PhD graduates and students have many resources they can apply to their careers through the academic programs they hold. These resources include educational, professional, and research experiences.
Most careers and companies don't have PhD graduates in their teams, but any organization hiring for a specific job will be more than welcome to hire one.
Your main concern is creating a standout CV that will outperform all other resumes. We will start with examples of proven PhD resumes.
PhD Resume Examples
Use these examples as inspiration when writing your resume, and follow the structure and layout to get the best results. If you want to save time writing, you can create a standout and ATS-friendly resume with our resume builder in just a few minutes.
PhD Resume
This resume is for individuals pursuing academic or research-based roles after completing a PhD. These positions typically involve contributing original research, publishing findings, and advancing knowledge in the chosen field.
Job Description
PhD professionals typically lead research projects, publish articles, and contribute to advancing knowledge in their field. They may also take on teaching responsibilities or collaborate with industry stakeholders for applied research.
Key Notes
Highlight research experience, publications, technical expertise, and teaching involvement. Emphasize contributions to knowledge in the relevant field and leadership in research initiatives.
Additional Tips
- Research Focus: Highlight key research projects, publications, and any collaborations with industry.
- Quantifiable Impact: Mention specific outcomes or innovations (e.g., patents, published papers).
- Teaching Experience: If applicable, include any experience in instructing or mentoring students.
- Professional Formatting: Use clean headings, bullet points, and a clear structure to present key information.
PhD Student Resume
This resume is for individuals currently pursuing a PhD. It focuses on their research experience, academic achievements, skills relevant to future academic or industry roles, and current progress in their doctoral program.
Job Description
PhD students engage in intensive research, coursework, and academic collaborations. They work toward completing their thesis or dissertation while contributing to the body of knowledge in their respective fields.
Key Notes
Emphasize research projects, technical skills, coursework, and academic achievements. If applicable, mention any teaching assistant roles, publications, or conference presentations.
Additional Tips
- Research Focus: Clearly state your current research focus and highlight any significant findings or contributions.
- Technical Skills: Emphasize programming languages, software tools, and research methodologies.
- Publications and Presentations: If you’ve published any papers or presented at conferences, include them.
- Teaching/Assistantships: If you’ve been involved in teaching or mentoring students, include relevant details.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Include metrics or tangible results from your research or projects (e.g., improved simulation efficiency, number of publications, etc.).
PhD Application Resume
This resume is tailored explicitly for applicants applying to PhD programs. It focuses on academic qualifications, research interests, relevant skills, and experience that align with the program's focus. The goal is to showcase the candidate’s potential for success in a PhD program.
Job Description
PhD applicants seek to demonstrate their academic and research capabilities to be accepted into a doctoral program. They must highlight their passion for research, knowledge in the field, and ability to contribute to ongoing academic work.
Key Notes
Emphasize your research interests, academic achievements, any relevant projects or publications, and the skills that make you a strong candidate for a PhD program. Focus on your motivation for pursuing advanced studies and how your background aligns with the program’s strengths.
Additional Tips
- Research Focus: Clearly state your academic interests and how they align with the PhD program’s strengths.
- Motivation: Include a section that explains why you are passionate about the subject and the specific program.
- Relevant Experience: Focus on your research, internships, and projects that align with the field you want to pursue in the PhD program.
- Academic Achievements: Highlight any papers, presentations, or honors demonstrating your research potential.
Engineering PhD Resume
This resume is for individuals pursuing a PhD in engineering. It focuses on technical expertise, research experience, and advanced problem-solving skills and showcases a candidate’s ability to contribute to innovations in the engineering field through original research and development.
Job Description
PhD engineers are typically engaged in high-level research, design, and development projects, contributing to solving complex problems and advancing technologies. They work on cutting-edge projects, publish research findings, and collaborate with academic and industrial teams to drive technological advancements.
Key Notes
Highlight research projects, technical skills, publications, patents, or significant engineering contributions. Emphasize the candidate’s experience with complex systems, engineering principles, and ability to work with interdisciplinary teams.
Additional Tips
- Research Focus: Clearly define the research area and specify any unique contributions or innovations.
