. The lowest 10% earned less than $30,440, and the highest 10% more than $74,600.
Our conclusion? The Biology job market is wide open for candidates.
Top Biology sections that make the best resume
- Header
- Professional summary
- Experience (with numbers and results)
- Relevant skills
- Education
- Certifications
How to write a Biology resume experience section
Biology Resume’s Job Experience Checklist:
- Use 4-6 bullet points per job title;
- Don’t go further than a decade behind when describing your job history, unless you’re applying for an executive position;
- Combine job responsibilities as well as achievements with numbers in results when you describe your past work;
- Start each sentence with a power verb and avoid overused buzzwords;
- Use either C-A-R or S-T-A-R methodology, when describing your experience.
The work experience samples below come from real Biology resumes that got people hired at top companies. You can use them as an inspiration to build your own resume:
- Laboratory safety.
- Ovens, incubators and autoclaves operation.
- Media preparation.
- Microbial count of non sterile products(Raw materials, bicarb , Haemodialysis)
- Endotoxin testing of I.V. , dialyzers , bloodlines) (QTM and practical)
- beginner in clean rooms and environmental monitoring tests.
- Water system (treatment and wter station sampling sites).
- Sterility testing.
- HIAC device operation.
- Prepare reagents and culture media.
- Sterilize material and check equipment.
- Analyze bacteria in water samples according to ISO standards.
- Register results and mantain the lab. documentation updated.
- Communicate with other departments.
- Plan, design and perform daily cell growth experiments.
- Evaluate and discuss the results.
- Troubleshoot and optimize resources / equipment.
- Technically assist other research teams.
- Prepare reagents and culture media.
- Sterilize material and check equipment.
- Analyze bacteria in water samples according to ISO standards.
- Register results and mantain the lab documentation updated.
- Communicate with other departments.
- Plan, design and perform daily cell growth experiments.
- Evaluate and discuss the results.
- Troubleshoot and optimize resources / equipment.
- Technically assist other research teams.
- Prepare reagents and culture media.
- Sterilize material and check equipment.
- Analyze bacteria in water samples according to ISO standards.
- Register results and mantain the lab. documentation updated.
- Communicate with other departments.
- Plan, design and perform daily cell growth experiments.
- Evaluate and discuss the results.
- Troubleshoot and optimize resources / equipment.
- Technically assist other research teams.
- Genetic counselor assistant for prenatal & premarital genetic diagnosis.
- I was in charge of Karyotyping at cellular section.
- I was Executive Director of the Conference of HPV and cervical cancer, screening tests for fetal and prenatal genetic tests under supervision of ESLAMSHAHR’s Medical Council in 19th January 2015.
- I was in charge of cellular & molecular and genetic section.
- Molecular,Cellular Biology and Genetic Techniques:
- Cell culture
- Flow cytometry
- DNA extraction RNA extraction PCR and RT-PCR Real-Time PCR Immunolabeling PCR-RFLP ELISA Gel electrophoresis Karyotype Enzymatic assays
- Maintained various suspension and adherent cell lines for oncology targets.
- Assisted in preparing and cataloging whole blood lysates for analysis.
- Maintained Lab and ordered general lab supplies as well as keeping the lab stocked with supplies.
- Practiced cell seeding and DMSO treatment in proliferation (CTB) assays.
- Had set up Microbiology lab for development studies within 6 months
- Optimization of global test methods as per Indian standards, resulting in better co-relation of results with Indian accounts
- Initiation of modified antimicrobial efficacy test methods specifically for metal working fluid matrix - a primary screening method
- Initiation of Bio challenge tests for metal working fluids in India lab, cutting the cost of analysis from abroad
- Took up responsibility of Microbiology Dept. and built a team of young and learning microbiologists
- Successfully drew international projects involving antimicrobial efficacy projects of FMCG giants worldover.
- Included around 15 new parameters in the biological scope of testing and got those certified by NABL authority
- Preparing specimens and analysing food samples to identify, examine and study foodborne microorganisms and write report. Performing mathematical calculations for the preparation of graphs.
- Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses to evaluate the quantity or quality of physical or chemical substances in food.
- Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory and field equipment. - Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties.
