Identifying and analysing morphological features in complex biological images is a significant computer vision (CV) challenge that requires precise algorithmic fine-tuning. Our guide offers comprehensive strategies and best practices to enhance your CV model's accuracy, ensuring reliable interpretation of biological data.
- Applying best practices from real-world examples to ensure your profile always meets recruiters' expectations;
- What to include in your work experience section, apart from your past roles and responsibilities?
- Why are both hard and soft skills important for your application?
- How do you need to format your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker Software (ATS) assessment?
If you're writing your CV for a niche biology role, make sure to get some inspiration from professionals:
Structuring and formatting your biology CV for an excellent first impression
The experts' best advice regarding your CV format is to keep it simple and concise. Recruiters assessing your CV are foremost looking out for candidates who match their ideal job profile. Your white space, borders, and margins. You may still be wondering which format you need to export your CV in. We recommend using the PDF one, as, upon being uploaded, it never alters your information or CV design. Before we move on to the actual content of your biology CV, we'd like to remind you about the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS). The ATS is a software that is sometimes used to initially assess your profile. Here's what you need to keep in mind about the ATS:- All serif and sans-serif fonts (e.g. Rubik, Volkhov, Exo 2 etc.) are ATS-friendly;
- Many candidates invest in Arial and Times New Roman, so avoid these fonts if you want your application to stand out;
- Both single and double column CVs can be read by the ATS, so it's entirely up to you to select your CV design.
PRO TIP
Be mindful of white space; too much can make the CV look sparse, too little can make it look cluttered. Strive for a balance that makes the document easy on the eyes.
The top sections on a biology CV
- Educational Background details your expertise, vital for biology roles.
- Research Experience shows your hands-on work in the field.
- Publications and Presentations demonstrate your contribution to science.
- Lab Techniques and Skills highlight your practical laboratory abilities.
- Grants and Fellowships indicate recognition and funding success.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your publications and research experience, specifying your role in each project and the outcomes, as showcasing a track record of scientific investigation is crucial in biology.
- Detail any specialist techniques or laboratory skills relevant to the field of biology you're targeting, as employers seek candidates with hands-on experience in specific methodologies.
- Include any experience with scientific software or bioinformatics tools, since the ability to analyse biological data is highly valued in modern biological sciences.
- Emphasise collaborative projects and any interdisciplinary work that showcases your ability to work in diverse teams and integrate different fields of study.
- Mention any teaching or supervisory experience, as many biology roles, especially in academia, require mentoring or educating others in the field.
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Making a good first impression with your biology CV header
Your typical CV header consists of Your typical CV header consists of contact details and a headline. Make sure to list your professional phone number, email address, and a link to your professional portfolio (or, alternatively, your LinkedIn profile). When writing your CV headline , ensure it's:
- tailored to the job you're applying for;
- highlights your unique value as a professional;
- concise, yet matches relevant job ad keywords.
You can, for examples, list your current job title or a particular skill as part of your headline. Now, if you decide on including your photo in your CV header, ensure it's a professional one, rather than one from your graduation or night out. You may happen to have plenty more questions on how to make best the use of your CV headline. We'll help you with some real-world examples, below.
Examples of good CV headlines for biology:
Senior Research Scientist | Immunology Expert | PhD in Molecular Biology | 10+ Years of Experience
Conservation Biologist Coordinator | Wildlife Preservation | MSc Env. Science | Chartered Biologist | 6 Years' Fieldwork
Junior Lab Technician | Cellular Biology Focus | BSc Graduate | Laboratory Safety Certified | 2 Years Laboratory Assistance
Marine Biology Lecturer | PhD Marine Ecology | Coral Reef Conservationist | 8 Years Academic Teaching
Clinical Research Associate | Oncology Specialisation | Clinical Trial Management | GCP Certified | 5 Years Experience
Senior Bioinformatics Analyst | Genomic Data Analysis | MSc Bioinformatics | Python & R Skilled | 7+ Years in Research
Choosing your opening statement: a biology CV summary or objective
At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:
- Summary - or those three to five sentences that you use to show your greatest achievements. Use the CV summary if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience and wish to highlight your greatest successes;
- Objective - provides you with up to five sentences to state your professional aims and mission in the company you're applying for
CV summaries for a biology job:
- Seasoned molecular biologist with 12 years of rigorous experience in genetic sequencing techniques and a track record of pioneering a groundbreaking study on gene therapy for cystic fibrosis. Expert in CRISPR-Cas9 technology with a robust publication record in high-impact journals.
