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Laboratory internship skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Kyle DiVito Ph.D.,

Kyle DiVito Ph.D.

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

15 laboratory internship skills for your resume and career

1. Lab Procedures

Here's how laboratory interns use lab procedures:

Interned with laboratory technologists and was allowed to conduct several laboratory tests and learned administrative lab procedures.
Cataloged Lab Chemicals and organized MSDS sheets * Assistant for elementary lab procedures

2. 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 laboratory interns use chemistry:

Conducted medicinal chemistry research developing new chemical compounds to be cataloged and tested for specific biological protein inhibitors.
Performed and analyzed tests in areas including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, serology, and bacteriology.

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 laboratory interns use python:

Performed maintenance and repair on old computers and subsequently utilized them to continuously run my custom-made python applications.
Upgraded and maintained the MVC framework for a social network website Python at the Lifelong Kindergarten Group.

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 laboratory interns use c++:

Developed program code written in C++, LabView, and designed circuitry for interrupt-driven, automated systems.
Used MatLab and C++ to calculate leakage of bearing currents and its effects on AC drives.

5. Laboratory Procedures

Here's how laboratory interns use laboratory procedures:

Cataloged 2,000+ archaeological materials and supervised participants in artifact identification and laboratory procedures
Created professional laboratory procedures and assisted in writing a forensic science journal (Forensic Science International; awaiting publication).

6. Laboratory Equipment

Here's how laboratory interns use laboratory equipment:

Sterilized and calibrated laboratory equipment/instruments as needed
Summer internship working in the Psychology Department assisting with research involving laboratory animals and maintaining laboratory equipment.

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7. 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 laboratory interns use data collection:

Develop and implement computational research protocols and data collection systems, in conjunction with the principal investigator.
Detail oriented tasks involving meticulous laser alignment, data collection and data analysis.

8. Cell Culture

Here's how laboratory interns use cell culture:

Trained on procedures for drug development process, such as Cell Culture, Western blotting, and Real time PCR.
Familiarized with the steps of the cell culture, medium/gel preparation, PCR, mice anesthesia drug preparation

9. Data Analysis

Here's how laboratory interns use data analysis:

Performed data management including data entry, quality control and preliminary data analysis with graphs for quarterly reports.
Retrieved samples from freezer and collaborated with technologist in running the appropriate data analysis.

10. Lab Equipment

Here's how laboratory interns use lab equipment:

Counseled students on correct use of lab equipment and assured appropriate following of experimental procedures.
Utilized microscopes/imaging software, recorded data and maintained lab equipment.

11. PowerPoint

Here's how laboratory interns use powerpoint:

Participated in weekly group meetings/discussions and gave PowerPoint presentations to the Pasquale laboratory.
Submitted a fifteen-page report and gave a PowerPoint presentation of behavioral patterns.

12. 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 laboratory interns use r:

Tested Yunnan province electronic delivery model by using R statistical models to create and map weekly reports.
Utilize R statistical software to perform critical analysis.

13. RT-PCR

Here's how laboratory interns use rt-pcr:

Researched the role of Connexin 26 in hereditary hearing loss using molecular genetics techniques including RT-PCR.
Performed RT-PCR following protocol of M-MLV Reverse Transcriptase enzyme from Invitrogen.

14. DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or only DNA, which is considered the king of molecules, is a macromolecule that contains the main component of chromosomes. Shaped like a double helix, DNA is usually found in the nucleus of a cell. It is a type of material that transports characteristics in many forms, developed in nucleotides around one another.

Here's how laboratory interns use dna:

Developed rapid identification of acid-fast bacteria through the use of DNA probes, and other molecular microbiological techniques.
Performed basic molecular processes associated with laboratory tests including DNA extractions of prenatal samples being tested for chromosomal abnormalities.