- Technical Skills: Emphasize engineering-specific tools and software (e.g., CAD, simulation, control systems).
- Quantifiable Achievements: Highlight metrics like improved efficiency, cost reduction, or performance gains from your research or projects.
- Publications & Presentations: Include any papers, journal publications, or conference presentations related to your research.
Chemistry PhD Resume
This resume is for individuals pursuing a PhD in Chemistry. It focuses on research experience, technical skills, and academic achievements that highlight their ability to contribute to advancements in chemical research and development.
Job Description
PhD candidates in Chemistry engage in extensive laboratory research, develop new chemical processes, analyze experimental data, and contribute to the scientific understanding of chemical phenomena. They are expected to collaborate on research projects, publish papers, and present their findings to the scientific community.
Key Notes
Emphasize laboratory skills, research contributions, publications, and any interdisciplinary collaborations. Highlight the candidate’s ability to apply chemistry concepts to solve real-world problems like material development, environmental science, or drug discovery.
Additional Tips
- Research Focus: Highlight the relevance of your research in addressing real-world problems, such as sustainable energy, pollution, or healthcare.
- Technical Skills: Emphasize laboratory techniques and tools specific to chemistry, including your expertise with instruments and analytical methods.
- Publications and Presentations: Include any papers, posters, or conference talks to showcase your research impact.
- Collaborations: Highlight any collaborations with other researchers, academic institutions, or industry partners that strengthen your research profile.
PhD Scientist Resume
This resume is for individuals with a completed PhD or those seeking a PhD-level role as scientists. It focuses on research achievements, technical expertise, and contributions to scientific advancement in their field. The goal is to highlight the candidate's ability to conduct high-level research and apply scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Job Description
PhD Scientists engage in cutting-edge research, data analysis, and scientific problem-solving in various fields, such as biology, physics, materials science, and more. They publish their findings, collaborate with other scientists and researchers, and apply their research to industry or academia.
Key Notes
Emphasize research experience, scientific contributions, publications, and technical skills. Include patents, project management experience, or industry collaboration to showcase the candidate’s ability to drive scientific innovations.
Additional Tips
- Research Focus: Specify your key research contributions and how they have advanced the scientific field, whether a discovery, technology, or methodology.
- Collaborations: Highlight collaborations with industry partners, other researchers, or cross-functional teams that have enhanced your work.
- Quantifiable Achievements: Include metrics, such as the number of publications, patents, or successful research outcomes that demonstrate your contributions.
- Industry Impact: If applicable, note any potential or ongoing translation of your research into commercial products or clinical trials.
PhD Machine Learning Engineer Resume
This resume is tailored for individuals with a PhD in machine learning, computer science, or related fields. It emphasizes expertise in machine learning algorithms, data analysis, research, and development, and the candidate's ability to apply machine learning methods to real-world problems, whether in academia, industry, or research settings.
Job Description
PhD Machine Learning Engineers specialize in developing, optimizing, and applying machine learning algorithms to solve complex problems across various industries, including AI, healthcare, finance, robotics, and more. They use theoretical knowledge to design scalable systems, conduct experiments, and advance the field of machine learning through innovative research.
Key Notes
Highlight research contributions, expertise in machine learning techniques (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP), proficiency with relevant tools and frameworks, and experience applying machine learning to practical, real-world applications.
Additional Tips
- Research Focus: Make sure your research and projects align with industry applications to demonstrate the real-world impact of your work.
- Technical Skills: Emphasize your proficiency with machine learning tools and frameworks that are widely used in the industry.
- Publications: Highlight peer-reviewed publications and any presentations at relevant conferences to demonstrate your contributions to the field.
- Collaboration: Mention any cross-functional or interdisciplinary work with teams to show your ability to collaborate in a research-driven or product-focused environment.
PhD Assistant Professor Resume
This resume is tailored for individuals seeking or currently holding a position as an Assistant Professor with a PhD. It emphasizes teaching experience, research expertise, academic contributions, and the ability to work in a collaborative academic environment. It highlights research achievements and the ability to effectively mentor students and contribute to curriculum development.
