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Postdoctoral Research Scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted Experts

Katina Lillios,

Susan Clark Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical postdoctoral research scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for postdoctoral research scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 18.1% of postdoctoral research scientist resumes contained python as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a postdoctoral research scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 postdoctoral research scientist skills for your resume and career

1. 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 postdoctoral research scientists use python:

Classified five years of experimental data with a Boosted Decision Tree for signal detection in C++ & Python.
Conducted research on imaging atoms and multi-dimensional data processing in Python.

2. 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 postdoctoral research scientists use c++:

Performed Monte Carlo detector simulations using Java and C++.
Encoded self-developed sampling methods in the commercial software AMBER (coded in Fortran) and GROMACS (coded in C++).

3. Research Projects

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use research projects:

Develop independent research ideas and train laboratory staffs and clinical resident fellows for diverse research projects and collaboration.
Managed research projects, designed and analyzed cell biological and biochemical experiments.

4. CRISPR

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use crispr:

Established working protocols for targeted genome editing using CRISPR technology.
Utilized gene silencing techniques such as CRISPR and RNA interference to study ISG gene function.

5. Data Analysis

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use data analysis:

Trained in experimental design development; data analysis; manuscript/grant writing; presentation at interdisciplinary international meetings
Lead and contribute to data analysis on various projects in a team with both dry- and web-lab expertise.

6. Cell Culture

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use cell culture:

Assisted a technician in handling mice for surgery prior to imaging, and mentored the technician in cell culture techniques.
Developed and maintained three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures as well as migration and invasion assays by using Matrigel.

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7. Neuroscience

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use neuroscience:

Authored publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented work at three international neuroscience conferences.
Compared burst properties and synaptic plasticity of visual thalamus neurons, this work was published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

8. Stem Cells

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use stem cells:

Used embryonic stem cells to study early events in hematopoiesis and oncogenesis.
Analyzed and interpreted complex data sets for identifying developmental paths of human mammary stem cells.

9. 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 postdoctoral research scientists use data collection:

Managed laboratory of researchers and led data collection and statistical analysis projects.
Increased data integrity and reduced labor costs by developing a software application that automated data collection, extraction, and utilization.

10. 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 postdoctoral research scientists use chemistry:

Contributed to projects at the interface of organic chemistry with biological and materials sciences.
Synthesized a series of glycolipids and nucleolipids using carbohydrate chemistry to study biological pathways.

11. NIH

NIH stands for the National Institutes of Health. This organization oversees a series of research institutions, each focused on a different area of study involving anatomical systems or diseases. As the organization is affiliated with the government, a great deal of the funding institutions receive come from Congress.

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use nih:

Participated in numerous professional development workshops, attended NIH Clinical Center Grand Rounds and special lecture series featuring distinguished NIH investigators.
Earned NIH funding for postdoctoral research on gene regulation by brown adipose-specific transcription factors.

12. 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 postdoctoral research scientists use immunology:

Supervised junior level scientists in developing projects, and mastering concepts and techniques in molecular biology / immunology.
Performed original research relating to immunology, inflammation, and vascular biology.

13. Statistical Analysis

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use statistical analysis:

Developed software for statistical analysis and graphical display of model (MM5) output.
Research the Universe using statistical analysis of large astronomical datasets.

14. Next-Generation Sequencing

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use next-generation sequencing:

Performed next-generation sequencing experiments to determine changes in expression in undifferentiated- and differentiated cells in response to influenza virus infection.
Develop automation and tracking schemes for the high-throughput production of next-generation sequencing libraries.

15. PET

Here's how postdoctoral research scientists use pet:

Demonstrated mechanism of novel tumor diagnostic PET probe through in vitro and in vivo analysis.

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What skills help Postdoctoral Research Scientists find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on Postdoctoral Research Scientist resumes?

Katina Lillios

Professor, Department Chair, The University of Iowa

While the precise skills that are desired depend on the job, there are some that all graduates from an Anthropology program should work on developing. These include experience contributing to group projects, collaborating with diverse communities, strong communication and writing skills, versatility, and mastery of a specialized skill, such as GIS, a foreign language, statistics, and other digital technologies.

What soft skills should all Postdoctoral Research Scientists possess?

Susan Clark Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Management, The University of North Carolina Asheville

Emotional and social intelligence is absolutely critical to career success, including in management science. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to self-regulate one's own emotions and emotional state, as well as to read the emotions in others and to manage difficult situations with grace and confidence. Interpersonal skills include the ability to start and participate in engaging, intelligent conversations, the confidence and ability to sell ideas, technologies, and innovations, as well as the ability to contribute holistically to team efforts. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong character and reliability as well as an ability to respectfully and enthusiastically engage in conversations with diverse stakeholders.

What hard/technical skills are most important for Postdoctoral Research Scientists?

Susan Clark Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Management, The University of North Carolina Asheville

The kinds of skills that hiring managers are increasingly looking for are complex and creative capacities with respect to managing big data, systems, and technology. Algorithmic abilities, like basic programming, data entry, industry analysis, and bookkeeping, are becoming less relevant as computers, robots, and other forms of artificial intelligence gain momentum in providing these services at a greatly reduced cost and with greater accuracy and reliability. The ability to learn new technologies and understand the big picture of how data and technology related to the organization's purpose and competitive advantages in the marketplace are becoming increasingly in demand. Demonstrating a high capacity and potential to be a creative problem solver, innovator, and contributor to very complex problems and opportunities in chaotic, rapidly changing, and uncertain environments is critical for success in the 2020s.

What Postdoctoral Research Scientist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Nicole Browning Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology, Biology Coordinator, Brenau University

A gap year should be filled with efforts to gain hands-on experience in the specific job field the candidate is hoping to enter. This may include volunteer work, internships, shadowing, or research work. A great place to look for these opportunities is with faculty at your alma mater. Faculty are often looking for cheap (or free) labor from graduates in the form of TAs, research assistants, lab assistants, and so on. This can provide invaluable experience, make you more competitive in the job market, and allow the graduate with real-world experience to ensure this is the position (or not).

What type of skills will young Postdoctoral Research 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 Postdoctoral Research Scientist 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 postdoctoral research scientist skills to add to your resume

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

Python
C++
Research Projects
CRISPR
Data Analysis
Cell Culture
Neuroscience
Stem Cells
Data Collection
Chemistry
NIH
Immunology
Statistical Analysis
Next-Generation Sequencing
PET
PI
Synthesis

Animal Models
Molecular Biology Techniques
DNA
Research Results
Molecular Mechanisms
Visualization
Biomarkers
Regression
International Conferences
Protein Expression
Cell Lines
Experimental Design
Experimental Results
Research Proposals
Western Blotting
Gene Expression
Extraction

MRI
Elisa
RT-PCR
Transcription
Neurodegeneration
Animal Handling
Profiling
SEM
Clinical Trials
NASA
Cell-Based Assays
Cellular Biology
Mouse Model
Regenerative Medicine
Experimental Data

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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Updated January 8, 2025

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