Crafting a CV that adequately showcases your diverse skill set and research experience can be a daunting challenge for a research assistant. Our guide provides tailored advice and practical examples to help you effectively highlight your academic achievements and research expertise, ensuring your CV stands out to potential employers.
- Answer job requirements with your research assistant CV and experience;
- Curate your academic background and certificates, following industry-leading CV examples;
- Select from +10 niche skills to match the ideal candidate profile
- Write a more succinct experience section that consists of all the right details.
Do you need more specific insights into writing your research assistant CV? Our guides focus on unique insights for each individual role:
Structuring and formatting your research assistant 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 research assistant 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
Incorporate a touch of colour in headers or section breaks, but keep it professional and ensure it doesn’t detract from readability, especially in more conservative industries.
The top sections on a research assistant CV
- Personal statement summarises career goals, showcasing passion for research and how you can contribute to potential projects, giving recruiters a quick glance at your suitability.
- Academic background details your degrees, highlighting courses and topics that have prepared you for a research role, underscoring your educational foundation.
- Research experience lists your previous projects, roles, and accomplishments, displaying your hands-on experience in the field to demonstrate your capability.
- Technical skills outline the research tools and methodologies you're proficient in, illustrating your practical abilities and readiness for technical tasks.
- Publications and presentations section exhibits your scholarly contributions, signalling your ability to communicate research findings effectively.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight relevant research experience by detailing your involvement in previous research projects, including any data analysis, literature review, or experimental design tasks you managed.
- Emphasise technical skills, such as proficiency with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB), or laboratory techniques that are pertinent to the field of research you're applying to.
- Include specifics about your educational background tailored to the research assistant role, focusing on your degree subject, relevant modules, dissertations, or any thesis work that demonstrates your research abilities.
- Mention any publications or conference presentations where you've contributed, demonstrating your ability to communicate research findings and collaborate with the academic community.
- Showcase soft skills such as attention to detail, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management, providing examples of how these have benefitted your previous research endeavours.
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Tips and tricks on writing a job-winning research assistant CV header
The CV header is the space which most recruiters would be referring most often to, in the beginning and end of your application. That is as the CV header includes your contact details, but also a headline and a professional photo. When writing your CV header:
- Double-check your contact details for spelling errors or if you've missed any digits. Also, ensure you've provided your personal details, and not your current work email or telephone number;
- Include your location in the form of the city and country you live in. If you want to be more detailed, you can list your full address to show proximity to your potential work place;
- Don't include your CV photo, if you're applying for roles in the UK or US, as this may bias initial recruiters' assessments;
- Write a professional headline that either integrates the job title, some relevant industry keywords, or your most noteworthy achievement.
In the next part of our guide, we'll provide you with professional CVs that showcase some of the best practices when it comes to writing your headline.
Examples of good CV headlines for research assistant:
- Research Assistant - Immunology | MSc Biomedical Science | Laboratory Techniques | 2+ Years Experience
- Senior Research Assistant | PhD in Environmental Science | Data Analysis | 5 Years Expertise
- Junior Research Assistant | BSc Psychology | Statistical Methods | Human Behaviour Studies | 1 Year Fieldwork
- Lead Clinical Trial Assistant | Certified in Clinical Research | Project Management | 7+ Years Professional Practice
- Research Technician | Genetics & Genomics | Next-Generation Sequencing | 4 Years Laboratory Innovation
- Principal Research Fellow | AI Software Development | Machine Learning | 10 Years Pioneering Research
Choosing your opening statement: a research assistant 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 research assistant job:
- With a robust 5-year background in clinical research, I possess in-depth knowledge of data collection and analysis, having significantly reduced data processing times by 30% through automation during my tenure at HealthSys Research Institute.
- As a seasoned environmental research assistant with over 4 years of experience, I have a proven track record in fieldwork and data analysis, contributing to ground-breaking research on urban sustainability published in 'Global Eco Review'.
- Transitioning from a 6-year career in software development, I bring a unique perspective on data algorithm design and analysis to biological research, aiming to contribute to the advancement of computational biology.
- After a decade in financial analysis, my transition to social science research is driven by a passion for data-driven insights into human behavior, bringing expertise in statistical analysis and a strong track record in high-impact project delivery.
- Eager to embark on a career in pharmaceutical research, I am committed to applying my strong academic background in biochemistry and my exceptional attention to detail to assist groundbreaking studies and developments in medical treatments.
- As an enthusiastic recent graduate with a degree in Psychology and Neuroscience, I am keen to apply my solid foundation in research methodologies and my academic excellence to support significant contributions in cognitive research and mental health advancements.
Narrating the details of your research assistant CV experience section
Perhaps you've heard it time and time again, but, how you present your experience is what matters the most. Your CV experience section - that details your work history alongside your accomplishments - is the space to spotlight your unqiue expertise and talents. So, avoid solely listing your responsibilities, but instead:
- adverts' keywords and integrate those in your experience section;
- Use your CV to detail how you've been promoted in the past by including experience in the reverse chronological order.
Before you start writing your research assistant CV experience section, dive into some industry-leading examples on how to structure your bullets.
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Outlined the key research objectives and methodologies used in previous roles, highlighting my ability to design, plan, and execute experiments with precision and adherence to scientific protocols.
- Quantified results and data analysis skills by describing the statistical methods employed and the significance of the findings to the overarching research goals.
- Emphasised experience with specialised laboratory equipment or software, detailing my proficiency and any training or certifications received directly related to the research assistance role.
- Discussed involvement with literature reviews, demonstrating my capability to synthesise extensive information and contribute to the research team’s knowledge base effectively.
