Table of Contents
Quick Answer
The fastest way to upgrade your resume.
If you want your Laboratory and Research Science resume to stand out, you must eliminate weak, passive phrases like "Responsible for" and "Helped with".
Instead, use powerful, science-specific action verbs like Investigated, Synthesized, Calibrated, and Quantified. These words show precision, ownership, and analytical rigor. Below, you'll find 150+ action verbs categorized by laboratory domains, along with 50 real-world resume bullet point examples you can copy today.
Word Profile
What Hiring Managers Look for in Resume Language.
| Target Role | Research Scientist, Lab Technician, Research Assistant |
| Key Competencies | Experimentation, Data Analysis, Quality Control, Lab Safety, Protocol Development |
| Weak Verbs to Avoid | Helped, Worked, Did, Was responsible for, Handled, Assisted |
| Ideal Verb Tense | Past tense for previous jobs; Present tense for current role. |
| ATS Optimization | High Impact |
Why Replace Weak Verbs?
The problem with passive language on a resume.
Scientists are hired to generate accurate, reproducible data. When you use phrases like "Was responsible for running tests," you are describing a basic duty, not your scientific impact. Hiring managers want to know what you discovered or improved. Action verbs prove you are an active researcher, not just a lab assistant.
The Passive Trap
"Was responsible for maintaining lab equipment."
This tells the recruiter what you were supposed to do, not if the equipment stayed functional or accurate.
The Active Fix
"Calibrated and maintained 15 analytical instruments, reducing experimental variance by 12%."
This shows ownership, action, and a quantified positive outcome.
Word Grid
A complete visual directory of action verbs. Click any word to explore its definition.
Experimental Design & Setup
Experimentation & Testing
Research Leadership & Collaboration
Lab Management & Inventory
Quality Control & Safety
Data Analysis & Documentation
Experimentation & Testing Verbs
When you need to show that you successfully ran assays, cultures, and trials.
Investigated
Carried out systematic scientific inquiry to discover or examine facts.
- Investigated the efficacy of novel compounds, resulting in a 20% reduction in bacterial growth.
- Investigated cellular response to oxidative stress, identifying 3 new signaling pathways.
- Investigated anomalies in the PCR amplification curves, leading to a revised protocol.
Synthesized
Combined components to form a new, complex chemical or biological product.
- Synthesized 15 new organic compounds for pre-clinical trials using advanced chromatography techniques.
- Synthesized complementary DNA strands from mRNA templates for downstream cloning.
- Synthesized nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, achieving 95% purity.
Isolated
Separated a specific component from a complex mixture or sample.
- Isolated specific RNA sequences from 500+ tissue samples for genomic sequencing.
- Isolated primary cells from whole blood using density gradient centrifugation.
- Isolated target proteins using affinity chromatography with a 98% yield.
Cultured
Grew microorganisms, cells, or tissues in controlled laboratory conditions.
- Cultured primary mammalian cell lines to support 3 concurrent oncology research projects.
- Cultured anaerobic bacteria in bioreactors, maintaining 100% sterility over 6 months.
- Cultured organoids for drug screening, reducing model generation time by 2 weeks.
Sequenced
Determined the order of components in a biological or chemical polymer.
- Sequenced genomic DNA from patient cohorts, identifying 3 novel mutations linked to disease progression.
- Sequenced 200 plasmid vectors to verify cloning fidelity prior to large-scale production.
- Sequenced metagenomic samples from soil, expanding the lab's microbial database by 15%.
Assayed
Examined a substance to determine its composition or quality.
- Assayed enzyme activity levels, establishing a baseline for the new metabolic study.
- Assayed blood samples for inflammatory markers using ELISA, processing 50 samples daily.
- Assayed drug concentrations in tissue homogenates to determine pharmacokinetic profiles.
Extracted
Removed or obtained a substance from another material using a solvent or process.
- Extracted high-quality DNA from archived blood samples, achieving a 98% purity rate.
- Extracted lipids from plant tissues using the Bligh-Dyer method for mass spectrometry.
- Extracted active pharmaceutical ingredients from raw materials, yielding 5g of product.
Centrifuged
Used centrifugal force to separate substances of different densities.
- Centrifuged 200+ blood samples daily to separate plasma for lipid profiling.
- Centrifuged cell suspensions to pellet debris, improving supernatant clarity for assays.
- Centrifuged density gradients to isolate specific lymphocyte populations.
Screened
Evaluated a large number of samples to identify those with specific properties.
- Screened a library of 10,000 small molecules to identify potential enzyme inhibitors.
- Screened patient biopsies for genetic markers, flagging 15% for further diagnostic testing.
- Screened hybridoma clones for antibody specificity, isolating 4 high-affinity lines.
Titrated
Determined the concentration of a substance by adding measured volumes.
- Titrated chemical reagents to precise molarities, reducing assay variance by 15%.
- Titrated antibody concentrations to optimize staining protocols for flow cytometry.
- Titrated acid samples to determine alkalinity, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
Research Leadership & Collaboration Verbs
Proving you can guide junior staff and work within cross-functional teams.
Supervised
Oversaw the work and safety of junior lab personnel.
- Supervised a team of 4 junior research assistants in daily lab operations and safety compliance.
- Supervised the undergraduate teaching lab, ensuring 200+ students followed proper sterile techniques.
- Supervised the transition to a new LIMS system across 3 departments.
Mentored
Guided less experienced researchers in their scientific career development.
