Chemist CV example
Highlight your technical knowledge, laboratory skills, and analytical thinking with a compelling chemist CV. Thanks to myPerfectCV’s expert tips and resources, you’ll position yourself as a valuable asset in research, development, or production.
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If you’ve got a passion for science and a desire to change the world, becoming a chemist is a great way to contribute to advances in fields such as medicine, energy, and environmental science. Take the next step in your career by impressing potential employers with a strong job application. Find inspiration in our tried and tested CV samples, designed to help you showcase your skills and experience in the best possible light. These examples highlight the qualifications, soft skills, and chemical knowledge you’ll need to succeed, along with expert tips on how to tailor your CV for different roles within the industry.
Read on for:
- Sample chemist CV
- Chemist CV templates
- The best format for your chemist CV
- How to write an effective CV for a chemist
- Top dos and don’ts for chemist CV writing
- Your chemist questions answered
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Sample chemist CV
Mandy Rice
219 Heatherington Close
Edinburgh EH3 9HA
07912 345678
mandy.rice@example-example.co.uk
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Versatile Chemist capable of working with different types of chemicals, compounds, and materials. Proficient in performing tests, documenting results, and writing papers. Well-organised and detail-oriented with good project management and planning abilities developed over 11+ years.
WORK HISTORY
Chemist (01/2016 – Current)
J Hoots, Edinburgh
- Decreased lab spending by purchasing cost-effective supplies and closely monitoring laboratory inventory.
- Repaired, calibrated, and safely operated all laboratory equipment.
- Assisted with collecting, identifying, and packaging hazardous and non-hazardous waste products.
- Conferred with scientists and engineers on conducting analysis of research projects.
Pharmacy Assistant (07/2011 – 01/2016)
Holmfield Chemist, Edinburgh
- Assisted chemists with filling prescriptions for 100 customers daily.
- Kept pharmacy counter and related areas clean, neat, and organised.
- Updated computer system with current customer, payment, and inventory information.
- Provided administrative support including filing, copying, and faxing.
On-Site Chemist (07/2019 – 07/2011)
Myler Chemical Company, Edinburgh
- Compiled and analysed test information.
- Assisted with local household hazardous waste programmes.
- Prepared waste drums for pick-up and delivery.
- Maintained an organised, safe, and efficient work area at all times.
SKILLS
- Equipment management
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Customer service
- Market analysis
- Lab equipment calibration
- Hazardous material handling
- Specification development
- Instrument calibration
EDUCATION
University of Edinburgh – Edinburgh
Bachelor of Science: Chemistry (2009)
Edinburgh City Sixth Form – Edinburgh
A-Levels: Maths, Chemistry, Biology (2006)
Chemist CV templates
Personalise one of our chemist CV templates shown below to reflect your scientific knowledge, research experience, and technical skills. You can also browse our selection of CV templates designed for any industry and experience level.
The best format for your chemist CV
As a chemist, your CV should be as structured and precise as the experiments you carry out. Employers need to see not just where you’ve worked but also how you’ve applied your technical knowledge in the real world. Whether you’re working in pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, or materials science, the format of your CV plays a crucial role in how clearly your expertise is conveyed.
Here are some general CV formatting tips for chemists to get you started:
- Use fonts such as Times New Roman or Cambria for a professional, academic look.
- Present data consistently – dates, techniques, and results should follow a consistent style.
- Include a section for publications, patents, or significant research contributions.
- Highlight your technical skills (e.g. spectroscopy, chromatography, MATLAB) in a separate section.
- Avoid graphic-heavy designs – clarity and structure are key in scientific CVs.
The right CV format will help translate your analytical strengths onto the page. The most common layout for chemists is a chronological CV. This format presents your work experience in reverse order, allowing employers to see your most recent and relevant roles first. It’s particularly effective if you can show a stable work history in research laboratories or pharmaceutical companies, or industry.
In this format, each role should include concise descriptions of your responsibilities, methods used and measurable outcomes. For example, detail how you developed a new test protocol, contributed to quality assurance, or collaborated across departments on research initiatives. Be sure to include full job titles and clear timelines to reflect consistency and reliability, both crucial attributes in scientific roles.
