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Scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

8 min read

Quoted experts

Tedley Pihl,

J. Alberto Espinosa Ph.D.

The hard skills a scientist will need for their job depend largely on the scientific field and industry one works in. In general, one of the most important hard skills a scientist can possess is data analysis because data analytics helps to make sense of scientific research. It's also important for scientists to have the hard skill of knowledge of procedures, and the potential ability to train others on these procedures.

When it comes to soft skills, scientists should have a strong sense of curiosity above all else. Scientists need to be able to record and keep track of data, so organizational skills are also crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.6% of scientist resumes contained chemistry as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 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 scientists use chemistry:

Subject matter expert for the Department of Homeland Security on trace explosives detection and explosives chemistry with an emphasis on thermal analysis
Characterized and optimized yield improvement of drug substance and collaborated with process chemistry & process engineering to select cost effective routes.

2. Data Analysis

Here's how scientists use data analysis:

Responded to customer inquiries for data analysis and offered guidance for better usage of biochemical/ kits products to improve customer satisfaction.
Facilitated data analysis by generating a protocol for the automation and the capture of high quality images using MetaMorph software.

3. Patients

Here's how scientists use patients:

Performed microscopy analysis on chromosomes for diagnostics and prognostics examination for patients referred for oncology and reproductive evaluations.
Organized, processed and distributed clinical samples to investigators during a clinical study of Lupus Nephritis patients.

4. Molecular Biology

Here's how scientists use molecular biology:

Planned and completed experiments utilizing molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry techniques to discover and develop novel neurological disease targets.
Performed new method development using literature search and molecular biology techniques for the toxicology research (Drug Safety Evaluation).

5. Cell Culture

Here's how scientists use cell culture:

Mentored junior scientists in cell culture technology and cellular biology and provided support in troubleshooting, and atypical issue resolution.
Provided training and support for Manufacturing Technologies group members and GMP Manufacturing Associates for cell culture and purification techniques.

6. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how scientists use java:

Developed computational cognitive models of human performance in task interruption experiments using ACT-R cognitive architecture, Lisp and Java.
Developed a Java web application to allow access via the NRIS Forest Service web user support page.

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7. 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 scientists use flow cytometry:

Designed and implemented key functional cell based assays using FACS/Flow cytometry.
Assessed cell-surface expression of VLP vaccine target-proteins using flow cytometry.

8. CRISPR

Here's how scientists use crispr:

Delivered several backlogged from previous scientist's projects in 5 months including Jurkat cells CRISPR Cas9 KO.
Optimized transfection conditions for CRISPR and siRNA overexpression construct delivery.

9. Product Development

Product development is the complete procedure of creating a product from concept until release of the final product. Product development has many stages after which a product is released into the market. Identifying the need, creating the opportunity, conceptualizing a product, and providing a solution, all are different stages of product development.

Here's how scientists use product development:

Prepared/reviewed/approved drug product development report.
Assembled and led product development team for a new protocol and method to manufacture improved consumables for next-generation genome sequencer platform.

10. Laboratory Equipment

Here's how scientists use laboratory equipment:

Perform laboratory equipment qualification, calibration, preventative maintenance and coordinates outside contractor support for the same.
Operated and maintained laboratory equipment, including biological safety hoods, incubators, and automated assay equipment.

11. GMP

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice. It is a system that ensures that all products like food, beverages, and medicinal drugs that are produced comply with the quality standards. It helps in minimizing the risks and hazards that cannot be eliminated after the testing of final products.

Here's how scientists use gmp:

Maintained laboratory documentation, instrument logbooks and notebooks in compliance with company initiatives and GMP standards.
Develop procedures and performed feasibility testing/analysis to transfer USP/client developed procedures to internal GMP labs.

12. Analytical Methods

An analytical method is a method used to determine the chemical or physical property of a substance. It is a procedure to determine the relationship between different variables. This method can be conducted by combining scientific methods with any kind of formal process to solve a problem or prove a fact.

Here's how scientists use analytical methods:

Utilized and implemented analytical methods and biophysical characterization techniques for in-process check to ensure protein purity/identification/functionality and nucleic acid purity/identification.
Coordinated and implemented computer spreadsheet validations, method validations, analytical method transfers, instrument troubleshooting, and equipment preventive maintenance.

13. Method Development

Here's how scientists use method development:

Developed stability indicating method utilizing method development tools to ensure the method parameters are justified, adequately controlled.
Validated/maintained HPLC equipment; responsible for all sections of method development/validation; provided assistance to co-workers with their projects

14. Excellent Interpersonal

Here's how scientists use excellent interpersonal:

Developed excellent interpersonal skills by interacting with various departments within the research facility.
Team oriented professional with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

15. HPLC

Here's how scientists use hplc:

Developed and performed methods for analysis of radio labeled organic pesticides through extensive HPLC and Liquid Scintillation techniques usage.
Performed calibration of Waters HPLC and Preventive Maintenance and troubleshooting of other laboratory instruments as well.

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What skills help Scientists find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on scientist resumes?

Tedley Pihl

Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Arizona

Data analysis, Microbiology, Internships in applied areas.

What soft skills should all scientists possess?

J. Alberto Espinosa Ph.D.

Professor of Information Technology and Analytics, American University

Without question, it is what we call "storytelling." Analytics is not useful unless you can gain insights and report them to management or clients. This includes the ability to interpret results and articulate them in plain business language to management and clients, as well as presentations, visuals, and writing.

What hard/technical skills are most important for scientists?

J. Alberto Espinosa Ph.D.

Professor of Information Technology and Analytics, American University

Data management, visual analytics, quantitative data analytics, statistics, and software programming for analytics (R and Python, primarily)

What scientist 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 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 scientist stand out to employers?

Lynnette McCluskey Ph.D.

Professor, Augusta University

Neuroscientist researchers are interested in hiring technicians with a BS and undergraduate or post-bac research experience. We also value those who are mature, motivated, organized, and intellectually-curious. Good time management skills and excellent oral/written communication are also desirable. Most employers of BS level technicians will train on the job for specialized methods, but expect basic skills such as chemistry (i.e. ability to make Molar solutions) and pipetting.

PhD graduates in Neuroscience with published experience in mouse or small model (e.g. C. elegans, Drosophila) behavior, optogenetics, electrophysiology, advanced microscopy, flow cytometry, and computational neuroscience are in demand as postdoctoral researchers. A productive record of quality scientific publications is needed and a predoctoral funding record is a plus.

Do you want to know more?

List of scientist skills to add to your resume

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

Chemistry
Data Analysis
Patients
Molecular Biology
Cell Culture
Java
Flow Cytometry
CRISPR
Product Development
Laboratory Equipment
GMP
Analytical Methods
Method Development
Excellent Interpersonal
HPLC
Elisa

Next-Generation Sequencing
Technical Reports
Data Collection
Cell-Based Assays
R
FDA
Research Projects
QC
RNA
Excellent Organizational
Statistical Analysis
PowerPoint
Drug Discovery
GLP
Ms
Extraction

Assay Development
Cell Lines
Remote Sensing
Visualization
Synthesis
DNA
Sample Preparation
Test Methods
Technical Support
Work Ethic
Clinical Trials
Lims
Immunoassay
Pharmaceutical Industry
IR

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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