Job Description
An Assistant Professor in a university or academic institution is responsible for teaching undergraduate or graduate-level courses, conducting research in their area of expertise, publishing in academic journals, and contributing to the academic community. They are also expected to supervise graduate students, apply for research funding, and participate in academic committees.
Key Notes
Highlight teaching experience, curriculum development, research projects, publications, conference presentations, and any involvement in academic committees or mentoring activities. Include any interdisciplinary collaborations or grants received.
Additional Tips
- Teaching Experience: Emphasize your teaching style, experience developing course materials, and approach to student engagement.
- Research Leadership: Highlight your role in mentoring graduate students, leading research projects, and applying your research to real-world issues.
- Service to the Academic Community: Include any contributions to committees, conferences, or editorial boards demonstrating your academic community involvement.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Showcase collaborative research projects that span multiple disciplines, especially if they involve external stakeholders like conservation organizations or government agencies.
PhD Full Professor Resume
This resume is tailored for individuals who have reached the level of Full Professor, showcasing their leadership in teaching and research. A Full Professor is an academic leader with significant contributions to their field. They mentor students and junior faculty, lead high-impact research projects, and often participate in university-wide initiatives.
Job Description
A Full Professor is responsible for conducting advanced research, publishing significant findings in top journals, providing mentorship to students and junior faculty, and contributing to the strategic direction of their department. Full Professors also lead major academic projects, secure research funding, and engage with the wider educational and professional community.
Key Notes
Highlight leadership in research and teaching, substantial publication record, service to the academic community, and mentoring experience. Demonstrate a history of obtaining research grants and leading significant projects that have advanced the field.
Additional Tips
- Academic Leadership: Focus on your leadership roles, such as committee memberships, editorial duties, and organizational contributions, that show your influence on the academic community.
- Research Impact: Emphasize your field's most significant publications, breakthroughs, and innovations.
- Mentorship: Highlight your experience mentoring students and faculty, and your contributions to their professional growth.
- Service to the Field: Include your participation in conferences, workshops, and external advisory roles demonstrating your commitment to the broader academic and professional community.
So far, you probably know what a PhD resume should look like from the examples above.
Now we will explore the key writing tips for a PhD resume, including structure, layout, and all the essential sections that should be included.
How to Write a PhD Resume
Most graduate students have extensive experience in research, the business world, and leadership, but they sometimes lack the skills to transfer this information onto a resume.
To write a successful PhD resume, you'll need to focus on some crucial steps.
Resume Writing Tips for a PhD Resume
Follow these 10 customized writing tips for crafting an impressive PhD resume:
- Highlight Research Experience Prominently—Your research experience is your strongest asset. Create a dedicated section labelled "Research Experience" or "Research Projects" and describe your projects, methodologies, findings, and impact.
- Tailor Your Resume for the Target Audience—Customize your resume based on whether you’re applying for academic roles (emphasizing publications, teaching, and conferences) or industry roles (highlighting skills, practical applications, and project management).
- Emphasize Transferable Skills—Identify transferable skills such as data analysis, project management, communication, critical thinking, and leadership. Connect these skills to the requirements of the position you’re applying for.
- Include Publications and Presentations—Create a section for publications, presentations, and conferences. Format this section consistently, preferably using citation styles relevant to your field (e.g., APA, MLA).
- Quantify Achievements—Use numbers, metrics, and outcomes wherever possible. For example, "Increased data processing efficiency by 40%" or "Published five peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals."
- Showcase Technical Skills—Especially for industry roles, list relevant technical skills and tools you have mastered (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, LaTeX, statistical analysis tools). Highlight certifications or training programs where applicable.
- Summarize Your Dissertation/Thesis—Include a summary (2-3 sentences) of your PhD dissertation or thesis, emphasizing the problem addressed, methodology used, and the outcomes or significance of the research.
- Highlight Collaboration and Leadership—Mention any collaborative projects, mentorship roles, teaching assistantships, or lab management experience. Industry employers value leadership and teamwork.