- Dynamic marine biologist with over a decade of expertise in coral reef ecosystems, distinguished by acclaim for revealing the impact of climate change on marine biodiversity. Renowned for leadership in cross-continental research collaborations, and adept at multidisciplinary approaches to conservation policy advocacy.
- Highly skilled computer scientist making a strategic transition into computational biology, bringing a robust skill set in algorithm development and big data analytics. Previously transformed a fintech startup's data infrastructure, enabling a 40% increase in transaction processing efficiency.
- Experienced chemical engineer ready to leverage extensive background in pharmaceuticals and a strong aptitude for analytical chemistry to innovatively contribute to groundbreaking research in biochemistry and molecular biology, aiming to advance the understanding of therapeutic drug interactions.
- Aspiring biologist with a fervent zeal for environmental conservation, seeking to apply a freshly acquired Master's degree in Biology. Eager to contribute to pioneering research in ecological restoration, aiming to meld theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory and field experience.
- Keen graduate with a B.Sc. in Physics enthusiastic about transitioning into wildlife biology, dedicated to mastering new field research techniques and applying quantitative problem-solving skills to tracking and analyzing ecosystem dynamics, pursuing a fulfilling career in biodiversity protection.
The best formula for your biology CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Clearly outline your experience with specific laboratory techniques, such as PCR, Western blotting, or microscopy, which are relevant to the biology role you are applying for.
- Include any research projects you have been involved in, specifying your role, the objective of the project, and any significant outcomes or findings.
- Mention publications or presentations you have contributed to, providing details of the title, co-authors, and the name and date of the journal or conference.
- Detail your experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation, highlighting any proficiency with software such as R, Python, or specialized biological software.
- Exhibit your understanding of compliance with safety protocols and ethical standards in research, including any relevant certifications you may hold.
- Emphasize any collaborative work and your ability to function as part of a team, giving examples of multi-disciplinary projects or joint publications.
- Highlight any experience in obtaining funding or grants, demonstrating your ability to successfully propose and manage research budgets.
- Include any teaching or mentoring experience, signifying your ability to communicate complex biological concepts to varied audiences.
- Feature any unique experiences such as fieldwork, indicating locations, the focus of the study, and any particular techniques or tools you used.
- Led a team of 5 in the molecular genomics project that resulted in the identification of 15 novel gene markers for hereditary conditions.
- Implemented a new cell culturing technique which increased laboratory efficiency by 25% and reduced cross-contamination instances by 40%.
- Authored and co-authored 3 research papers published in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing the company's academic presence and credibility.
- Developed a novel drug testing protocol using bioassay systems, cutting down the average drug development lifecycle by 6 months.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams across 3 countries which led to the successful launch of an antiviral vaccine program.
- Managed the laboratory budget effectively, saving the department £50,000 annually through cost-effective resource allocation.
- Conducted pioneering research on plant-derived compounds, isolating 10 new potential pharmaceuticals active against bacterial infections.
- Supervised a workforce of 7 technicians, elevating the quality of experimental data by implementing rigorous peer-review practices.
- Spearheaded a biodiversity conservation project that mapped over 1000 square miles of rainforest, identifying 200 unique species.
- Directed lab research focused on aquaculture, leading to a 30% increase in the sustainability of fish farming practices.
- Played a key role in the development of an award-winning marine pollution assessment methodology.
- Enhanced public engagement through the creation of an interactive marine biology exhibit visited by over 50,000 school children.
- Pioneered a genetic engineering project that developed a drought-resistant crop strain, potentially benefiting millions in arid regions.
- Oversaw the department's transition to automated genetic sequencing, improving throughput by 35% without compromising accuracy.
- Contributed to securing a £5 million grant for cutting-edge research into transgenic organisms, leading to three successful patents.
- Key player in a team that discovered a new metabolic pathway in microorganisms, providing insights into alternative energy sources.
- Designed a new experimental protocol for studying enzyme kinetics, reducing the time-to-results for critical experiments by 20%.