- Acquired rapid promotion due to leadership initiative, industry-leading innovation, exemplary work ethic, and performance excellence while overseeing 40 microbiologists and mycologists performing testing and QA for biological pathogens, food microbiology, and healthcare facility testing.
- Heads various laboratories within the Corporate Microbiology Department including Environmental Microbiology, Aquatic and Food Microbiology, as well as the GMP division with attention to cost savings, development of QA testing procedures, as well as compliance to SOPs and regulations.
- Develops and deploys protocols for microbiological audits under EPA, CDC, ASTM, AOAC, USP, and FDA/BAM.
- KEY CONTRIBUTIONS:
- Develops, validates, and rolls out cutting edge, microbiological instruments to support infections pathogen testing and rapid identification, resulting in expedited and more accurate data.
- Takes charge of departmental budgeting and identifies opportunities for cost savings by conducting weekly cost analysis. Also regulates the QA program including troubleshooting, CAPA, and issue resolution.
- Proves vital to launching the GMP division within the microbiology department in accordance to U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines in support sterility testing and environmental monitoring initiatives.
- Improved the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and decreased testing turnarounds by testing and implementing an automated Direct Data Entry (DDE) system.
- Develops and deploys testing of antibiotic-resistant organisms including MRSA, VRE, and CRE within hospital-acquired samples. Also oversees the HealthcareAssociated Infection (HIA) testing program.
- Heads the CDC ELITE Legionella Proficiency Testing program for the corporate laboratory.
- Implements enterprisewide testing, in compliance to CDC protocol for healthcare facilities involving the observation of bacterial contamination within surgical duodenoscopes.
- Designs and delivers training curriculum on the VitekMS microbial ID system and FAME microbial ID.
- Supervises and trains microbiologist team conducting product testing according to ASTM methodologies and fungal testing protocols.
- Interfaces with auditors throughout regulatory agency audits while also presenting educational lectures and webinars for microbial clientele.
- Started tenure with enterprise as a Research Scientist and Laboratory Manager from 2006 – 2010
- Ability to deliver information to a class of 20-30 students from a variety of backgrounds and with a range of academic ability and interests
- Confidence presenting to large groups of people
- Lesson preparation, assignment marking; time management and prioritisation of these tasks
- High level of education and ability in relevant subjects
- Organisation of multinational conference with 300 participants
- Managing multi-institutional cooperation within the Helmholtz Community across Germany
- Budget monitoring
- Maintenance of the Institute´s website
- Coauthored bioinformatics analysis of new pathogen, M. haemophilum
- Researched novel diagnostic phage for M. tb antibiotic resistance
- Designed operations strategy to balance funding loss with research
PRO TIP
In writing your Biology resume, you will no doubt want to list your previous duties - as you should. But steer clear of just listing your duties, instead of your achievements. Make your resume stand out by communicating what you have done, and not merely what the job needed you to do.
Action Verbs for your Biology Resume
Recommended reads:
Biology Resume Skills’ Tips & Tricks to Impress Recruiters
Resume Skills Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Skills for your Biology resume
- RDT
- PRC
- Blotting
- Electrophoresis
- Restriction Mapping
- Media preparation
- Sampling
- Critical thinking
- Problem Solving
- Creativity
- Innovation
- Organisation
- Attention to details
- Caution
PRO TIP
When picking skills to feature in your resume, make sure they'll be relevant to the position you’re applying to. The point of listing skills is for you to stand out from the competition. Stay away from repetitive, meaningless skills that everyone uses in their resumes. Or else, they’ll backfire and make you look like an average candidate.
Biology Resume Header: Tips, Red Flags, and Best Practices
CHECKLIST For Your Biology Resume Header
- Your name and surname in a legible and larger resume font
- The job title you’re applying for or your current job title as a subheading to your name
- Link to your portfolio or online profile, such as LinkedIn
- Address (City and State for the US; just your city for rest of the world)
- Email address
- Headshot (required or welcomed in the EU; not required and sometimes frowned upon in the US)
Stick to popular email providers such as Gmail or Outlook. And use these professional formats to create your username:
- first.last@gmail.com
- last.first@gmail.com
- firstlast@gmail.com
- f.last@gmail.com
- first.l@gmail.com
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Include a link to your portfolio in your Biology resume header. Most companies will require that you include one in your resume, and even if they don’t, it’s an excellent opportunity to directly show them your proudest projects.
