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Graduate research student skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Jelena Sanchez Ph.D.,

Harriet Phinney Ph.D.

Graduate research student example skills

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical graduate research student skills. We ranked the top skills for graduate research students based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 10.7% of graduate research student resumes contained lab equipment as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a graduate research student needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 graduate research student skills for your resume and career

1. Lab Equipment

Here's how graduate research students use lab equipment:

Manufactured prototype for ergonomic and quality testing utilizing machine shop and test lab equipment.
Designed and produced lab equipment for wheelchair cushion experimentation.

2. Laboratory Equipment

Here's how graduate research students use laboratory equipment:

Maintained laboratory equipment and supplies and liaise with other laboratory teams, and principal investigators regarding laboratory results and reports.
Perform a variety of technical laboratory functions in the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment such as calibrating and troubleshooting.

3. 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 graduate research students use python:

Performed analysis on large volume of data containing simulations of numerical models of continuous gravitational waves written in MATLAB and Python.
Utilize applied data science methodology and python programming to exploit big data and database management systems and support components.

4. 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 graduate research students use c++:

Implemented both sequential and distributed Minimal Dominating Set algorithms in C++.
Achieved 10% to 14% of IPC improvement by implementing my algorithm, in C++, for the IQ-capping technique.

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 graduate research students use chemistry:

Provided training and instruction to an undergraduate student in research techniques and higher-level approaches to organic chemistry problem solving.
Completed 12 credit hours of biology and chemistry laboratory courses, including introduction to laboratory safety and hazardous materials.

6. Cell Culture

Here's how graduate research students use cell culture:

Assisted in collection and interpretation of data obtained and encouraged efficient cell culture techniques.
Perform experimentation and data analysis on varied environmental effects on yeast strain cell cultures.

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7. 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 graduate research students use r:

Analyzed final data collected using R statistical software.
Used Excel and R to analyze population, housing, employment and land use conditions as well as make projections.

8. Data Analysis

Here's how graduate research students use data analysis:

Used data analysis and visualization techniques to effectively communicate the results of the research to the larger scientific community.
Analyze data Characterize catalysts via infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy Skills Used Data Analysis Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

9. Analyze Data

Analyze data or data analysis refers to the practice of studying, organizing, and transforming data to make it more useful. It also includes the cleansing of non-useful information which helps in better decision making regarding any particular matter. Analyze data is a practice that is used widely in the field of business, social sciences, and science.

Here's how graduate research students use analyze data:

Analyze data and disseminate to other biological and ionizing radiation exposure experiments groups.
Utilize computerized electronic data processing equipment to gather and analyze data.

10. Research Student

Here's how graduate research students use research student:

Graduate Research Student, Department of Radiation Oncology, Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Case Western Reserve University
Authored a technical paper on corrosion research with a team of interdisciplinary research students.

11. Molecular Biology

Here's how graduate research students use molecular biology:

Completed interdisciplinary courses and attended seminars covering all aspects of pharmaceutical sciences before transitioning into the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry department.
Provided research support to students on behalf of multiple DNA laboratories designed to introduce students to biotechnology and molecular biology.

12. Protein Purification

Here's how graduate research students use protein purification:

Developed essential laboratory skills including DNA extraction, protein purification and protein crystallization.
Performed protein purification using NTA column.

13. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how graduate research students use data collection:

Performed data collection, used SWAT model for analysis and applied results to regional economic development planning process.
Prepared research summaries, including data collection or analysis, and handled complex and confidential information with discretion.

14. RT-PCR

Here's how graduate research students use rt-pcr:

Assisted graduate student lab personnel with advanced molecular techniques such as RT-PCR, fluorescent microscopy, and IFA staining.
Used ImageJ photo software to analyze and quantify fluorescence of imaged cells, RT-PCR gel plate analysis.

15. 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 graduate research students use synthesis:

Participated in projects involving the synthesis of biological molecules widely used in pharmaceutical drugs and naturally occurring in the human body.
Developed experience of solid or solution state synthesis, and familiarized with different furnaces and other instruments mentioned above.

5 Graduate Research Student resume examples

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What skills help Graduate Research Students find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on graduate research student resumes?

Dr. Jelena Sanchez Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Spanish, North Central College

Currently, multilingual skills shine bright in resumes. Finally, the pandemic reality will validate the global currency of languages.

What soft skills should all graduate research students possess?

Harriet Phinney Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Seattle University

Understanding human diversity, effective communication (speaking and writing: the ability to convey complex ideas respectfully to a diverse audience) across differences, adept at working in groups, yet also independent thinkers.

What hard/technical skills are most important for graduate research students?

Harriet Phinney Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Seattle University

Empirical data collection: Research skills for collecting original data, analyzing the data, writing up the information collected, and presenting it in a professional manner.

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

Dr. Neal Palmer Ph.D.

Chair, Associate Professor, Christian Brothers University

The answer to that question likely won't change from pre- to post-pandemic. Southern cities such as Nashville and Memphis were booming before the pandemic, and that will likely continue. These are good places to find jobs because the cost of living is relatively low, there are vibrant culture and entertainment, and there is not as much college-educated competition for jobs as in larger cities.

What type of skills will young graduate research students need?

(Lily) Li Linghong

Chair, Associate Professor, SUNY Potsdam: The State University of New York, Potsdam

Internet and computer skills are required certainly, but also an ability to communicate effectively using new remote learning platforms such as Zoom and Teams. The challenge for managers is to create a cohesive workforce despite individual team members being geographically distant from one another. Graduates with abilities in modern communication modalities will have a clear advantage over those who are dependent upon face-to-face interactions as the primary mode of human interaction.

What technical skills for a graduate research student stand out to employers?

Sya Kedzior Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Towson University

The ability to understand technical or complex scientific processes and communicate that information with the public is one of the most attractive skills for an entry-level worker to possess. Many employers may not have staff skilled in the latest GIS technologies or social media trends. While the ability to use last year's software or network via Instagram might not seem particularly novel to recent graduates, these are skills less likely to be found in the workforce of even 10 years ago. Geographers are particularly well prepared for today's workforce because they've often had coursework across the "hard" and social sciences, along with training in technical skills (usually GIS or quantitative analysis) and written and oral communication skills. Another skill in high demand today is data collection and analysis. I often talk with potential employers who want to hire people who can develop and administer a public survey, and then analyze and write up the results. That requires understanding human behavior, public communication, and different forms of data analysis. But, these are skills that can be developed in perhaps only a few classes as part of a major or minor in Geography and other cognate fields.

Do you want to know more?

List of graduate research student skills to add to your resume

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

Lab Equipment
Laboratory Equipment
Python
C++
Chemistry
Cell Culture
R
Data Analysis
Analyze Data
Research Student
Molecular Biology
Protein Purification
Data Collection
RT-PCR
Synthesis
DNA

Symposium
Research Data
GEL Electrophoresis
Literature Reviews
Poster Presentation
Electrophoresis
SPSS
Statistical Analysis
GPA
SAS
Conduct Research
RNA
Research Paper
Research Findings
NMR
PowerPoint

Independent Research
Summer Research
HPLC
Research Study
Solidworks
PI
Scholarship
Water Samples
UV-Vis
IRB
Mass Spectrometry
Experimental Design
GIS
SDS-PAGE
Drosophila
Research Conference

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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