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Doctoral student skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted expert

Lindsey du Toit

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical doctoral student skills. We ranked the top skills for doctoral students based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 15.4% of doctoral student resumes contained c++ as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a doctoral student needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 doctoral student skills for your resume and career

1. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how doctoral students use c++:

Developed C++ code and Validated vehicle operating modes, including Engine ON/OFF condition and battery SOC over a given drive cycle.
Used C++ to write process simulation software to determine the penetration depth of an electron bean into a solid.

2. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how doctoral students use python:

Developed an image processing algorithm in Python to identify targets in an image and extract the exact shape and relevant statistics.
Designed and implemented a Blender plugin in Python for a special 3D visual effect in computer graphics.

3. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how doctoral students use java:

Developed comparative analysis software for Mesquite package (Java); Developed ontology for describing jumping spider courtship using Protege.
Maintained BioCharon, a Java based Hybrid Systems software.

4. Cell Culture

Here's how doctoral students use cell culture:

Trained and mentored graduate and undergraduate students in cell culture technique, molecular biology methods, and material characterization.
Developed and optimized many techniques and assays from Molecular Biological, Biochemical and Cell culture disciplines.

5. Chemistry

Chemistry is the branch of science that tells us about the composition, properties, and structure of elements and compounds. The processes these elements undergo and how they undergo change all come under the branch of chemistry.

Here's how doctoral students use chemistry:

Worked extensively in a wet chemistry environment and proficient in maintaining equipment.
Developed expertise in protein chemistry, protein purification and characterization, Biophysical techniques like UV-VIS, fluorescence, CD spectroscopy.

6. Data Analysis

Here's how doctoral students use data analysis:

Mentored junior lab members in scientific techniques, experimental design, and data analysis and interpretation.
Develop and apply computational algorithms and statistical models for data analysis.

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7. Protein Expression

Here's how doctoral students use protein expression:

Used protein and RNA engineering, X-ray crystallography, protein expression, and biochemistry to elucidate enzyme mechanisms.
Co-developed a high-yield recombinant protein expression technique and produced large quantities of isotope-labeled proteins for NMR structural study.

8. Scholar

Here's how doctoral students use scholar:

Initiated collaboration with associations from 20+ other institutions on 4 projects including scholar forums and college movie festival.
Review and Process Research Scholar, Short Term Scholar and Student Intern categories of J-1 status.

9. Molecular Biology

Here's how doctoral students use molecular biology:

Presented work at international conferences and help tutor students in fundamentals of genetics and molecular biology during term time.
Supervised and trained technicians and undergraduate students in molecular biology and microscopy techniques.

10. 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 doctoral students use r:

Co-edited an online textbook on R programming: http://ademos.people.uic.edu/.
Introduced to R studio and QIIME programs to analyze data

11. Gene Expression

Gene expression is a process whereby function products like proteins get synthesized by human DNA, making it easy for cells to adjust to external and internal factors.

Here's how doctoral students use gene expression:

Designed and executed micro-array gene expression studies using various array platforms.
Focus: Genome-wide differential gene expression analysis in cardiac hypertrophy.

12. Research Projects

Here's how doctoral students use research projects:

Collected data from records and conducted basic research - Participated in team research projects and conduct individual research, including library research
Propose and plan innovative research projects and initiate any necessary exploratory research to allow evaluation of new technical approaches.

13. Synthesis

Synthesis refers to the process of combining a number of things to become something new. Depending on the field of work, this may mean combining ideas, products, and new influences into a new service or product. Overall, the process is focused on reviewing and analyzing different data points to make something new.

Here's how doctoral students use synthesis:

Managed multiple collaborative projects peripheral to dissertation that leveraged experience in characterization and inorganic synthesis.
Developed iron catalysts for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers

14. Confocal Microscopy

Here's how doctoral students use confocal microscopy:

Created in-vivo and in-vitro models to study trafficking of Delta using cell-surface expression assays, live imaging and high-resolution confocal microscopy.
Investigated the microtubule and F-actin responses in root of Zea mays L. induced by La3+ uptake using confocal microscopy

15. RNA

A Ribonucleic acid (RNA) has a vital role in determining the biological macromolecule commonly found in all bodily cells. It is the synthesis of protein, carriers message instruction from the Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA. RNA is a kind of single-stranded cell that has different forms. It allows the molecule to go back and forth to its original condition.

Here's how doctoral students use rna:

Gained exposure to RNA viruses genetics and other related laboratory techniques
Performed some molecular investigation to evaluate RNA quality.

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What doctoral student skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Lindsey du Toit

Professor and Extension Plant Pathology, Chair, Washington State University

Enquire about salary ranges for the types of position for which you’re applying, and opportunities for promotions/salary ranges. Pay attention to the value of the benefits package associated with positions you are seeking. These benefits may not translate to direct salary payments, but can be worth a very significant amount over the duration of your career.

Do you want to know more?

List of doctoral student skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a doctoral student resume and required skills for a doctoral student to have include:

C++
Python
Java
Cell Culture
Chemistry
Data Analysis
Protein Expression
Scholar
Molecular Biology
R
Gene Expression
Research Projects
Synthesis
Confocal Microscopy
RNA
RT-PCR
DNA

Independent Research
Data Collection
Flow Cytometry
Research Findings
Experimental Design
Neuroscience
NMR
Cell Lines
Physiology
Elisa
GPA
Immunology
HPLC
PI
Statistical Analysis
Mouse Model
Cell Biology

Western Blotting
Pharmacology
SPSS
GEL Electrophoresis
SEM
Immunoprecipitation
Electrophoresis
NIH
Stem Cells
Drosophila
PowerPoint
Nanoparticles
Enzymes
SDS-PAGE
Protein Purification

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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