Molecular Biology CV Example
A molecular biology CV demonstrates your expertise in gene expression, DNA manipulation, and molecular-level research techniques.
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Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- List specific molecular techniques and platforms you have hands-on experience with.
- Highlight publications and research contributions in molecular biology.
- Include experience with both manual and automated molecular workflows.
- Demonstrate your understanding of experimental design and troubleshooting.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Molecular Biology CV
A molecular biology CV should demonstrate your depth of technical expertise, your ability to design and troubleshoot experiments, and the scientific impact of your work. Employers in academia, pharma, and biotech want to see that you can work independently at the bench while contributing to broader research goals. Your CV should clearly present the techniques you are expert in, the biological questions you have addressed, and the outputs you have generated.
CV Structure
Use a reverse-chronological format with sections for your profile, research experience, education, publications, and technical skills. Each role should describe the research group, funding context, and your specific project. Follow with achievements including publications, grants, and methodological innovations. Keep the CV to two or three pages depending on your publication record and career stage.
CV Format
Choose a clean academic or professional template with space for a publications section. Use consistent citation formatting throughout. Include your ORCID iD if you have one. Avoid heavy graphics — let your science speak. Save as a PDF.
CV Profile Examples
Senior Molecular Biologist
Molecular biologist with nine years of experience in gene editing, expression analysis, and functional genomics within academic and pharmaceutical research settings. Expert in CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, lentiviral transduction, and single-cell transcriptomics. Lead author on seven peer-reviewed publications and experienced in mentoring PhD students and managing shared laboratory resources.
Clinical Molecular Biologist
HCPC-registered clinical scientist specialising in molecular diagnostics for inherited genetic disorders and haemato-oncology. Proficient in Sanger sequencing, fragment analysis, and next-generation sequencing library preparation on Illumina platforms. Experienced in variant interpretation, clinical report writing, and maintaining accredited diagnostic services under ISO 15189.
Early-Career Molecular Biologist
PhD graduate in molecular cell biology with research experience in RNA processing and post-transcriptional gene regulation. Skilled in RNA extraction, RT-qPCR, RNA immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays. Published two first-author papers during doctoral studies and seeking a postdoctoral or industry research position in gene regulation or RNA therapeutics.
State your research focus, years of experience, core molecular techniques, and headline achievements. Mention the biological systems you work with and any specialist expertise that distinguishes you from other candidates.
Key Skills for Your Molecular Biology CV
DNA/RNA Extraction
Isolating high-quality nucleic acids from diverse biological samples using column-based, magnetic bead, and phenol-chloroform methods.
PCR & qPCR
Amplifying and quantifying specific DNA and RNA sequences using endpoint PCR, real-time qPCR, and digital PCR platforms.
Gel Electrophoresis
Separating and visualising nucleic acids and proteins by agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for size confirmation and purity assessment.
Molecular Cloning
Constructing recombinant DNA molecules using restriction digestion, ligation, Gibson assembly, and Gateway cloning for gene expression studies.
Gene Expression Analysis
Measuring transcript levels using RT-qPCR, microarrays, and RNA sequencing to study gene regulation in different biological contexts.
CRISPR-Cas9
Designing guide RNAs and performing gene knockout, knock-in, and base editing experiments in mammalian cell lines and model organisms.
Flow Cytometry
Analysing and sorting cell populations based on surface and intracellular markers using multicolour flow cytometry panels.
Next-Generation Sequencing
Preparing sequencing libraries and generating data on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms for genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic applications.
Western Blotting
Detecting specific proteins using SDS-PAGE, membrane transfer, and chemiluminescent or fluorescent antibody-based detection methods.
Work Experience Examples
Describe the biological question, your experimental approach, and the techniques you used. Follow with publications, methodological innovations, or discoveries that resulted from your work. Include supervision and mentoring activities. Quantify your output where possible — number of papers, grant income secured, or technical improvements achieved.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow — Molecular Biology
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge
Conducted independent research on chromatin remodelling mechanisms in embryonic stem cells as part of a programme funded by a three-year MRC Career Development Award.
Responsibilities
- Designed and executed CRISPR-Cas9 knockout and knock-in experiments in mouse embryonic stem cells, screening clones by PCR and Sanger sequencing.
- Performed ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq experiments to profile chromatin accessibility and gene expression changes following genetic perturbation.
- Analysed next-generation sequencing datasets using Bioconductor packages in R, integrating multi-omics data to identify regulatory networks.
- Presented research at departmental seminars and international conferences, including a platform talk at the EMBO Chromatin and Epigenetics meeting.
- Supervised two rotation students and one visiting scholar, designing their projects and guiding their experimental work.
Achievements
- Discovered a novel enhancer element regulating a key pluripotency gene, publishing the findings as first author in Molecular Cell with over 120 citations.
- Secured £180,000 in fellowship funding from the MRC to support three years of independent postdoctoral research.
- Developed an optimised CRISPR screening protocol that improved editing efficiency from 15% to 45% in mouse ES cells, adopted by four other groups at the LMB.
Research Technician — Molecular Biology
University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine
Provided specialist molecular biology support to research groups studying haematopoietic stem cell biology and blood disorders.
Responsibilities
- Performed DNA and RNA extractions from blood, bone marrow, and cultured cell samples using manual and automated platforms.
- Conducted PCR, qPCR, and gel electrophoresis for genotyping, gene expression analysis, and cloning verification.
- Maintained plasmid stocks, prepared competent cells, and performed bacterial transformations for molecular cloning projects.
- Operated the department's flow cytometry facility, processing samples and assisting researchers with panel design and data analysis.
Achievements
- Established a new RNA extraction protocol for low-input bone marrow samples that improved yield by 60%, enabling transcriptomic analysis on previously insufficient material.
- Co-authored three publications based on data generated during the role, including a paper in Blood on transcription factor networks in early haematopoiesis.
Education & Qualifications
List your PhD first with thesis title and supervisor. Follow with master's and bachelor's degrees. Include relevant prizes, scholarships, and funded studentships. If your doctoral work is recent, provide a brief thesis summary.
PhD in Molecular Biology or Cell Biology
Doctoral qualification demonstrating the ability to conduct independent molecular research and generate original scientific contributions.
HCPC Registration (Clinical Scientists)
Professional registration required for molecular biologists working in NHS clinical genetics or molecular diagnostics laboratories.
RSB Membership (MRSB / FRSB)
Membership of the Royal Society of Biology indicating professional standing and commitment to biological sciences.
Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods
Supplementary qualification providing formal training in experimental design, statistics, and research ethics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What molecular techniques should I highlight on my CV?
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Should I include failed experiments or negative results on my CV?
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