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Staff scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

G. Cliff Lamb,

Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical staff scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for staff scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 9.5% of staff scientist resumes contained data analysis as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a staff scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 staff scientist skills for your resume and career

1. Data Analysis

Here's how staff scientists use data analysis:

Standardized and streamlined data analysis reducing turnaround time to typically less than 1 week enabling quicker prioritization of lead series.
Introduced simple, straight and scientific approach of statistical evaluation in decision-making process for data analysis and process optimization.

2. Research Projects

Here's how staff scientists use research projects:

Adapted quickly to biochemical and immunological-based research projects, utilizing proprietary technology to maximize contributions to company research and objectives.
Facilitated in managing daily laboratory operations, offering recommendations for goals, and selecting and administering new research projects.

3. Molecular Biology

Here's how staff scientists use molecular biology:

Established and managed a company-wide core molecular biology facility for DNA sequencing and cloning.
Mentored and trained summer interns molecular biology techniques.

4. Next-Generation Sequencing

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

Established a Next-generation sequencing platform and developed assays for high-throughput genetic analysis using Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM).
Led execution of research evaluation study to prepare Small-RNA sequencing libraries from clinical samples for Next-Generation sequencing.

5. Statistical Analysis

Here's how staff scientists use statistical analysis:

Manipulated large volume of data by merging, updating, documenting and generating statistical analysis and reporting.
Develop statistical analysis software including a neural network simulation workstation.

6. 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 staff scientists use rna:

Used automated DNA sequencing, RNA amplification for differential gene expression studies in T-cell ALL and HPV16 infected cells.
Determine parameters for force field for RNA for Amber molecular dynamics package.

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7. Cell Culture

Here's how staff scientists use cell culture:

Performed highly complex laboratory tasks, managed cell culture facility, ensured laboratory safety.
Supervised technicians in cell culture, protein expression and purification.

8. 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 staff scientists use c++:

Coded C++ application that batch converts file formats from MEDM to EDM (GUI display editors).
Led the implementation of C++ coding standards and code reviews.

9. CRISPR

Here's how staff scientists use crispr:

Sole developer of CRISPR genome browser, a tool which will help customers to visualize genome editing process.
Analyzed chromatin dynamics during primordial germ cell specification with a CRISPR mouse model.

10. 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 staff scientists use data collection:

Provided third party technical consultation regarding hyper-spectral remote sensing, data collection, and warehousing techniques.
Monitor study process and work with team resolving any issues to ensure the successful completion of accurate clinical data collection.

11. 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 staff scientists use flow cytometry:

Developed a cell-based potency assay using Flow Cytometry and performed assay qualification under GMP compliance.
Trained and supervised one post-doctoral trainee and three technicians in immunology and flow cytometry

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 staff scientists use r:

Developed a multivariate/integrated 'Omics' differential expression R package http://software.steenlab.org/fCI.
Identified systematic errors in electronic medical record using a combination of SQL queries and R visualizations.

13. Project Management

Here's how staff scientists use project management:

Provided technical support to project management in the evaluation of chemical and petroleum contaminated sites for this engineering/environmental consulting firm.
Provided project management support by organizing meetings, coordinating cross-functional activities, and distributing the meeting minutes.

14. 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 staff scientists use product development:

Spearheaded the product development of environmentally safe pesticides for use in food and beverage production facilities and restaurants.
Collaborated with internal and external software engineers from requirements specification to final validation ensure customer driven product development.

15. 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 staff scientists use pcr:

Reviewed ECL and Real Time PCR results generated by scientists and certified results before handing over to government client.
Analyzed ES clones for Knockout by PCR and nucleic acid hybridization analysis (southern blot).

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What skills help Staff Scientists find jobs?

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

What skills stand out on staff scientist resumes?

G. Cliff Lamb

Professor and Head, Texas A&M University

Animal experiences such as internships, study abroad, judging teams stand out. From a curriculum standpoint, in addition to typically animal science class students should also have classes in business or economics.

What hard/technical skills are most important for staff scientists?

Dr. Pascale Biron Ph.D.

Professor, Concordia University

- Geographical Information Systems, remote sensing, and geospatial data analysis
- Statistics
- Computer programming

What soft skills should all staff 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 staff 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 staff 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 staff scientist stand out to employers?

Daniel Greenwood Ph.D.

Research Assistant Professor, Director, Human Performance Center, The University of Memphis

Given the broader work landscape, the ability to understand your skills and how they translate across contexts is more important than ever. It is adaptability, problem solving, and the fundamental skill to 'get things done' which are valued. The technical skills only get you in the door, the personal skills are the ones that differentiate you from your peers.

Do you want to know more?

List of staff scientist skills to add to your resume

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

Data Analysis
Research Projects
Molecular Biology
Next-Generation Sequencing
Statistical Analysis
RNA
Cell Culture
C++
CRISPR
Data Collection
Flow Cytometry
R
Project Management
Product Development
PCR
Clinical Trials
Technical Support

Method Development
Analytical Methods
GMP
HPLC
DNA
Java
Mass Spectrometry
Experimental Data
FDA
Synthesis
DOE
Technical Reports
NGS
Oversight
Stem Cells
Sample Preparation
Assay Development

GLP
LC-MS
Extraction
Profiling
Elisa
Western Blotting
Water Samples
OSHA
PET
PK
IND
Immunoassay
Research Associates
HIV
UV

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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