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Technical scientist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted experts
Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.,
Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical technical scientist skills. We ranked the top skills for technical scientists based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 6.7% of technical scientist resumes contained molecular biology as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a technical scientist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 technical scientist skills for your resume and career

1. Molecular Biology

Here's how technical scientists use molecular biology:
  • Performed multiple advanced molecular biology techniques within a library construction environment associated mainly with Next Generation Sequencing.
  • Provided technical support for, and trouble-shooting of products and protocols for molecular biology reagents and kits.

2. 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 technical scientists use gmp:
  • Reviewed Influenza vaccine documentation including manufacturing batch records and laboratory tests for GMP compliance.
  • Revised Standard Operating Procedures to enhance efficiency and ensure continued GMP compliance.

3. Data Analysis

Here's how technical scientists use data analysis:
  • Managed all aspects of qualifications and validation projects including protocol development and execution, data analysis and report development.
  • Coordinated validation activities with related areas, samples collection, data analysis and preparation of validation summary reports.

4. Laboratory Equipment

Here's how technical scientists use laboratory equipment:
  • Assisted with the daily QC and maintenance of hematology analyzers, as well as maintaining the calibration schedule for laboratory equipment.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, reducing equipment costs and impact on project deadlines.

5. FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services that regulates the production and sale of food, pharmaceutical products, medical equipment, and other consumer goods, as well as veterinary medicine. The FDA is now in charge of overseeing the manufacture of products like vaccines, allergy treatments, and beauty products.

Here's how technical scientists use fda:
  • Analyzed manufacturing formulas and device master records, implementing changes to ensure compliance with FDA, DEA and ISO requirements.
  • Participated directly in FDA audit as member of the Regulatory Compliance team.

6. Cell Culture

Here's how technical scientists use cell culture:
  • Maintained daily operations, maintained cell cultures, organized lab inventory, placed orders for reagents and instruments.
  • Involved in Microbiology work such as Cell Culture.

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7. Method Development

Here's how technical scientists use method development:
  • Experience with HPLC systems equipped with ultraviolet and fluorescence detectors for method development, validation, and sample analysis.
  • Completed method development for a validation process resulting in a cost savings of $67,000 and a patent pending.

8. Process Improvement

Here's how technical scientists use process improvement:
  • Initiated process improvements in manufacturing to reduce manpower, documentation and redundancy.
  • Help identify opportunities to realize product cost and process improvements.

9. 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 technical scientists use pcr:
  • Developed locus specific PCR assays.
  • Manufactured and maintained PCR amplified standardized materials for release of microwell plate and diagnostic detection system products.

10. Process Validation

Process validation refers to the accumulation and analysis of data, starting from the process design stage to production, which provides scientific evidence that the process can routinely deliver quality products. To develop an effective process validation strategy, you need to ensure that each of its three stages has been properly taken care of. The first stage is process design, where the processes are defined. The second stage is process qualification, where the process, which has been designed earlier, is evaluated to make sure it can reproduce reliable and consistent levels of quality. The final stage is continued process verification that involves ongoing validation to ensure the process is under control.

Here's how technical scientists use process validation:
  • Provide support in the development, review and execution of performance qualification and process validation protocols at Manufacturing and Packaging Areas.
  • Perform process/product development, improvements and validations, including design, development plans and product transfer, and product/process validations.

11. 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 technical scientists use r:
  • Applied Python and R for statistical analysis of metabolomics and lipidomics data.
  • Created and validated R based automated analysis scripts for quality control release of manufactured materials.

12. Experimental Design

Experimental design is the process of researching in an objective and controlled manner to maximize precision and draw specific conclusions about a hypothesis statement. It is a concept used to efficiently organize, conduct, and interpret the results of experiments to ensure that as much useful information as possible is obtained by conducting a small number of trials. This minimizes the effects of the variables to increase the reliability of the results.

Here's how technical scientists use experimental design:
  • Assisted with experimental design and trouble-shooting.
  • Conducted research, experimental design, and test development directed toward the improvement of PAML laboratories and patient care.