How to write an effective CV for a chemist
Whether you’re in a lab or applying for a job, structure matters. A chemist’s CV should be clearly structured to highlight research, technical skills, and relevant qualifications.
In this section, we’ll explain how to make each part of your CV clear and focused, with examples and advice to help you make a strong impact. Keep reading for:
- Adding contact details to your chemist CV
- Writing your chemist CV’s personal statement
- Adding an experience section to your chemist CV
- Top skills for your chemist CV
- Outlining education on a chemist CV
Adding contact details to your chemist CV
The first element you want positioned at the top of the page is your contact section. Keep your information simple and professional. Include your full name, phone number, email, and location (just the city or region is enough). Make sure your email address is appropriate, easy to read, and professional.
Example of a contact section for a chemist CV
Brett Hawkins
53 Church Way
Sheffield S1 9TH
07912 345678
brett.h@example.co.uk
Writing your chemist CV’s personal statement
Your personal statement is your chance to present yourself as a capable, analytical, and reliable chemist. Recruiters want to see not only your technical expertise but also your ability to work in a team, follow strict protocols, and contribute to meaningful research or product development.
In a few short lines, you should aim to convey your qualifications, areas of specialisation and career goals – whether you’re focusing on pharmaceuticals, materials science, or analytical chemistry. Tailor this section to reflect both your laboratory skills and your scientific mindset.
Example personal statement for a chemist CV
Methodical chemist with 6+ years of experience in pharmaceutical research and quality control. Specialising in analytical testing and formulation, with a proven track record in developing stable compounds and improving laboratory efficiency. Passionate about contributing to science that improves lives, now looking to bring a detail-oriented, data-driven approach to a dynamic R&D team.
Adding an experience section to your chemist CV
If you’re applying for a role as a chemist, your work experience section should highlight both your technical expertise and your ability to contribute to the success of research, development, or manufacturing processes. Your experience section should reflect the scientific skills you’ve acquired, how you’ve applied them in real-life scenarios and the specific results of your work.
To structure this CV section, start with your most recent role and work backwards. For each position, include:
- Your job title, company name, and length of employment
- Key responsibilities and any specialisations (such as pharmacology, analytical chemistry, or environmental science)
- Specific projects or research you worked on, detailing techniques, technologies, and results
- Achievements that demonstrate your impact, such as publications, presentations, or new formulations
- Collaboration with teams of scientists, engineers, or researchers
Example of work experience for a chemist CV
Analytical Chemist (March 2020 – Current)
MedicoLab Pharmaceuticals, London
- Perform high precision testing of raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products using HPLC and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
- Work with cross-functional teams to develop new drug formulations, contributing to two successful FDA submissions.
- Prepared and analysed stability studies, providing recommendations that led to a 10% improvement in shelf life for two key products.
- Maintained a clean and organised laboratory environment, following strict protocols for safety and compliance.
- Document experimental results and prepare reports for review by senior chemists and regulatory authorities.
Top skills for your chemist CV
As a chemist, the skills you bring to your work are essential to ensure the accuracy and success of your research, experiments, and analysis. Your CV should demonstrate a combination of soft and hard skills that reflect both your technical expertise and your ability to contribute to a team or project.
Essential skills for a chemist
- Analytical skills: Strong ability to interpret complex data, perform thorough analysis, and draw accurate conclusions from experiments.
- Laboratory techniques: Proficiency in laboratory equipment and methods such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and titration.
- Attention to detail: Precision is essential in chemistry to avoid errors in research and experiments.
- Problem solving: The ability to approach problems logically and find innovative solutions in scientific research.
- Knowledge of chemical principles: A solid understanding of organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and its application to real-world problems.
- Safety awareness: A commitment to follow safety protocols and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
Desirable skills to set you apart
- Project management: Experience of managing research projects, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.
- Communication skills: Ability to present findings clearly, both orally and in writing, for reports, presentations, and publications.
