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Contract research scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

1 min read

Quoted experts

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.,

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical contract research scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for contract research scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 24.1% of contract research scientist resumes contained analytical techniques as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a contract research scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

8 contract research scientist skills for your resume and career

1. Analytical Techniques

Analytical technique is a method or procedure for the analysis of some problem or a fact. It is used for the quantitative and qualitative determination of a problem using various technique.

Here's how contract research scientists use analytical techniques:

Utilized qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to test wet chemistry methods.
Trained other analysts in established procedures and analytical techniques.

2. R

R is a free software environment and a language used by programmers for statistical computing. The R programming language is famously used for data analysis by data scientists.

Here's how contract research scientists use r:

Identified systematic errors in electronic medical record using a combination of SQL queries and R visualizations.
Design experiments and build predictive response surface models to optimize drug product quality attributes using SAS, R and JMP.

3. HPLC

Here's how contract research scientists use hplc:

Demonstrated experimentally how iron interferes with IEX monoclonal antibody separations and recommended PEEK or bio-inert HPLC systems for such separations.
Developed HPLC methodologies for pharmaceutical ingredient assay and related substances to support development of sustained-release ocular implanted drug delivery devices.

4. Analytical Support

Analytical support consists of categories that include logical reasoning, critical thinking, communication, research, data analysis, and creativity to break down information or something into parts or smaller categories to enhance understanding in order to draw conclusions.

Here's how contract research scientists use analytical support:

Provide analytical support for supply chain projects; including analyzing samples for comparison and offering development/optimization advice to various vendors.
Provided analytical support and troubleshooting for synthetic/process, solid state, and engineering groups for API development.

5. Harvest

Here's how contract research scientists use harvest:

Coordinated internal blood draws to harvest serum and plasma for future testing.

6. Data Analysis

Here's how contract research scientists use data analysis:

Performed STR data analysis using GeneMarker.
Worked extensively with data analysis/interpretation and presentation.

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7. Research Findings

Here's how contract research scientists use research findings:

Planned and conducted experiments, processed experimental data, prepared reports, participated in conferences, and published research findings.
Presented complex and groundbreaking research findings to diverse audiences in forums ranging from laboratory meetings to international conferences.

8. FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services that regulates the production and sale of food, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, and other consumer goods, as well as veterinary medicine. The FDA is now in charge of overseeing the manufacture of products like vaccines, allergy treatments, and beauty products.

Here's how contract research scientists use fda:

Tested 50 breast expanders and submitted results for FDA 5-10k approval.
Conducted analysis on regulatory status of imported products for FDA compliance and collaborated with Operations to ensure timely distribution to stores.

What skills help Contract Research Scientists find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What soft skills should all contract research scientists possess?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

From what I've heard (from employers), companies look for employees that they can work with. I know that sounds silly, but companies want employees that are team players and work well with other individuals and in groups. These employees also need to work independently when asked to work on a project. They need to be organized, reliable, and trustworthy. Employees also need to be able to communicate well by writing and speaking. They must be able to follow directions.

What skills stand out on contract research scientist resumes?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

When I help students revise their resumes, I have them focus on transferable skills that they gained through their experiences. It may not necessarily be what students do that is important to companies, but their learned experience that students can take and apply in their new job. Students need to add a metric to their descriptions and how they have made an impact on a project, a job position, an organization, etc.

What hard/technical skills are most important for contract research scientists?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

This one is tough because it depends on the position! I think what is valuable for a chemist is being knowledgeable of working with instrumentation such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. Employees that are likely more attractive for a job position than another person have had the independent experience of working with instruments and can troubleshoot problems. Employees need to be able to explain the data that they obtained from an experiment and describe what the data mean. (Data is a plural term!) Problem-solving and critical thinking is very important for scientists.

What contract research scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Karen McNeal Ph.D.

Assistant Department Chair, Geology, Auburn University

I would say getting familiar with how to process Big data and enhance GIS skills would be potential skill areas to continue to build up. There are some online courses one could l take without being enrolled in graduate/undergraduate programs to continue to build these skills (I do not have the plans offhand, but a google search would probably find some). Besides that, I would also say that trying to fine-tune communication skills about science to non-technical audiences would be good. If they are taking a gap year, use the opportunity to talk with the new people you are meeting about science in non-technical ways. See what works, what doesn't. Start building your confidence and experience doing so.

What type of skills will young contract research scientists need?

Dr. Douglas Capone Ph.D.

Professor, University of Southern California

In addition to the essential skill set of an oceanographic discipline (biological, chemical, physical or geological fields) - being adaptable, having a breadth of knowledge and ability to cross disciplinary boundaries and communication skills e.g., the ability to talk to regulators, policymakers, and the general public will all help.

Do you want to know more?

List of contract research scientist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a contract research scientist resume and required skills for a contract research scientist to have include:

Analytical Techniques
R
HPLC

Analytical Support
Harvest
Data Analysis

Research Findings
FDA

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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