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Laboratory scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

6 min read

Quoted experts

Dr. Rainer Glaser,

Kyle DiVito Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical laboratory scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for laboratory scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.2% of laboratory scientist resumes contained chemistry as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a laboratory scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 laboratory scientist skills for your resume and career

1. 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 scientists use chemistry:

Designed and conducted experiments at a chemistry lab in order to monitor the continuous growing of a genetically modified bacterium.
Performed tests in all sections of the clinical laboratory including chemistry, hematology and microbiology.

2. ASCP

Here's how laboratory scientists use ascp:

Obtained ASCP certification as a Technologist in Microbiology, M(ASCP)
Advanced hematology from ASCP in 2011 5.

3. Laboratory Procedures

Here's how laboratory scientists use laboratory procedures:

Train chemists on laboratory procedures and tests as required by laboratory management.
Perform both routine and non-routine laboratory procedures in sample preparation.

4. Test Results

Here's how laboratory scientists use test results:

Perform quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of clinical data and validate test results through correlation with test parameters.
Provide consultation regarding the appropriateness of the testing ordered and interpretation of test results.

5. 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 scientists use data collection:

Create new/update existing data collection forms and worksheets to monitor Quality Control/Quality Assurance.
Developed new synthesis routes, provide reliable and repeatable synthesis procedures, and maintained an organized and readable data collection.

6. Molecular Biology

Here's how laboratory scientists use molecular biology:

Perform experiments including immunohistochemistry method development, tissue culture and molecular biology (cloning, PCR and transfection).
Created/established molecular biology laboratory within department.

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7. CLIA

Here's how laboratory scientists use clia:

Facilitated in validation/verification of in-house projects and IVD assays following compliance protocols in CLIA.
Performed studies according to CLIA regulations, quality assurance and quality control guidelines.

8. Proficiency Testing

Here's how laboratory scientists use proficiency testing:

Trained and conducted NAI assay proficiency testing of two laboratory technicians to build additional capacity in preparation for future Influenza Seasons.
Planned, coordinated, monitored and controlled proficiency testing to satisfy compliance requirements.

9. Immunology

Immunology is a branch of medical service that deals with studying the immune system of a person. This particular specialization focuses on the function of the immune system and how it affects the entire body. It is usually an activity where it develops a mechanism that helps prevent and susceptibility of bacteria, infection, and other viruses that can enter the body.

Here's how laboratory scientists use immunology:

Focus in Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, Immunology, and Blood Bank.

10. Stem Cells

Here's how laboratory scientists use stem cells:

Analyzed UC-derived stem cells for cartilage tissue engineering application.
Manipulated pluripotent cord blood stem cells in order to drive towards functional red blood cells.

11. Public Health

Here's how laboratory scientists use public health:

Performed culture and sensitivity on clinical samples from public health clinics and physicians.
Worked on Public Health Research Biotechnologies project.

12. Data Analysis

Here's how laboratory scientists use data analysis:

Performed extensive mathematical and physics calculations and statistical data analysis.
Developed strong data analysis foundations.

13. Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometry (FC) is a procedure used to recognize and gauge the physical and compound attributes of a populace of cells or particles. In this cycle, an example containing cells or particles is suspended in a liquid and infused into the stream cytometer instrument. Stream cytometry is a research center technique used to recognize, distinguish, and check explicit cells. This technique can likewise distinguish specific parts inside cells. This data depends on actual attributes and additionally markers called antigens on the phone surface or inside cells that are special to that phone type.

Here's how laboratory scientists use flow cytometry:

Lead Scientist for flow cytometry acquisition and analysis.
Established and managed a flow cytometry facility.

14. Lab Equipment

Here's how laboratory scientists use lab equipment:

Perform preventive maintenance and interim calibration on lab equipment as requires.
Inspected condition of lab equipment, inventory of supplies and the budget.

15. Next-Generation Sequencing

Here's how laboratory scientists use next-generation sequencing:

Project manager for next-generation sequencing and genomics technologies with contract research organizations.
Led execution of research evaluation study to prepare Small-RNA sequencing libraries from clinical samples for Next-Generation sequencing.

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What skills help Laboratory Scientists find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on laboratory scientist resumes?

Dr. Rainer Glaser

Professor and Chair, Missouri University of Science and Technology

Chemistry competence is key, of course. As a close second, chemists need to demonstrate effective team player competence. Communication skills are essential, in conversation and in writing. Effective collaboration requires highly developed skills to work with team members, peers, and leadership.

What soft skills should all laboratory scientists 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 scientists?

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 scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Michelle McEliece Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Gwynedd Mercy University

There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a gap year; sometimes, a gap year happens by chance, and sometimes it happens by choice. Graduates need to balance necessity (needing to find a job) with something that will interest them. It isn't always possible to immediately see that perfect job, but that first job helps build a student's resume with skills and experience. It also allows graduates to determine if that is the particular path for them if they aren't entirely sure. If a graduate is looking to go to graduate school but isn't sure what they want to study, then a gap year is a great idea.

The best thing to do is to try to gain skills working in a lab. There are lots of options for this. They could look to the industry or look to academic labs that might be looking for someone for a year. If a student needs to enhance their resume for acceptance into a program, the gap year can be used to take a graduate course or two to demonstrate they can handle that level of study. Students interested in a professional program where they are either required or recommended to have patient contact (PA programs, medical school) can look for those opportunities during a gap year, as well. The most important thing about a gap year is to do SOMETHING and have that something contribute to aiming for a future goal.

What type of skills will young laboratory scientists need?

Dr. Douglas Capone Ph.D.

Professor, University of Southern California

In addition to the essential skill set of an oceanographic discipline (biological, chemical, physical or geological fields) - being adaptable, having a breadth of knowledge and ability to cross disciplinary boundaries and communication skills e.g., the ability to talk to regulators, policymakers, and the general public will all help.

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

Dr. Joey Neilsen

Assistant Professor, Villanova University

I think programming skills and data analysis/statistics are especially valuable right now, while data science is so big. Our students take a year of Computational Physics in Python, and we integrate Python into some of our upper-level courses and labs as well. Our recent graduates, both in academia and the private sector, report using those skills on a regular basis. Two other skills that US Physics graduates report using regularly are technical problem solving and technical writing. This makes lots of sense from an employer perspective: you want to hire people who can identify and solve problems and then clearly explain the solution to your team. This is a great reason to let those lab reports shine!

Do you want to know more?

List of laboratory scientist skills to add to your resume

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

Chemistry
ASCP
Laboratory Procedures
Test Results
Data Collection
Molecular Biology
CLIA
Proficiency Testing
Immunology
Stem Cells
Public Health
Data Analysis
Flow Cytometry
Lab Equipment
Next-Generation Sequencing
Sample Preparation
Method Development

Hematology
Extraction
Elisa
Data Entry
Western Blotting
Cell Lines
Instrument Maintenance
Patient Samples
Analytical Methods
OSHA
Lims
Profiling
Technical Reports
GLP
Liquid Chromatography
Standard Operating Procedure
FDA

RT-PCR
HPLC
Immunoassay
Tissue Culture
ISO
EPA
Analytical Instrumentation
Assay Development
Routine Maintenance
R
Cell-Based Assays
Test Methods
Technical Support
Quality Control Procedures
Various Testing

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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