- Tailor Your Resume Length Appropriately—While academic CVs can be lengthy, industry resumes should generally be 1-2 pages. Prioritize relevance and clarity.
- Use Strong Action Verbs and Concise Language—Use powerful action verbs like “designed,” “analyzed,” “developed,” “presented,” and “published.” Keep descriptions concise and impactful to ensure readability.
The structure and layout of the PhD application are essential. These elements are what distinguish a successful resume from a bad one.
The layout of the PhD Resume
A successful resume will have a practical design. Your PhD resume should present professional information about your career in a good-looking way. Proper design and layout make the resume much more impactful!
The resume layout will need sections to properly showcase each detail of your PhD career to the employers you'll send it to. Sectioning out your resume will make the professional information appear much more pronounced.
Below are all the sections we'll be covering in this article; we recommend including these sections in your resume layout:
- Header
- Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Additional Headings (Awards, Honors, and Certificates)
The structure of the PhD Resume
A proper application should structurally describe your relevant skills, accomplishments, work, and academic experiences.
While the layout determines the look and design of your resume, the structure will affect how the content looks and appears on paper.
A resume format - chronological or functional - is essential to properly structuring text.
The chronological format is the widely accepted way to structure and format a resume.
In other words, your content will all be written from oldest to newest. It will appear at the top whenever a new professional experience is added to the experience section.
Bullet points are crucial components in delivering easy-to-read and impactful content. Use a bullet point or two whenever you list professional experiences, job duties, relevant skills, or achievements in your resume.
Additionally, your application must be one or two pages long, written in Times New Roman or Arial font styles with 10 - 12 font sizes.
Header
Your PhD CV needs a strong, informative start, like properly starting academic presentations.
Introducing yourself to the reader is a great way to begin your writing process. After all, the main reason why you're writing a resume in the first place is for employers to notice your credentials.
Put your name at the start of this section. Make sure you use a 14 - 16 point font size for your name at the top of the resume. It's a good idea to make your name more prominent than the rest of the text.
After writing your name as the title of the resume, include your job title, physical address, email address, and relevant professional website below.
Example of a header
CORRECT
Patricia B. Butler, PhD
English Professor
Laurel, MD
+443-708-5978
PatriciaBButler@gmail.com
INCORRECTPatricia B. Butler, PhD
Professor
1785 Wilson Street
Laurel, MD
PatriciaBButler@rhyta.com
443-708-5978
https://multimediamecca.com/
Summary
Recruiters don't have the time to read through all applicants' resumes. Instead, they skim through applications.
A great way to overcome this problem and grab the hiring manager's attention immediately is to include a short, concise section in your resume that discusses relevant information about your expertise.
This part of the application is called the professional summary section, and it briefly discusses your relevant experience, achievements, and skills regarding the position you're applying for.
Remember to keep the professional summary to a maximum of 4-5 sentences. This has to be a brief introductory section about your experiences and abilities.
Summary Examples
CORRECT
INCORRECTWork Experience
The work experience section has to be the highlight of the application because, as a PhD student, you've most likely amassed some professional experience. These experiences must be discussed and showcased effectively to impress the hiring managers.
The work experience section will be the most essential part of the resume because it allows the reader to gain insight into your expertise as a PhD professional.
It is strongly recommended that you format your experience section in chronological order. This style makes the content look more pleasing and professional.
The position you held most recently should be given priority; write it at the top of the section. Whenever you write a job description, start with the title. Include the company name and the time you spent with the employer.
Describe your responsibilities and work achievements once you have written the title of your job, company name, and dates of employment. Your primary responsibilities should be described using bullet points.
Examples of work experience
Research Assistant, Department of Molecular Biology, XYZ University
Duration: August 2020 – Present
Location: City, Country
Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Conducted CRISPR-Cas9 experiments to investigate gene expression regulation, leading to the discovery of novel gene interactions, published in Nature Biotechnology (2024).
- Designed and executed over 30 complex lab experiments, analyzing data using Python, R, and GraphPad Prism tools.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to secure a $150,000 research grant, enhancing lab resources and expanding research capabilities.
