How to Do a Resume for a Research Scientist

Use an academic resume for jobs as a research scientist.

Academics often have a hard time fitting their experience and achievements into a standard resume. Nevertheless, universities, colleges and research centers require detailed information on each candidate's academic and research achievements in order to make an informed decision about her application. Therefore, research-career resumes take a different form from that of standard resumes. Begin by thinking about your academic and research achievements and making a list of everything you think is relevant.

Instructions

1. Provide your name and contact details at the top of your resume. Include a telephone number, postal address and email address. If possible, use an institutional email address to make a more professional impression.

2. Give details of your education. Do this in reverse order, with your highest academic achievement at the top of the list. If you have won any prizes or academic distinctions in the course of your education, include that information.

3. List your employment history and any other relevant positions you have held, such as internships. Again, list these in reverse order, with the most recent position first. Include details of the responsibilities you had, and mention any achievements. Tailor the way you present this information to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job that involves some teaching, emphasize any teaching or tutoring experience you have.

4. Provide details of any honors you have received. If you have been awarded any research funding, particularly from funding organizations outside your university, include that information. Briefly describe what the funded project was about, how much money you received and what the money was used for.

5. List any academic publications you have written for, with the most recent first. If you have written material published in more than one form -- for example, a book and a series of journal articles -- list the book first and list the articles separately. Include all the information on each publication, and use the same style of referencing for each publication. Research scientists often contribute to multiple-authored academic articles; if you have any of these on your resume, highlight your name in bold to make sure it stands out.

6. List any papers you have presented at academic conferences. These should also be listed in reverse order, with the most recent presentation atop the list. Include the name of your paper, the name of the conference and the date you gave the presentation.

References

• Marquette University: Writing an Academic Resume
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Sample Academic Resume
• Appalachian State University: Academic Resume