- Highlighted any publications or presentations delivered at conferences, indicating my communication skills and the acknowledgement of my work by the wider academic community.
- Mentioned collaboration on research projects, showcasing teamwork and coordination skills crucial for multidisciplinary research efforts.
- Noted any experience in securing funding or writing grant proposals, as this reflects my understanding of the research cycle and ability to persuade stakeholders of the value of our work.
- Detailed experience in mentoring or supervising students or junior staff, showing leadership abilities and the capability to guide others in a research setting.
- Illustrated problem-solving skills by describing a complex research issue I encountered and the steps taken to overcome it, emphasising resilience and adaptability in the face of research challenges.
- Designed and executed complex data analysis using Python and R for genomic research projects, resulting in identification of key genetic markers.
- Managed a team of 4 junior research assistants, providing mentorship and ensuring project deliverables met strict deadlines and quality standards.
- Co-authored 6 publications in peer-reviewed journals, significantly contributing to the lab's reputation for cutting-edge research in genetic disorders.
- Conducted Phase II clinical trials for a new cardiovascular drug, meticulously collecting and analysing patient data to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration that led to 30% faster data collection process, enhancing overall efficiency of the clinical trial.
- Presented findings at 3 international healthcare conferences, elevating the profile of research findings and contributing to professional discourse.
- Engineered and maintained cell cultures as part of a ground-breaking study on the effects of new compounds on cancer cells, which were later patented.
- Contributed to a 25% increase in laboratory efficiency through optimising experimental protocols and resource management.
- Authored and contributed to grant applications that secured over £500,000 in funding for ongoing and future research projects.
- Organised and implemented extensive field studies in rural locations, leading to the successful tracking and conservation plans for two endangered species.
- Delivered detailed reports and environmental impact assessments to stakeholders, which guided the policymaking for habitat protection efforts.
- Orchestrated community involvement programs that increased local engagement in conservation efforts by 40%.
- Analysed and modelled financial data using MATLAB and SPSS to provide actionable insights into stock market trends for the investment team.
- Successfully predicted market movements with 80% accuracy rate by developing sophisticated statistical models.
- Trained 2 new hires on analytical techniques and best practices, upholding high standards in research methodologies.
- Performed chemical synthesis experiments, contributing to a major project on the development of more efficient solar energy materials.
- Streamlined experimental processes by introducing automated equipment, which reduced time to completion by 35% for ongoing experiments.
- Led a workshop series on laboratory safety and procedure compliance, receiving commendation for enhancing lab safety culture.
- Developed machine learning algorithms for natural language processing tasks, significantly improving the accuracy of sentiment analysis tools provided to clients.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate AI technology into products, which boosted customer satisfaction scores by 22%.
- Organised a seminar series to educate non-technical staff on AI concepts, fostering a more knowledgeable and inclusive workforce.
- Assisted in the discovery of novel neurotransmitter pathways, providing foundation for the development of therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders.
- Processed and visualised complex bioinformatics data, enabling the team to draw significant conclusions regarding drug-target interactions.
- Coordinated with external partners to acquire samples and substances, ensuring the continuity and expansion of research studies.
Writing your CV without professional experience for your first job or when switching industries
There comes a day, when applying for a job, you happen to have no relevant experience, whatsoever. Yet, you're keen on putting your name in the hat. What should you do? Candidates who part-time experience , internships, and volunteer work.
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If applicable, briefly mention a situation where things didn’t go as planned and what you learned from it, demonstrating your ability to learn and adapt.
The CV skills' divide: between hard and soft skills
Of course, you may have read the job requirements plenty of times now, but it's key to note that there is a difference between technical and personal skills. Both are equally relevant to your job application. When writing about your skill set, ensure you've copy-pasted the precise skill from the job requirement. This would not only help you ensure you have the correct spelling, but also pass any Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessments.
- Hard skills show your technological capabilities. Or whether you'll be a good technical fit to the organisation. Ensure you've spotlighted your hard skills in various sections of your CV (e.g. skills section, projects, experience) by including the technology and what you've attained;
- Soft skills pinpoint your personality and people or communication skills, hinting at if you'll easily accomodate into the team or organisation. Quantify your soft skills in your CV achievements, strengths, summary/objective, and experience sections. Always support your soft skills with how they've helped you grow as a professional.
Top skills for your research assistant CV:
Data Analysis
Laboratory Techniques
Statistical Software Proficiency
Literature Reviewing
Academic Writing
Experimental Design
Sample Preparation
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Data Entry
Critical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Collaboration
Communication
Problem-Solving
Adaptability
Organisation
Initiative
Perseverance
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Order your skills based on the relevance to the role you're applying for, ensuring the most pertinent skills catch the employer's attention first.
Further professional qualifications for your research assistant CV: education and certificates
As you're nearing the end of your research assistant CV, you may wonder what else will be relevant to the role. Recruiters are keen on understanding your academic background, as it teaches you an array of hard and soft skills. Create a dedicated education section that lists your:
- applicable higher education diplomas or ones that are at a postgraduate level;
- diploma, followed up with your higher education institution and start-graduation dates;
- extracurricular activities and honours, only if you deem that recruiters will find them impressive.
Follow a similar logic when presenting your certificates. Always select ones that will support your niche expertise and hint at what it's like to work with you. Balance both technical certification with soft skills courses to answer job requirements and company values. Wondering what the most sought out certificates are for the industry? Look no further:
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Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
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Key takeaways
Write your professional research assistant CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:
- Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
- Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
- Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
- Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
- Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.
