Laboratory Research Assistant
Best for candidates with 3+ years of experience
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As a successful research assistant, you’re a thorough data analyst, a top-notch lab technician, a friendly participant coordinator, and an organized librarian, all rolled into one.
However, demonstrating these skills on your research assistant resume can feel more overwhelming than autoclaving an entire lab’s worth of equipment. Not to mention, you may not know whether your school wants a CV or a resume. And what about writing a cover letter? Where to start?
Don’t fret—we’ll walk you through what makes a good research assistant resume and how to stand out among your peers.
Our seven research assistant resume samples have helped researchers across disciplines land jobs in top labs and departments in 2024. If you’re stuck, pick a resume template complete with sample points to brainstorm your best resume yet!
Why this resume works
- A poorly written research assistant resume is distasteful. And if you really itch for that job, the last thing you want is to get on the bad side of the hiring team. By submitting a resume as impressive as Ravi’s, you’re off to a good start.
- Phrases peppered with keywords from the job ad, such as “writing grant proposals” and “decreased in cognitive cerebellar regions” can turn the tides in your favor in mere seconds. In other words, show the potential employer you’ve got what it takes to meet their needs and you’re golden.
- Make strong action verbs (think “oversaw,” “organized,” “managed,” and “partnered”) your bullet points’ friends. It’s about directing the hiring manager’s attention straight to the good stuff you want to flaunt—primarily your proactive stance or results-driven mindset.
- So, you believe your killer skill set should be your ticket in, huh? Then, make a convincing case for it by illustrating the required competencies (cue database management techniques, SAS, flow cytometry data, written communication, and statistical modeling) in your work history.
- Then, to cap off, take full advantage of genuine metrics that let recruiters envision your impact and success potential. “5+ publications on effective vaccination development” and “saving $13,400 per year” from Ravi’s resume make for good examples.
Why this resume works
- If there’s room, try to include a resume objective (also called a career objective) in your entry-level research assistant resume.
- This section lets you discuss an interest in a particular field (and in a particular research assistant position). So, tailor this section for every application you submit!
- It’s also wise to include a projects section filled with projects you’ve completed.
- Even if the projects aren’t relevant to the field of research you’d like to study, adding them highlights transferable skills like data analysis and experiment design. Plus, it fills up space so you’re not worried about filling up a whole page.
Why this resume works
- When it comes to your laboratory research assistant resume, numbers speak louder than words. Numbers quantify your claims and grab the eye of the person reviewing your resume.
- Use numbers to discuss publications, team members you managed, money you saved, grant funding you helped acquire, or the outcome of your data analysis. If numbers can measure it, include it!
- However, unlike your data, these numbers don’t have to be perfectly accurate—they can be rough estimates.
- You’ve got a keen eye for details, but so does the person reviewing your resume. If your resume has errors, you may not get the job.
- Before you hit submit, run your resume through a resume checker or a spellcheck system (Grammarly is a good place to start). Better yet, after you run it through AI, have a trusted colleague review it, too.
Why this resume works
- Clinical research studies are strictly regulated. Your ability to comply with procedural processes can mean the difference between a lab’s work succeeding or losing funding.
- Highlight your track record of adhering to guidelines in past trials to help your clinical research assistant resume stand out.
Why this resume works
- When you’re looking to get a role as an undergraduate research assistant, there is an implicit understanding that you may not have a lot of real-world experience to list on your resume.
- However, even if you don’t have experience as a research assistant, include whatever work experience you have. Having any sort of job demonstrates responsibility, initiative, and the ability to work with others well.
- Regarding your undergraduate research resume, the resume template you choose can play a significant factor in determining whether you get an interview.
- Choose a template that allows you to add sections (like projects) to make up for a lack of experience while also filling the page.
Why this resume works
- A strong graduate research assistant resume should include a career objective that describes your topic of interest. Tell prospective programs how you’ll contribute to their legacy as a research institution through your work in the field.
Why this resume works
- Although it takes up space, adding a resume summary is a great addition to your postdoctoral research assistant resume.
- This section highlights your expertise, years of experience in your field, and achievements. Just remember to tailor it for each application.
- Because of your experience, you may wonder if it’s applicable to add projects to your resume. Yup, and it’s even encouraged if you don’t have boatloads of research assistant experience.
- Consider including projects such as club membership (especially if you founded it yourself), volunteer experiences, or independent research.
- Projects also make great examples to discuss in your research assistant cover letter.
Related resume guides
Customize Your Real Research Assistant Resume to the Job
You’re the perfect person to create a stellar resume. After all, impressing an employer or a professor is all about research, and that’s something you’re already great at! However, with a vast number of research roles available, you may find yourself staring at a blank resume with no idea where to start.
We know—begin with the job description! The responsibilities listed there will help fill your resume with useful skills and experiences. Which ones of these best apply to your background?
- Collect, organize, and analyze data using surveys, interviews, experiments, and field observations
- Prepare materials and research cases for further study
- Perform literature reviews, including organizing results, writing summaries, and searching for sources
- Maintain clear and concise records, including confidential data
- Manipulate, clean, and visualize data, providing weekly and monthly reports to senior faculty members
- Participate in research meetings and present in-progress and final results
