Research Assistant Resume Template for MS Word

Whether you’re a new graduate student aiming for your first research assistantship or an experienced research assistant with years in the legal or social sciences field, your resume needs to help you stand out from the crowd. Use our writing guide and customizable research assistant resume template for Word to see examples of how to create an outstanding document that will get you noticed. Our template and these pro tips will help you craft your summary statement and your sections for your skills, work experience and education.

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Since your summary is the first thing a potential employer sees, it has to make a great impression. Your summary is your chance to shine and entice a hiring manager to keep reading. Use our research assistant resume template for Word to create a compelling professional summary.

In paragraph or bullet form, explain why you are the right person for the position. Use any keywords or specific skills listed in the job ad. Make sure you include these elements:

• Specific expertise mentioned in the job posting

• Current job title and experience

• 2-3 relevant skills

Here are some summaries for research assistants:

Example 1

Research associate experienced in chemical testing for development of new pharmaceuticals. Familiar with U.S. and international industry standards in protocol reporting. Broad academic and lab experience under rigorous standards, including spectroscopy, titration and wet chemistry.

Example 2

Research assistant with two years’ experience in forestry and wildlife studies in Southeastern U.S. Record of performing energetically to deadline in strenuous field environments. Excellent communication skills with knowledge of reporting and publishing standards for both government and academic audiences.

Example 3

Personable and organized legal research assistant with six years’ experience in housing code and utilities commission research. Knowledge of database query and analytical software platforms. Strong interpersonal skills and record of excellent support to colleagues.

Example 4

Research Assistant:

• Trained with 10-member team as research group intern in aerospace industry

• Excellent record of communication and collaboration with coworkers

• Strong knowledge of applicable experimental and regulatory compliance requirements

Your skills section is where you prove to recruiters or managers that you have what it takes to do the specific job they are seeking to fill. Concise bullet points will help you show, at a glance, that you have the required skills needed to be a great fit in the company. With our research assistant resume template for Word and the following tips, you can help busy readers quickly see what you have to contribute.

• Use any specific skills or keywords mentioned in the job posting, particularly for technical fields

• Especially if you are a student or recent graduate, focus on transferable skills you learned during your education

• Include any interpersonal or personality traits that make you an efficient assistant

Here are some top skills for research assistants. Use the ones that are relevant to you.

• Strong organizational skills

• Exceptional research abilities

• Experience with collecting, organizing and analyzing data

• Attention to detail

• Technical skills relevant to research field

• Record of handling sensitive information responsibly

The previous sections of your resume were designed to quickly grab the attention of busy hiring managers or recruiters to get them to keep reading. In the work history section, you provide more information on specific accomplishments and experiences to support the professional portrait you painted in the earlier sections. Put your best foot forward by following these tips and using our research assistant resume template for Word.

• Include keywords and phrases used in the job description

• Aim for 5-8 bullet points for each work history entry

• Include dates and locations of employment

• Use quantifiable metrics to show accomplishments

• Include relevant volunteer work or academic projects if you are new to the job market

Here are some sample research assistant work history entries:

• Conducted literature reviews and analyzed data using Statistical Analysis System software

• Researched leads to generate over 50 new clients for law firm

• Transcribed and translated interview records covering four years of collected research

• Prepared and tested a variety of plate media types for drug-resistance study

The education required for research assistants will vary by field. Some positions are open only to graduate students at specific universities, while others are open to any applicant with the requisite experience. Include your relevant education, and if it includes college, there’s no need to mention high school. Customize your education section with our research assistant resume template for Word and the following tips to showcase your credentials.

• List your highest level of education or training first

• Mention any relevant coursework, but don’t list every course you ever took

• Leave out your GPA unless you are a very recent graduate or it’s requested

Here are some sample education sections for research assistants in various fields:

Example 1

Bachelor of Arts in Public Ethics and Policy – expected 2017

University of Tacoma, Tacoma, WA

Associate of Arts in Business – 2011

Twin Peaks Community College, Twin Peaks, WA

Example 2

Master of Science in Biomedical Science – in progress

Everett University, Boston, MA

Bachelor of Science in Biology – 2014

University of West Boston, Boston, MA