- Mentored and supervised 5 undergraduate students, providing training on experimental techniques, lab safety, and data analysis.
- Presented findings at international conferences, including the Genetics Society Annual Meeting (2024).
Data Scientist, ABC Tech Solutions
Duration: January 2022 – Present
Location: City, Country
Responsibilities & Achievements:
- Developed and implemented machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics, improving decision-making processes by 40%.
- Led a cross-functional team of 5 researchers and engineers to design a scalable AI model that increased data processing efficiency by 35%.
- Utilized tools such as Python, SQL, TensorFlow, and MATLAB to analyze large datasets, generate insights, and optimize system performance.
- Authored 3 internal whitepapers providing strategic recommendations based on data findings, contributing to enhanced product development.
- Presented research outcomes to executive stakeholders, facilitating data-driven decision-making.
Education
As a PhD postgraduate, you have immense experience in teaching, higher education, and a general academic background. Because of these acquired abilities, a big part of your resume must be dedicated to showcasing your educational background. In a way, the CV is going to be a combination resume.
If you have a PhD, the work experience and education sections will be crucial to writing effectively. These sections will give your resume powerful credibility. Most high-end jobs nowadays require a degree, so who's a better candidate than a PhD recipient?
You might wonder whether starting the resume with the work experience or education sections is better. If you have a PhD degree, we recommend making this the highlight of your application. The reader must see your academic credentials right after the summary section. Your educational background sets you apart from the other candidates, after all.
Follow these tips below:
- The last degree you obtained should be the starting point of this section. Including your PhD first and then your master's is a good example.
- Provide the name of the school, the address, the year of attendance, and the degree earned for each educational certificate.
- Unless it is exceptionally high, you shouldn't mention your GPA. Only include GPAs above 3.7.
- With a bullet point or two, list all relevant coursework relevant to the job you are applying for.
Example of the education section
PhD in Molecular Biology
XYZ University, City, Country
Completed: June 2025
- Dissertation Title: “CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Gene Editing for Enhanced Crop Resilience”
- Adviser: Dr. Jane Smith
- Relevant Coursework: Advanced Genomics, Bioinformatics, Molecular Genetics, Statistical Data Analysis
- Achievements: Published five peer-reviewed articles, Presented research at 3 international conferences, Awarded the XYZ Research Grant ($150,000)
Skills
Adding a skills section to your resume is a great way to showcase your specific skills. A skills section is crucial to your application because you can highlight the abilities you felt were left out of the other sections and specify that you have these abilities.
The skills section is one of the parts of your application that the reader will look at instantly, so you must ensure that this part of the resume is up to par.
Best skills for a PhD resume to showcase your expertise effectively:
Hard Skills (Technical & Research Skills)
- Programming Languages
- Data Analysis Tools
- Machine Learning Frameworks
- Bioinformatics Tools (if applicable)
- Software & Platforms
- Statistical Analysis
- Research Methodologies
- Technical Writing
- Project Management Tools
Soft Skills (Interpersonal & Organizational Skills)
- Critical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Team Collaboration
- Leadership & Mentoring
- Adaptability
- Time Management
- Problem-Solving
- Resilience
Additional Headings
Any resume can benefit from additional information, especially if your application has leftover white space.
A great way to fill out these spaces is by adding additional headings and sections that showcase different ways you can benefit the hiring organization.
Certifications
Certifications are an excellent way of adding to your academic and professional background.
By including a certificates section in your resume, you can show the hiring manager that you not only have a PhD in the subject but also went through additional training to master it further.
Certificates will almost guarantee you a job interview!
Publications
As a PhD graduate, you'll most likely have some work history in the form of publications.
Most doctors of philosophy have to write significant thesis papers that take months or even years to finish to earn their degrees.
These papers are challenging to write and are very impressive on a resume. Therefore, it is a good idea to dedicate a small section to listing the publications you've worked on.
Cover Letter
Providing the recruiter with additional documentation about your skills and experiences is always a plus, especially regarding cover letters.
A cover letter is a page-long professional summary detailing your career goals, work history, and skills.
