Research Professional Templates

Technical Resume Template

Check out the technical resume template to learn the best ways to showcase your project-based work to employers!

Describe Lab Technician Experience

Check out these sample bullet points to highlight your Lab Technician role on your resume:

  • Prepared samples for DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, bacterial culturing, and microscopy analysis.

  • Fed and monitored mice 3 days per week to ensure health and safety of animals

  • Input survey data into excel for subsequent analysis by research group

Describe Research Assistant Experience

Check out these sample bullet points to highlight your Research Assistant role on your resume:

  • Researched target chemical compounds, designed experiments, and created progress presentations for weekly group meetings. Presented results at Midstates Research Symposium.

  • Developed custom data reduction process in Python to clean, validate, and analyze data; increased computational efficiency by removing redundant data and automating subsequent data processes.

  • Conducted topology research and wrote an expository paper on the Supertree Theorem, exploring the proof, context, and relevant applications within mathematical theory.

Personal Statement Guidelines

Focus on these key topics to write a compelling Personal Statement:

  • What experiences have defined your desire to pursue a graduate degree? - Academic, research, AND personal experience

  • Explain your academic preparation (coursework, projects)

  • Highlight leadership, service, RSO, and athletic experiences as well as personal experiences, motivations, and values

  • When describing your research:

    • Include a concise, clear description of your project at a high-level. While you can include some technical aspects, that should not be the focus

    • Prioritize sharing lessons learned over technical skills

    • Share outcomes achieved such as mentorship, conferences, presentations, and manuscripts

  • Address any gaps in your record

Research Statement Guidelines

Focus on these key topics to write a compelling Research Statement:

  • Link your personal experiences and preparation to your plans for graduate school and career path

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the program to which you're applying

    • Do your homework beyond the superficial

    • Include technical details on your past research experiences and how those qualify you to continue research in this field

    • Discuss how all your experiences culminated in your interested in getting a PhD in this topic at this university

  • Emphasize why you want to attend that program by including

    • Faculty member and PI names

    • Specific projects and research directions

    • Specialized resources and facilities, centers for research, programs, and community outreach activities

    • Tie back to you previous experience whenever possible

  • Career aspirations - why will this graduate program prepare you specifically for your career goals?

  • Highlight broader impacts - why is your research important to the greater good?