15. Test Results

Here's how laboratory interns use test results:

Performed susceptibility testing including recognizing commonly used antimicrobial agents, applied principles of drug resistance, and troubleshooting test results.
Compared test results against standards and assisted customers in resolving problems

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What skills help Laboratory Interns find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on laboratory internship resumes?

Kyle DiVito Ph.D.

Associate Director of Biotechnology, Assistant Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine

Biotechnology is such a diverse scientific discipline. It can include everything from wet-bench molecular biology to in-silico computer-aided modeling and artificial intelligence. With that being said, it can be hard for those just entering the field to feel that their resume is sufficient to get the traction needed to be noticed by a hiring manager. But a few things will always stand out. Simply stated, hands-on training is essential. An individual with a diverse background that contains immersion training, even if it is only a semester or two, working in either a laboratory or another aspect of biotech will always stand out to hiring managers, and without this asset, job-seekers may find it difficult to land a position that will be both challenging and rewarding. This is especially true now, where employers are looking for a well-qualified and eager workforce for the very technically challenging positions that are required of the biotechnologist. The other skill-set that becomes almost immediately apparent on a resume is communication skills. Is the resume/cv easy to read? Does it provide important information like relevant internships or work experience upfront rather than being hidden? These small details indicate that the individual considered the reader when drafting the resume and likely has well-defined communication skills, which are of immense value for small-scale startups and large pharma alike.

What soft skills should all laboratory internships possess?

Kyle DiVito Ph.D.

Associate Director of Biotechnology, Assistant Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine

I cannot state the importance of communication enough. I believe the soft skills that we think of today, such as public speaking and professional writing, are all housed under the umbrella of superior communication skills. If an applicant is a great writer, it will come across in the resume. If an applicant is better at speaking than writing, ask a friend, colleague, or, even better, their College/University alumni association to proofread their resume to make it to the in-person interview where they can showcase their public speaking talents. The other soft skill that I feel is often overlooked is problem-solving and critical thinking. Suppose an employee is always thinking about the next step. In that case, whether it be how to solve a problem or how to anticipate the client's request, this sheds the employee and ultimately the company in a great light and will surely pay dividends for the employee. The advantage of the trained biotechnologist is that they are inherently better at this than most other individuals. Biotechnologists are trained to be problem solvers!

What hard/technical skills are most important for laboratory internships?

Kyle DiVito Ph.D.

Associate Director of Biotechnology, Assistant Professor, Georgetown University School of Medicine

From my perspective, the technical skills that are frequently noticed are individuals with training in specific techniques such as gene editing (think CRISPR), vaccine development, tissue engineering, fermentation/bioprocessing skills, and broad knowledge of immunology. While these are a list of varied topics, the biotechnology sector itself is broad and varied, and therefore students or employees seeking to enter the discipline should consider taking courses in these areas or seeking professional advancement in one of the many opportunities that are available within this sector.

What laboratory internship 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 laboratory internships need?

John Wilbur Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Practice, University of Arizona

In the short-term, testing skills like PCR and ELISA seems essential, but I think the enduring skills or working with a team, writing, and other communication skills are most important.

Do you want to know more?

List of laboratory internship skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a laboratory internship resume and required skills for a laboratory internship to have include:

Lab Procedures
Chemistry
Python
C++
Laboratory Procedures
Laboratory Equipment
Data Collection
Cell Culture
Data Analysis
Lab Equipment
PowerPoint
R
RT-PCR
DNA
Test Results
Research Projects

Solidworks
GEL Electrophoresis
LabVIEW
Electrophoresis
Sample Preparation
Windows
Chromatography
Lab Techniques
CAD
RNA
Water Samples
Augmented Reality
GMP
Laboratory Tests
QC
HPLC

ASTM
Analyze Data
Statistical Analysis
Laboratory Techniques
Elisa
Lims
Genotyping
ISO
Gas Chromatography
GLP
Hematology
Water Quality
Research Findings
Tissue Samples
Chemical Analysis
Laboratory Analysis

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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