Biology Resume Summary Best Practices
Checklist: What to include in your Biology resume summary:
- Years of experience;
- Highlight top 3 skills and proficiencies;
- One big professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, that you can tie with the aforementioned skills;
- Use short, direct sentences - but no more than three - to keep the HRs interested.
Resume Summary Formula:
PRO TIP
Your summary should act as an elevator speech, briefly promoting how you will benefit the employer if hired. Pitch your strengths in the summary and expand on them in your Biology experience section. Give examples like how your work benefited each employer.
Recommended reads:
Listing Your Education, Certifications and Courses
Resume Education Section Checklist:
- Ensure your hard skills section (including technologies) are exactly matching the job description.
- Don’t simply list your soft skills. Apply the “show, don’t tell” principle - let your job achievements speak for themselves.
- Find a way to showcase your skills beyond the skills section.
- Your resume’s skill section is important to ATS systems - so don’t skip it.
Top Certifications for your Biology resume
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
There are dozens of certifications that you can claim as a Biology. But, some are more effective than others. That’s why you mustn’t include every certificate other applicants might have. Try instead to earn and list a few of the difficult ones.
Biology Resume: Additional Writing & Formatting Tips
There are three basic resume formats you can choose from:
- Reverse-chronological resume format;
- Functional resume format;
- Hybrid (or Combination) resume format;
The most optimal format for your particular case will depend on your years of experience, as well as whether you’re switching industries or not.
Reverse chronological resumes are best suited for experienced individuals who are sticking to their industry. The experience section takes a central place, and its bullets contain your responsibilities and achievements, coupled with numbers and results.
Functional resumes are used by less experienced jobseekers or career changers. Note that it’s not a format that recruiters prefer, as most are used to the classic chronological alignment. Instead of a list of job titles, functional resumes focus on your skills, and through what experiences you gained them.
Hybrid resumes are great for both experienced and entry-level candidates, as well as career changers. They combine the best of both worlds - most often in a double column format, where one side of the content is focused on your experience, whereas the other - on your skills, strengths, and proudest moments.
Biology Resume Summary best practices
Here are more resume tips regarding your layout and style:
- Clear and legible 12p resume font size;
- Use 10’’ resume margins - that’s default for a great resume design;
- Use a one-page template resume length if you’ve got less than 10 years of experience; otherwise, opt for a two-page resume;
- Save your resume as PDF before sending it to the recruiter.
To take it a step further, check out how your resume can stand out without leaning too much on the creative side.
Recommended reads:
PRO TIP
Sometimes you’ll want to go after a job which requires more experience than you have. Instead of using a typical Biology resume layout, you can use a creative layout. Getting noticed is the most important challenge and a creative resume layout might help you get invited for an interview as most of other accountants have boring resume designs.
Other sections to include in your resume
Depending on the type of company (corporation or start-up; innovative or traditional), job seniority level and your location, you may want to include more sections to your Biology resume:
Biology Resume: How to Make Yours More Creative & Stand Out
When you send your resume to a potential employer, chances are it's the fiftieth one they've seen that day. That's why you need to make your Biology resume stand out for the right reasons. That means showing your personality, not just your professional experience. Employers are far more likely to remember a candidate who seems like a genuine person and not a robot. Do this by including your passions (which is also a great place to demonstrate skills on a resume), share your favorite books, or even what your usual day looks like.
What Makes a Great Biology Resume: Key Takeaways
- Choose a resume layout that sends the right message across and fits your current career situation;
- Create a resume header that shows your desired job title, and easy to find contact numbers;
- Be specific about your experience, accomplishments and future goals in your summary;
- Feature detailed metrics and specific examples that show the impact you made in your previous roles when describing your experience;
- List soft skills backed by examples;
- Add all of your technical skills and certifications that you have and match the job description;
- Show off a dash of personality in your resume that will demonstrate your culture fit and the right mix of hard and soft skills.
