Biochemist CV Example
A biochemist CV should demonstrate your expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry, and laboratory research techniques.
Recommended template: ExecutivePro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Detail specific biochemical techniques and instrumentation you are proficient in.
- Highlight any published research or contributions to peer-reviewed journals.
- Include relevant certifications such as GLP or GMP compliance training.
- Showcase both independent research capability and collaborative teamwork.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Biochemist CV
A biochemist CV should convey both your technical depth and your ability to contribute to broader research or commercial objectives. Employers in academia, pharma, and biotech want evidence that you can work independently at the bench while also collaborating across disciplines. Your CV must clearly link your hands-on laboratory skills to tangible outcomes — publications, project milestones, or process improvements.
CV Structure
Adopt a reverse-chronological layout with sections for your profile, work experience, education, publications, and technical skills. Each role should open with a brief description of the organisation and project scope, followed by four to five responsibilities and two to three achievements. If you have publications, list them in a dedicated section using a consistent citation format. Keep your CV to two pages unless you have extensive publication or patent records.
CV Format
Select a professional, uncluttered template with clear headings and consistent bullet point styles. Use a legible serif or sans-serif font at 10.5 to 11 point size. Avoid colour blocks or graphics that could distract from your technical content. Save as a PDF to preserve formatting when sharing electronically.
CV Profile Examples
Experienced Biochemist
HCPC-registered biochemist with seven years of experience in protein characterisation and enzymology within pharmaceutical R&D. Proficient in FPLC, HPLC, and mass spectrometry, with a strong track record of supporting drug discovery programmes from target validation through to lead optimisation. Co-author of five peer-reviewed publications in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Industrial Biochemist
Results-oriented biochemist specialising in bioprocess development and recombinant protein expression for a contract research organisation. Experienced in scaling up purification workflows from bench to pilot plant, ensuring consistent product quality under GMP conditions. Adept at cross-functional collaboration with formulation, analytical, and regulatory teams.
Academic Biochemist
PhD-qualified biochemist with a research focus on structural biology and protein-protein interactions, employing X-ray crystallography and biophysical methods. Experienced in supervising undergraduate and postgraduate projects while maintaining an active publication record. Seeking an academic or senior research role that combines independent investigation with teaching responsibilities.
Write a focused three-to-four sentence summary covering your specialism, years of experience, key techniques, and one standout achievement. Mention your sector background — academic, pharmaceutical, or CRO — to frame your expertise for the reader.
Key Skills for Your Biochemist CV
Protein Purification
Isolating target proteins from complex mixtures using affinity, ion-exchange, and gel filtration chromatography techniques.
Chromatography
Operating AKTA and HPLC systems to separate, identify, and quantify biological molecules with high resolution.
Mass Spectrometry
Using LC-MS and MALDI-TOF to confirm protein identity, assess purity, and characterise post-translational modifications.
Enzyme Kinetics
Measuring reaction rates and inhibition constants to characterise enzyme function and support drug discovery screening.
Cell Culture
Maintaining mammalian, insect, and bacterial expression systems for recombinant protein production under aseptic conditions.
Western Blotting
Detecting and quantifying specific proteins in cell lysates using SDS-PAGE, membrane transfer, and antibody-based detection.
PCR
Amplifying and analysing DNA sequences using standard PCR, qPCR, and RT-PCR for cloning and expression studies.
Molecular Cloning
Constructing expression vectors using restriction enzyme digestion, ligation, and Gibson assembly for protein production.
Biophysical Characterisation
Assessing protein stability, binding affinity, and folding using techniques such as SPR, DSF, and circular dichroism.
Work Experience Examples
Detail the techniques you used daily, the scale of projects you contributed to, and the outcomes of your work. Quantify where possible: cite the number of proteins purified, the resolution of structures solved, or the speed improvements you delivered. Employers want specifics, not generalities.
Senior Biochemist
AstraZeneca, Cambridge
Supported early-stage drug discovery by characterising novel therapeutic protein targets within the oncology research unit.
Responsibilities
- Designed and optimised protein purification protocols using affinity, ion-exchange, and size-exclusion chromatography on AKTA systems.
- Performed enzyme kinetics assays and biophysical characterisation using SPR (Biacore), DSF, and isothermal calorimetry.
- Analysed intact and peptide-level mass spectrometry data to confirm protein identity, post-translational modifications, and purity.
- Collaborated with computational chemistry and medicinal chemistry teams to interpret structure-activity relationships.
- Maintained detailed electronic laboratory notebooks in compliance with company SOPs and regulatory expectations.
Achievements
- Delivered a purification workflow for a novel kinase target that reduced processing time by 40%, accelerating the hit-finding campaign by three months.
- Identified a previously unreported glycosylation variant on a lead antibody candidate, informing a critical design decision that improved binding affinity by twofold.
- Co-authored a publication in ACS Chemical Biology that received over 90 citations within two years.
Biochemist
University of Manchester
Conducted postdoctoral research on mitochondrial membrane proteins as part of a Wellcome Trust-funded investigation into metabolic disorders.
Responsibilities
- Expressed and purified recombinant membrane proteins using bacterial and insect cell expression systems.
- Performed Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and blue-native PAGE to assess protein complex formation.
- Managed day-to-day laboratory operations including reagent ordering, equipment maintenance, and safety audits.
- Trained two PhD students in protein purification techniques and supervised their early experimental work.
Achievements
- Resolved the crystal structure of a mitochondrial transporter at 2.1 angstrom resolution, contributing to a first-author paper in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology.
- Secured a £12,000 travel grant to present findings at the FEBS Advanced Course on Membrane Proteins in Portugal.
Education & Qualifications
List your PhD and thesis title first, followed by your undergraduate degree. Include any relevant master's qualifications. Mention prizes, distinctions, or scholarships. If your PhD is recent, a one-line thesis summary helps recruiters understand your area of expertise.
PhD in Biochemistry
Doctoral qualification demonstrating advanced research skills in protein science, enzymology, or molecular biology.
RSC Membership (MRSC)
Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry indicating professional standing and commitment to continuing development.
GLP/GMP Training
Certification in Good Laboratory Practice or Good Manufacturing Practice required for regulated pharmaceutical research.
HCPC Registration
Health and Care Professions Council registration for biochemists working in clinical or diagnostic laboratory settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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