13. Next-Generation Sequencing

Here's how technical scientists use next-generation sequencing:
  • Led execution of research evaluation study to prepare Small-RNA sequencing libraries from clinical samples for Next-Generation sequencing.
  • Coordinated and performed next-generation sequencing applications, projects and researches.

14. Statistical Analysis

Here's how technical scientists use statistical analysis:
  • Performed complex statistical analysis using JMP and SAS statistical packages.
  • Perform statistical analysis during the validation processes.

15. Technical Reports

Technical reports are a type of document that is used to indicate either the progress, result, or process of scientific research or the state of problems occurring within such research. A technical report may also showcase the report's overall conclusion and may also include recommendations. This kind of report does not require a peer review and isn't published officially but distributed within the organizations where it was formed.

Here's how technical scientists use technical reports:
  • Write technical reports and issue recommendations to manufacturing operations.
  • Generated General Technical Reports writing and Data Pack compilation.
top-skills

What skills help Technical Scientists find jobs?

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

What soft skills should all technical scientists possess?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

From what I've heard (from employers), companies look for employees that they can work with. I know that sounds silly, but companies want employees that are team players and work well with other individuals and in groups. These employees also need to work independently when asked to work on a project. They need to be organized, reliable, and trustworthy. Employees also need to be able to communicate well by writing and speaking. They must be able to follow directions.

What skills stand out on technical scientist resumes?

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

When I help students revise their resumes, I have them focus on transferable skills that they gained through their experiences. It may not necessarily be what students do that is important to companies, but their learned experience that students can take and apply in their new job. Students need to add a metric to their descriptions and how they have made an impact on a project, a job position, an organization, etc.

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

Alexandra (Sasha) Ormond Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Dual Degree Engineering, Meredith College

This one is tough because it depends on the position! I think what is valuable for a chemist is being knowledgeable of working with instrumentation such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. Employees that are likely more attractive for a job position than another person have had the independent experience of working with instruments and can troubleshoot problems. Employees need to be able to explain the data that they obtained from an experiment and describe what the data mean. (Data is a plural term!) Problem-solving and critical thinking is very important for scientists.

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

Scott Johnson

Professor and Director, University of Maine

This would depend on the student's goals. If interested in working in the environmental industry: HAZWOPER training, obtaining a Professional Geologist certification, developing programming skills. The PG can be obtained through self-study to pass the exam; then, the experience is needed to receive official accreditation. HAZWOPER training can be obtained through short courses. Programming skills in many popular languages can be learned online and with freely available material on the internet. I'd also advocate for people getting work experience, if possible. On a general note, computer programming skills, math/physics knowledge, GIS/remote sensing, and UAV training are valuable ways to use a gap year. Students can do these things effectively from anywhere, as long as they have a computer. There are many online options and even apps to improve knowledge in these fields and are needed for what we do.

What type of skills will young technical scientists need?

Dr. Douglas Capone Ph.D.Dr. Douglas Capone Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

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 technical 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?
Read more about what experts have to say about technical scientist

List of technical scientist skills to add to your resume

Technical scientist skills

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

  • Molecular Biology
  • GMP
  • Data Analysis
  • Laboratory Equipment
  • FDA
  • Cell Culture
  • Method Development
  • Process Improvement
  • PCR
  • Process Validation
  • R
  • Experimental Design
  • Next-Generation Sequencing
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Technical Reports
  • HPLC
  • Technical Issues
  • Risk Assessments
  • QC
  • Summary Reports
  • CAPA
  • Elisa
  • Lims
  • Product Quality
  • Provide Technical Assistance
  • API
  • Cell-Based Assays
  • Technical Operations
  • GC
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • SME
  • QA
  • Immunoassay
  • Cleaning Validation
  • Post Sales
  • ISO
  • Product Availability
  • DOE
  • Dosage Forms
  • Profiling
  • Investigation Reports
  • Product Issues
  • Product Line
  • Technical Assistance
  • DNA
  • Customer Complaints

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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