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Laboratory researcher skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

William K. Kroen Ph.D.,

Joseph Kezele

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical laboratory researcher skills. We ranked the top skills for laboratory researchers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.8% of laboratory researcher resumes contained lab procedures as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a laboratory researcher needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 laboratory researcher skills for your resume and career

1. Lab Procedures

Here's how laboratory researchers use lab procedures:

Gained valuable laboratory experience, skills, and knowledge of lab procedures.
Interned with laboratory technologists and was allowed to conduct several laboratory tests and learned administrative lab procedures.

2. Cell Culture

Here's how laboratory researchers use cell culture:

Isolated neural stem cells (NSC) from spinal cords for cell culture.
Operated mouse and cell culture cigarette smoke exposure equipment.

3. Molecular Biology

Here's how laboratory researchers use molecular biology:

Trained and actively contributing in projects utilizing techniques in modern molecular biology and molecular genetics.
Learned various cellular and molecular biology techniques.

4. PCR

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, a tool to make millions of copies of a target part of DNA. Polymerase chain reaction involves the process of heating and cooling. The process takes place using a machine, which helps in heating and cooling off the substances. The purpose of heating exists to separate the DNA into two single strands.

Here's how laboratory researchers use pcr:

Devise protocols for laboratory research projects including: PBMC isolation, MTT Assay, and PCR.
Manipulate genes through PCR, DNA extraction, and Gibson Assembly methods.

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 laboratory researchers use chemistry:

Worked under a professor in a chemistry lab performing different research experiments.
Conducted research in Organic/Medicinal Chemistry Lab.

6. 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 researchers use r:

Experience with E-Prime Psychology Research Software, Praat, R Studios, Microsoft Excel, and Eye-Tracking Software.
Conducted longitudinal data analysis, logistic regression data analysis and linear regression analysis for the biological experiments using R and SAS.

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7. Data Analysis

Here's how laboratory researchers use data analysis:

Performed signal acquisition and data analysis using a 504 electrode plaque in open-chest animal surgeries.
Prepare information for data analysis.

8. Laboratory Research

Here's how laboratory researchers use laboratory research:

Worked closely with entering students for training/teaching in all aspects of laboratory research.
Performed a spectrum of basic and complex biological laboratory research procedures.

9. 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 researchers use dna:

Constructed genetic variants using DNA molecular techniques.
Analyzed DNA samples for paternal relationship identifications

10. Protein Expression

Here's how laboratory researchers use protein expression:

Investigated protein expression using fluorescence microscopic technology.
Confirmed loss of atg7 protein expression only in atg7-/-mice lung tumors by immunohistochemistry.

11. 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 laboratory researchers use rna:

Helped to developed new method for the identification of secondary RNA structure using Brewster angle reflective interferometry.
Researched role and localization of RNA helicase Dbp2 in the cell Stocked equipment, clean glassware, and assist in laboratory maintenance

12. 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 laboratory researchers use analyze data:

Analyze data and make adjustment to the experiment result, make a presentation in the research group.
Use computer program to organize and analyze data.

13. Laboratory Equipment

Here's how laboratory researchers use laboratory equipment:

Conducted weekly inspections of laboratory equipment.
Charged with laboratory equipment maintenance.

14. Sample Preparation

Sample preparation stands for the processes through which a sample is extracted from a bigger amount and prepared for analysis. The objective of sample preparation is to better analytical results without compromising the actual material's integrity.

Here's how laboratory researchers use sample preparation:

Sample preparation and shipping, and data entry.
Developed and documented procedures for: - impact bar sample preparation and testing - contamination analysis.

15. Chromatography

Chromatography uses a strip of filter paper to separate the various components of a mixture. The filter paper is introduced to a solvent, which then encourages the separation of each mixture. Because different components of the mixture travel at different speeds once introduced to the solvent, a clear separation of components is visible on the filter paper.

Here's how laboratory researchers use chromatography:

Assisted in developing a recovery method of nitrates on various fabrics using ion chromatography with conductivity detection.
Extracted & purified target organic compounds via high performance liquid chromatography.

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What skills help Laboratory Researchers find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on laboratory 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 laboratory researchers possess?

Joseph Kezele

Associate Professor of Biology, Arizona Christian University

The ability to think and reason logically. Too many young people cannot do so because they were spoon-fed and then expected to regurgitate that back.

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

Joseph Kezele

Associate Professor of Biology, Arizona Christian University

Microscope work

What laboratory 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 laboratory researchers need?

Scott Cooper Ph.D.

Professor of Biology and Director of Undergraduate Research and Creativity, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Students will need traditional lab skills, good record keeping, and the ability to do calculations in the lab and clinical settings. All jobs are using more technology, so facility with programs and databases is essential.

What technical skills for a laboratory researcher stand out to employers?

Dr. Bobby Burkes

Interim Department Head/Professor, Grambling State University

Technical skills in addition to having a full and thorough understanding of your area of expertise will be the ability to communicate interactively via computational systems and other communication platforms. The ability to communicate (convey and express ideas) in a direct and remote setting is becoming an essential asset. The ability interact with and possibly develop simulations of experimental design and process flow paths are also technical skills that are in demand in most industries.

Do you want to know more?

List of laboratory researcher skills to add to your resume

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

Lab Procedures
Cell Culture
Molecular Biology
PCR
Chemistry
R
Data Analysis
Laboratory Research
DNA
Protein Expression
RNA
Analyze Data
Laboratory Equipment
Sample Preparation
Chromatography
Electrophoresis
GEL Electrophoresis

Synthesis
Research Findings
Next-Generation Sequencing
Western Blotting
Lab Equipment
Research Lab
C++
HPLC
Conduct Research
Elisa
Laboratory Techniques
Statistical Analysis
Literature Reviews
Centrifuges
Cell Lines
NMR
Biomarkers

Drosophila
Flow Cytometry
Blot
CAD
Data Collection
GLP
Solidworks
CRISPR
Stem Cells
Spectrometers
Genotyping
Symposium
SEM
Gene Expression
LabVIEW
Lab Techniques

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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