Biologist CV Example
A biologist CV should clearly show the laboratory techniques you have mastered (PCR, cell culture, microscopy), the sample types you have worked with and your project outputs. Whether you are lab- or field-focused and your familiarity with standards such as GLP are decisive for employers.
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Rachel Turner
Biologist (Molecular Biology)
Cambridge, UK
Summary
Biologist with 5 years of laboratory experience; I am expert in PCR/qPCR, DNA-RNA isolation and cell culture techniques. I have worked at high sample volumes in a genetic diagnostics lab; I prioritise result accuracy, contamination control and GLP compliance.
Experience
Biologist · Private Genetic Diagnostics Laboratory
Feb 2022 – Present- ›Carried out DNA/RNA isolation and qPCR analysis on an average of 150-200 samples per week.
- ›Kept the error rate below 2% through positive-negative control and repeat-test protocols.
- ›Prepared primer optimisation and verification reports in new panel validation work.
- ›Maintained instrument calibration and maintenance records to GLP standards.
Research Laboratory Biologist · University Biotechnology Research Centre
Sep 2019 – Jan 2022- ›Ran cell culture processes (passaging, freeze-thaw, viability assays).
- ›Carried out protein analysis experiments using ELISA and spectrophotometric measurements.
- ›Contributed to experimental design and data analysis on two BBSRC-funded projects.
Skills
Education
BSc Biology · University of Bristol (2014 – 2018)
MSc Molecular Biology · University of Cambridge (2018 – 2020)
What to Highlight in a Biologist CV
- ✓List the laboratory techniques you have mastered (PCR, cell culture, ELISA) one by one; avoid generic phrases like "laboratory experience".
- ✓Add measurable data such as weekly/monthly sample volume and error rate.
- ✓Show grant projects, publications or poster presentations in a separate section.
- ✓State your familiarity with GLP, biosafety levels (BSL) and quality standards.
- ✓Make clear from the title and summary whether you are lab- or field-biology focused.
Technical Skills
- •PCR / qPCR & electrophoresis
- •DNA-RNA-protein isolation
- •Cell culture techniques
- •ELISA & immunological assays
- •Microscopy (light, fluorescence)
- •GLP & biosafety protocols
- •Statistical data analysis (SPSS, GraphPad)
Soft Skills
- •Attention to detail & precision
- •Analytical thinking
- •Working within a team
- •Reporting & scientific writing
- •Patience & reproducibility discipline
Common Mistakes
- ✕Using generic phrases like "I worked in a lab" instead of listing techniques.
- ✕Never writing measurable data such as sample volume or number of projects.
- ✕Not including publication, poster and grant-project experience on the CV.
- ✕Not stating your biosafety and GLP knowledge.
- ✕Copying your thesis topic verbatim without linking it to the role applied for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a biologist CV include a master's thesis and publications?
Yes; write your thesis topic in one sentence, linked to the role you are applying for. List publications and poster presentations in a separate "Publications" section, newest to oldest.
As a newly qualified biologist, what should I highlight on the CV?
Write concretely about your final-year project, the labs where you placed and the techniques you personally applied there (e.g. PCR, isolation); voluntary fieldwork and laboratory safety training are also a plus.
How do you show field (non-lab) biologist experience?
Write fieldwork such as flora-fauna surveys, EIA sampling or water quality monitoring together with the project name, region and the sampling method used.
Which certificates stand out on a biologist CV?
Home Office animal-handling licences, biosafety and good laboratory practice (GLP) training, and instrument-specific user training (e.g. real-time PCR) are the most sought-after documents. Chartered membership of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) is also valued.
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