Science CV Example

Science jobs are on the rise in 2023, especially as COVID forces us to better understand areas like biology and innovate in response to the virus. If you’re looking to launch or advance your science career, first determine whether your desired position requires an academic CV or a job-seeking CV.

Academic CVs are required when applying for:

• research and teaching positions
• academic promotions
• grants
• awards

While the scientific CV is just one part of an application package – in addition to research proposals, teaching statements, and letters of support – do not discount its importance.

CV means curriculum vitae, or “course of one’s life”, which represents a record of your entire career in academia.

These tips on making a scientist CV will help establish you in any one of many science careers:

1. Provide your complete contact information

Scientists rely on social media and other platforms to communicate with each other more in 2023 than ever before. Besides the common means of contact (professional work address and email, LinkedIn), provide links to your:

ORCID and/or Google Scholar Profile

If you have publications, using ORCID and Google Scholar Profile will help other scientists and hiring committees find your work more quickly, especially if you have an extremely popular name.

Twitter

Scientists use Twitter to keep up to date in their science field and network. Job postings, such as for postdoctoral researchers, are often posted on Twitter. Taking advantage of this platform and listing it can help land that job or promotion.

Professional website

For computer scientists and others producing extensive code, list your Github or professional project website. If you have an established research group, include your lab’s website.

2. Include a personal profile for your career-stage

For younger scientists, include a short, detailed description of your skills and how you would use those skills in the role you’re applying for.

For advanced-career scientists, the personal profile can become a biography section that summarizes your teaching philosophy and the nature and impact of your research work.

3. Describe your work experience to fit the audience

For example, if you are applying as a postdoctoral researcher in a lab, you should be specific in describing the techniques and concepts you know.

In contrast, an academic CV submitted to a grant committee should be specific enough to garner confidence in your knowledge, but easy enough for people outside of your field to understand the importance of your work.

4. Pay attention to your CV formatting

While every science CV should have the same main components, its design and organization can reflect how you think about and do science.

Choose a science CV template that’s simple and refined

While a science resume or CV is not going to be as creative and stylish as a design resume, it doesn’t have to be boring. Above all, make sure your scientific CV format is easy to read.

Rearrange sections based on the job

For example, the Teaching Philosophy and Courses Taught sections should be placed higher up in your CV if you’re applying for a teaching-focused rather than a research-focused position.

Include page numbers

Academic CVs are often double-digit page numbers long. Make it easy for your reader to find and repeatedly refer to the sections they need.

5. Follow the practices of your specific science field

For example, while it is expected for physicists to list their pre-prints, other fields prefer you only include work after it is published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Format your publications according to the style guide traditionally used in your field. Citation managers can make mistakes, so be sure to check their work after generating your publication list.