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Graduate researcher skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

William K. Kroen Ph.D.,

Harriet Phinney Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical graduate researcher skills. We ranked the top skills for graduate researchers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.9% of graduate researcher resumes contained r as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a graduate researcher needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 graduate researcher skills for your resume and career

1. 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 researchers use r:

Performed data analysis using location's demand data with R to calculate the net solar energy generated after energy curtailment.
Developed R programs to run the new procedure, compare it to popular tests, and simulate various trials.

2. Cell Culture

Here's how graduate researchers use cell culture:

Aided in undergraduate protocol and cell culture training
Developed skills in microscopy and cell biology techniques, molecular biology, biochemistry, nucleic acid/protein analysis, and cell culture.

3. Research Projects

Here's how graduate researchers use research projects:

Designed and conducted independent research projects aimed at understanding how lipids regulate complex signals propagated by membrane binding proteins.
Project Management - Conducted extensive independent and collaborative research projects and tracked projects from inception to final submission.

4. Protein Expression

Here's how graduate researchers use protein expression:

Reduced the time required for protein expression from 15 days to 7 days using lean and six sigma tools.
Resolve the protein samples by SDS-PAGE, detect and characterize protein expression by western blots and ELISA.

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 researchers use chemistry:

Experience teaching organic chemistry concepts to undergraduates, seven semesters of teaching in laboratory or discussion sections.
Recognized with an Outstanding Teaching Award for instructing Statistical Mechanics & Kinetics and Advanced Physical Chemistry Lab.

6. Data Analysis

Here's how graduate researchers use data analysis:

Maintained and enhanced custom data analysis software and automated analysis of large volumes of data using custom scripts.
Analyzed the measured data analysis using Excel spreadsheet and statistical software packages; prepared reports and presentations.

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7. 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 researchers use synthesis:

Improved and performed synthesis, isolation and analysis of compounds of interest from cobalt-mediated radical reactions.
Conducted interdisciplinary research in the field of materials science and synthesis at the Materials Research Laboratory.

8. 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 researchers use c++:

Engaged in dissertation research involving extensive numerical simulations using MATLAB and C++.
Accelerated MATLAB program dramatically by utilizing parallel programming technique Software/coding skills adopted: MATLAB, Magics, C++, NX/NX API

9. Graduate Research

Graduate research is work and studying done by someone pursuing a masters or doctorate degree.

Here's how graduate researchers use graduate research:

Collaborated with other graduate researchers to applied nonlinear optimization technique to design a novel pulley-cable mechanism pneumatic prosthesis.
Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants in data management and continued application of basic statistical principles.

10. Molecular Biology

Here's how graduate researchers use molecular biology:

Trained and supervised post-graduate, graduate, and undergraduate students in advanced molecular biology methodologies.
Work included experiments related to pharmacology, biochemistry, cellular biology and molecular biology.

11. 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 researchers use data collection:

Conducted independent thesis research, including the development of research materials, organization of participation and data collection.
Worked collaboratively with peers to design data collection method for Pediatric Operating Room Processes Efficiency study.

12. 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 researchers use python:

Formulated custom pipeline for protein binding footprint identification and statistical confidence assessment in Python.
Programmed and optimized data fitting of large molecular analysis data sets in Python.

13. Statistical Analysis

Here's how graduate researchers use statistical analysis:

Programmed data acquisition software, performed image processing and statistical analysis with results published in the journal Science.
Performed statistical analysis using existing survey data to identify the predictors of suicidal behaviors in Asian Americans.

14. Literature Reviews

Here's how graduate researchers use literature reviews:

Conduct geologic literature review, develop proposal, present materials to interested NJ municipalities.
Conduct literature reviews on treatment strategies and epidemiology of hepatitis C in incarcerated populations.

15. RT-PCR

Here's how graduate researchers use rt-pcr:

Worked to troubleshoot reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of RNA, as RT-PCR was particularly challenging on low-biomass samples.
Skilled in ELISA, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, tissue collection (human and rhesus macaque) and processing.

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What skills help Graduate Researchers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on graduate researcher resumes?

William K. Kroen Ph.D.

Professor of Biology, Wesley College

Internships and “real world” research experiences always stand out for employers and graduate schools; that's one of the major reasons that Delaware has a vibrant summer research network. Unfortunately, many of these experiences were closed last summer due to the pandemic. Who knows about June 2021.

What soft skills should all graduate researchers 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 researchers?

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 researcher 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 researchers 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 researcher 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 researcher skills to add to your resume

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

R
Cell Culture
Research Projects
Protein Expression
Chemistry
Data Analysis
Synthesis
C++
Graduate Research
Molecular Biology
Data Collection
Python
Statistical Analysis
Literature Reviews
RT-PCR
DNA
SEM

Independent Research
NMR
SPSS
HPLC
Solidworks
Scientific Journals
Nanoparticles
Research Findings
LabVIEW
Electrophoresis
GEL Electrophoresis
Cell Lines
PI
FEA
Analyze Data
Elisa
Flow Cytometry

UV-Vis
SAS
CFD
Data Acquisition
Mass Spectrometry
Experimental Data
Gene Expression
Western Blotting
PowerPoint
Experimental Design
Monte Carlo
SDS-PAGE
TEM
Protein Purification
GIS
Animal Handling

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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