CV biologist

The different parts of the Biologist CV

Writing a compelling Biologist CV is crucial if you want to stand out in a competitive scientific environment. Whether you’re applying for a research position, a teaching role, or a laboratory post, your CV must clearly highlight your background, skills, and motivations. A well-structured CV for a biologist usually includes six key sections: the about section, the skills section, the languages section, the interests section, the professional experience section, and the education section. Each part plays a unique role in showing your expertise and demonstrating why you are the right person for the job. A clear and organized layout will help recruiters quickly find the information they need and get a precise idea of your scientific profile and career path. Below, I’ll break down each section with practical tips and a relevant example for each to guide you through crafting a strong CV that showcases your passion for biology.

The about section

The about section is the opening part of your Biologist CV and acts like your professional introduction. Here, you summarize who you are, what you specialize in, and what you are aiming for. It should be short but impactful, ideally no longer than four or five sentences. This part sets the tone for the rest of your CV and should immediately grab the recruiter’s attention. You can mention your current role, your core area of research, and what motivates you to apply for the specific position. When writing this part, try to adapt it to each application to make it relevant. It is also common to include one or two keywords from the job description to show you meet the requirements. Keep the tone professional but make sure it reflects your scientific curiosity and commitment.

The skills section

The skills section of your Biologist CV is where you demonstrate what you can actually do. Recruiters often scan this part to check if you have the technical abilities and soft skills required for the role. Be sure to include a mix of both: hard skills related to laboratory work, field research, data analysis, or bioinformatics, as well as transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and project management. List your skills in bullet points to keep them clear and easy to read. Ideally, tailor this section to the skills mentioned in the job posting. Don’t hesitate to use bold text for specific technical tools or methods that are particularly relevant for the position you’re targeting. This shows attention to detail and alignment with the employer’s expectations.

The languages section

In today’s global research landscape, being multilingual can give you a significant advantage. The languages section of your Biologist CV allows you to highlight your proficiency in different languages, which can be essential for collaborating on international projects, publishing research papers, or working in multicultural teams. Even if you’re not applying abroad, showing that you speak other languages signals adaptability and openness. List each language you speak and your level of proficiency, using clear indicators such as “native,” “fluent,” “advanced,” or “basic.” If you have official certifications like TOEFL or IELTS for English, it’s good to mention them here too. Keep the format simple and clear, so the reader can quickly see your linguistic abilities.

The interests section

Many scientists skip the interests section, but it can actually be a valuable part of your Biologist CV. This section shows a more personal side of you and can spark conversation during interviews. For biologists, your interests often naturally align with your career. For example, if you enjoy hiking, diving, or volunteering for environmental causes, it shows your passion extends beyond work. You can also include hobbies that demonstrate soft skills like leadership, creativity, or commitment. Keep it concise—two to four interests are enough—and try to connect them to your professional life when possible.

The professional experience section

The professional experience section is usually the most detailed and important part of your Biologist CV. Here, you describe your previous roles, internships, research projects, or teaching experiences in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each role, include your job title, the name of the institution or company, the dates of employment, and a short list of key responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs to highlight what you did and what you accomplished. Whenever possible, quantify your results with concrete data—such as the number of publications, size of samples, or grants obtained. This gives a clear picture of your impact and contribution. Tailor this section to emphasize experiences most relevant to the position you’re applying for. If you have a lot of experience, focus on the last ten years or the roles most connected to your target job.

The education section

The education section is fundamental for any scientific CV because it establishes your academic background and credentials. Biologists typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree, but most positions in research and academia require a master’s degree or PhD. List your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include the degree title, institution name, location, and the years you attended. If your thesis or dissertation is relevant, mention its title and supervisor. You can also highlight special achievements such as honors, scholarships, or relevant coursework. If you have taken specialized training, certifications, or summer schools related to biology, these can be listed too, either in this section or in a separate “Additional Training” section if you have many.

Should I include fieldwork in my Biologist CV?

Including fieldwork in your Biologist CV is highly recommended, especially if you are applying for roles that value hands-on research and practical experience in natural environments. Fieldwork demonstrates your ability to collect accurate data, work in challenging conditions, and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. It also highlights important soft skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving. When describing fieldwork, be specific about the locations, methods used, and your main responsibilities. Employers appreciate candidates who can prove they have practical skills beyond the lab. Overall, showcasing fieldwork strengthens your CV and makes you stand out.

Should I include my thesis title on my Biologist CV?

Adding your thesis title to your Biologist CV is a good idea, especially if your thesis topic is directly relevant to the position you’re targeting. Including it shows your ability to conduct in-depth research and manage a significant scientific project independently. It also signals your specific area of expertise, which can help recruiters match your profile to their needs. Be sure to place your thesis under the education section, listing the title, your supervisor, and any notable achievements or publications related to it. This detail gives credibility to your academic background and demonstrates your commitment to your field.

Should I add a photo to my Biologist CV?

Whether or not you should add a photo to your Biologist CV depends on the country and the sector where you’re applying. In many countries like the UK or US, adding a photo is not recommended and might even be discouraged to avoid bias. However, in some European countries or for specific fellowship applications, including a professional photo is acceptable. If you do choose to add one, make sure it is high-quality, recent, and reflects a professional image. Ultimately, focus on your skills, experience, and achievements first — the content of your CV matters more than your photo.

What file format should I use to send my Biologist CV?

The best file format to use when sending your Biologist CV is usually PDF. A PDF file preserves your layout, formatting, and fonts exactly as you designed them, ensuring that the recruiter sees your CV as intended. Unlike editable files like Word documents, PDFs can’t shift their formatting between devices or operating systems. Always name your PDF file clearly, for example: “CV_FirstName_LastName_Biologist.pdf.” Some online applications may specify a different format, so read instructions carefully. Using PDF shows your attention to detail and helps your CV look professional, polished, and easy to read on any device.