- Regulatory compliance knowledge: Familiarity with industry standards and regulations such as FDA, GMP, or ISO.
- Computer skills: Proficiency in scientific software (MATLAB, ChemDraw) for data analysis and visualisation.
- Collaboration skills: Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Outlining education on a chemist CV
To create a strong education section for your chemist CV, highlight your academic qualifications, certifications, and any specialised training related to chemistry. The foundation of your education will typically include a degree in chemistry, which should be prominently displayed in this section. If you have further qualifications, such as a Master’s or PhD, or if you’ve taken specialised courses in analytical chemistry, materials science or pharmacology, it’s recommended to highlight them as well.
In addition to your degrees, include any relevant research, dissertations, or projects that demonstrate your expertise in specific areas of chemistry. This could include laboratory experience, experiments, or the use of specialised techniques and tools. Employers want to see your ability to apply theoretical knowledge practically in a laboratory setting, so highlight any practical learning experiences.
Example of an education for a chemist CV
Master of Science: Chemistry (2023)
University of Science and Technology, Oxford
- Thesis: “Development of New Catalysts for Organic Reactions”
- Research Assistant: Assisted in developing high-performance materials for energy storage
Bachelor of Science: Chemistry (2021)
National Institute of Chemistry, London
- Relevant Coursework: Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry
- Laboratory Experience: Over 500 hours of practical lab work focusing on synthesis and analysis
Certifications
- HPLC Training Course, ChemLab Institute (2023)
- Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) Certification, Chemical Safety Association (2022)
Top dos and don’ts for chemist CV writing
DO
DO use a logical structure
Chemists need to be well-organised with a logical mind, so reflect this by using a logical structure for your CV. Clear section headings, bullet points, and a font that’s easy to read are all musts for a concise CV that will grab your recruiter’s attention from the word go.
DO showcase your research experience
Research plays an important role in chemistry. Include any major projects, experiments, or publications that demonstrate your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Clearly describe your research objectives, methods, and results to give recruiters a sense of your problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
DON’T
DON’T use generic language
Generic words won’t help you stand out from the competition, and could even undermine your professionalism. Chemists need to be able to use exact language, so show recruiters you have what it takes by using thoughtful adjectives to describe your personality and approach.
DON’T forget to proofread
A chemist needs to have a good eye for the tiniest of details, whether that’s detecting trace elements in the lab or picking up on errors in reports. Mistakes in your CV could give recruiters the wrong impression, so always proofread your application before you send it into the world.
Your chemist questions answered
What are the primary responsibilities of a chemist?
A chemist is responsible for carrying out experiments, analysing chemical substances to diagnose issues or find solutions, and writing scientific reports to share their findings. The exact nature of the experiments will depend on the type of chemist you are.
What are the essential qualities of a chemist?
Chemists need to be analytical with excellent scientific knowledge. They also need to be resilient, determined, and able to pick up on patterns in their results to draw sensible conclusions. Excellent written communication is also top quality for a chemist.
How can I make my chemist CV stand out?
To make your CV stand out, focus on highlighting the specific experiences and qualifications that demonstrate your unique expertise. Make sure your CV reflects not only your technical skills, but also your soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, and attention to detail. Finally, remember to tailor your CV for each job application, matching your experience and skills to the specific requirements of the role. This personalised approach can significantly increase your chances of catching a recruiter’s eye.
Should I include a cover letter with my chemist CV?
Yes, including a covering letter is highly recommended. This part of the application allows you to tailor your focus to the specific role and explain why you’re a good fit for the position. Use the cover letter to highlight your enthusiasm for the company and how your unique skills and experience can contribute to their goals.
Create your chemist CV with myPerfectCV
A chemist’s CV should reflect both technical expertise and precision. At myPerfectCV, we provide all the tools you need to create a compelling, job-winning CV. From customisable templates to expert advice on structuring your qualifications and skills, our platform helps you build a CV that stands out to recruiters in the competitive field of chemistry.
Try our CV builder today and take the next step in your career.
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