- Established a collaboration with an international consortium, sharing best practices and enhancing the company's global outreach.
- Initiated and led a conservation project that rehabilitated 150 hectares of wetland, significantly improving the local ecosystem's biodiversity.
- Developed community outreach programs on environmental sustainability that engaged over 10,000 local residents in conservation efforts.
- Successfully advocated for policy changes with local government, resulting in the institution of a protected area status for a critical habitat.
- Headed a clinical trial for a new anti-inflammatory drug, overseeing patient recruitment and data analysis, leading to phase III trial advancement.
- Introduced a laboratory information management system that streamlined sample processing and reduced error rates by 15%.
- Collaborated with international research teams to publish a comprehensive study on autoimmune diseases in a top-tier scientific journal.
Swapping your professional experience (when you have none) with skills and more
Never underestimate the importance of relevancе when it comes to your biology CV. Even if you don't happen to have much or any standard (full-time contract) professional experience, this doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for the role. Instead of a bespoke CV experience section:
- Showcase more prominently any internships, part-time roles, and volunteer experience that are applicable to the role and have taught you job-crucial skills;
- Feature a strengths or achievements section with your transferrable skills or talents you've obtained thanks to your work or life experience;
- Write an objective statement that clearly outlines your values as a candidate and defines your career ambitions;
- List your education or certificates that match the job profile closer to the top of your CV.
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PRO TIP
Describe how each job helped you grow or learn something new, showing a continuous development path in your career.
Key biology CV skills: what are hard skills and soft skills
Let's kick off with the basics. You know that you have to include key job requirements or skills across your CV. For starters, take individual skills from the job description and copy-paste them into your CV, when relevant. Doing so, you'll ensure you have the correct skill spelling and also pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. There are two types of skills you'll need to include on your CV:
- Hard skills - technical abilities that are best defined by your certificates, education, and experience. You could also use the dedicated skills section to list between ten and twelve technologies you're apt at using that match the job requirements.
- Soft skills - your personal traits and interpersonal communication skills that are a bit harder to quantify. Use various CV sections, e.g. summary, strengths, experience, to shine a spotlight on your workspace achievements, thanks to using particular soft skills.
Remember that your job-winning CV should balance both your hard and soft skills to prove your technical background, while spotlighting your personality.
Top skills for your biology CV:
Laboratory Techniques
Microscopy
Bioinformatics
Statistical Analysis
Molecular Biology
Genetic Engineering
Environmental Sampling
PCR & Electrophoresis
Biodiversity Assessment
Scientific Writing
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Time Management
Teamwork
Communication
Attention to Detail
Adaptability
Project Management
Ethical Judgement
Continuous Learning
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
Listing your university education and certificates on your biology CV
The best proof of your technical capabilities would be your education and certifications sections. Your education should list all of your relevant university degrees, followed up by their start and completion dates. Make sure to also include the name of the university/-ies you graduated from. If you happen to have less professional experience (or you deem it would be impressive and relevant to your application), spotlight in the education section:
- that you were awarded a "First" degree;
- industry-specific coursework and projects;
- extracurricular clubs, societies, and activities.
When selecting your certificates, first ask yourself how applicable they'd be to the role. Ater your initial assessment, write the certificate and institution name. Don't miss out on including the completion date. In the below panel, we've curated relevant examples of industry-leading certificates.
PRO TIP
If you have received professional endorsements or recommendations for certain skills, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, mention these to add credibility.
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Key takeaways
What matters most in your biology CV-writing process is for you to create a personalised application. One that matches the role and also showcases your unique qualities and talents.
- Use the format to supplement the actual content, to stand out, and to ensure your CV experience is easy to comprehend and follows a logic;
- Invest time in building a succinct CV top one third. One that includes a header (with your contact details and headline), a summary or an objective statement (select the one that best fits your experience), and - potentially - a dedicated skills section or achievements (to fit both hard skills and soft skills requirements);
- Prioritise your most relevant (and senior) experience closer to the top of your CV. Always ensure you're following the "power verb, skill, and achievement" format for your bullets;
- Integrate both your technical and communication background across different sections of your CV to meet the job requirements;
- List your relevant education and certificates to fill in gaps in your CV history and prove to recrutiers you have relevant technical know-how.
