November 27, 2009
By Biospace.com
Overview
Cell biologists analyze the structure, functions, life cycles, and reproduction of cells. They use this information to improve our knowledge of living things and to develop environmental and medicinal solutions to biological problems. Also referred to as cytology, cell biology is a field that thrives on education and hands on applications of complex research and laboratory functions. It’s essential to highlight these elements in your resume.
Step 1
Begin your resume with basic contact information. Start with your name, then list mailing address, phone number, email address, and the URL of your website or online portfolio. According to the University of Pennsylvania, you can place your visa information here as well, but never include your social security number.
Step 2
Create a “current research experience” heading. Show potential employers one project you’re working on right now. Include the institution, your title and a brief abstract that outlines the purpose and any significant outcomes of your research. Use this section to position yourself as a scientist well versed in cell biology and actively engaged in current research. Keep this section brief, but interesting.
Step 3
Showcase your education. Begin with your most recent achievement and list the rest in reverse chronological order. List the degree received, institution, city, state, year and areas of study. Do not yet list awards, publications, internships, fellowships or teaching experience, as you want to highlight these individually in separate sections. Post-doctoral appointments should not be placed here, but in the “experience” section where they can be given more attention.
Step 4
Create a section listing your honors, awards, and significant educational achievements. Do not list publications here, unless they are tied to an award, as publications will be set apart in their own section.
Step 5
Create two separate “Relevant Experience” sections. Create the first section as “Research Experience” directly related to cell biology. List research assignments in reverse chronological order. List your title, the location of the study, the dates and a brief statement about the project. Create the second section as “Related Experience” and list teaching positions, graduate assistantships, administrative positions, and any other work you’ve done in the field.
Step 6
Create a section for “Seminars, Presentations and Meetings.” List the titles, dates, locations, and a brief abstract of each research symposium or meeting at which you spoke or participated. Omit this section if you have not participated in such events.
Step 7
Create a section to list your publications. Include articles you authored and coauthored for books, scholarly journals or symposiums. List them in reverse chronological order and include title, publication location, date and additional authors. Briefly outline the work in a few sentences, highlighting key points.
Step 8
Create an “Additional Skills” section. Highlight any items you have not yet featured. Include specific items here, such as “Familiar with electrophoresis, chromatography, photodiode array detection, protein isolation/purification, spectroscopy...” Include computer programs and laboratory equipment that you’re proficient in and additional languages you speak.
Step 9
Create an “Additional Information” section. Use this to highlight grant funding, professional associations, relevant hobbies and visa or work permit status. Do not include references. Rather, create a separate list of references to supply upon request.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
University of Pennsylvania CV/Resume Tips for Biomedical Professionals
US Department of Labor
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