- Mentored 3 undergraduate interns, guiding them through their first independent research projects.
- Mentored rotating medical residents on proper PCR and gel electrophoresis techniques.
- Mentored new hires on lab safety protocols, accelerating their onboarding time by 2 weeks.
Collaborated
Worked jointly with others on a research project or problem.
- Collaborated with the bioinformatics team to analyze 5TB of RNA-seq data.
- Collaborated with external clinical partners to source rare patient tissue samples.
- Collaborated with the chemistry department to design a novel drug delivery vehicle.
Directed
Managed and oversaw the operations of a lab or research project.
- Directed the daily operations of the molecular biology core facility, serving 50+ researchers.
- Directed a 2-year longitudinal study on neurodegeneration, staying 10% under budget.
- Directed the safety committee in updating the lab's chemical hygiene plan.
Spearheaded
Led a major research initiative or lab improvement project.
- Spearheaded the transition to a digital lab notebook system, improving data retrieval times by 40%.
- Spearheaded the validation of a new qPCR instrument, bringing it online 3 weeks ahead of schedule.
- Spearheaded a lab-wide energy conservation initiative, reducing utility costs by 12%.
Trained
Taught staff how to use equipment or perform specific protocols.
- Trained 15 lab members on the operation of the new flow cytometer.
- Trained veterinary staff on proper sample collection to reduce hemolysis rates.
- Trained incoming PhD candidates on advanced microscopic imaging techniques.
Liaised
Communicated between different research groups or departments.
- Liaised between the clinical team and the genomics core to prioritize urgent patient samples.
- Liaised with external vendors to secure high-priority chemical reagents during supply shortages.
- Liaised with the institutional review board (IRB) to ensure human subjects protocols were approved.
Guided
Directed or influenced the course of a research project.
- Guided the experimental design phase of the grant proposal, ensuring statistical power.
- Guided the lab through a sudden freezer failure, saving 80% of the irreplaceable sample archive.
- Guided cross-functional teams in adopting GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards.
Unified
Brought disparate lab groups or data sources together.
- Unified 3 separate research databases into a single searchable LIMS repository.
- Unified the efforts of the biology and chemistry teams for a joint grant submission.
- Unified inconsistent staining protocols across the lab, reducing inter-user variability.
Chaired
Acted as the head of a lab meeting or scientific committee.
- Chaired the weekly journal club, facilitating critical review of recent literature.
- Chaired the lab safety inspection committee, achieving a 100% compliance score.
- Chaired the symposium organizing committee, successfully hosting 200+ attendees.
Lab Management & Resource Verbs
Demonstrating inventory control, equipment maintenance, and grant optimization.
Optimized
Made a lab process or resource as effective and cost-efficient as possible.
- Optimized lab inventory management, reducing reagent waste by 25% annually.
- Optimized the PCR thermocycling protocol, reducing reagent volume and saving $500 per month.
- Optimized freezer storage organization, recovering 30 cubic feet of space.
Inventoried
Cataloged all lab supplies and equipment.
- Inventoried over $100k in lab equipment during the annual facility audit.
- Inventoried chemical stocks weekly, preventing over-ordering and minimizing expired reagents.
- Inventoried biological sample archives, digitizing 5,000 records into the LIMS.
Procured
Obtained equipment, supplies, or services for the laboratory.
- Procured a new mass spectrometer at a 15% discount through strategic vendor negotiation.
- Procured hard-to-find reagents from alternative suppliers during a global shortage.
- Procured a 3-year service contract for all lab centrifuges, saving $4,000 in repair costs.
Maintained
Kept lab equipment in good working condition.
- Maintained core lab equipment, preventing $20k in potential outsourcing costs.
- Maintained the liquid nitrogen supply for the cell repository, ensuring zero sample degradation.
- Maintained detailed service logs for all Class II biological safety cabinets.
Audited
Conducted an official inspection of lab records, safety, or inventory.
- Audited cold storage units monthly to ensure compliance and sample integrity.
- Audited chemical waste disposal logs, rectifying 3 compliance gaps before state inspection.
- Audited lab spending reports, identifying $2,000 in unauthorized purchases.
Conserved
Saved lab resources by using them carefully.
- Conserved $10,000 in grant funding by synthesizing custom primers in-house.
- Conserved precious patient samples by miniaturizing the assay volume to 96-well formats.
- Conserved bench space by consolidating and safely disposing of expired chemical stocks.
Allocated
Distributed lab funds, bench space, or personnel strategically.
- Allocated a $500k research grant across 4 distinct experimental phases.
- Allocated time on the shared confocal microscope fairly among 15 researchers.
- Allocated surplus budget to upgrade aging lab computers, improving data processing speeds.
Standardized
Established a single, uniform protocol for a lab task.
- Standardized the reagent ordering process, cutting administrative time by 5 hours weekly.
- Standardized the cell passaging protocol, reducing cross-contamination rates to zero.
- Standardized buffer preparations across the lab, eliminating inter-experiment variability.
Streamlined
Made a lab workflow more efficient and simple.
- Streamlined the sample processing workflow, increasing daily throughput by 30%.
- Streamlined the data entry process by integrating lab instruments directly with LIMS.
- Streamlined the chemical inventory checkout system using QR code scanning.
Maximized
Made the best possible use of lab resources or equipment time.
- Maximized the utility of existing lab space by reorganizing the cell culture suite.
- Maximized instrument uptime by scheduling preventative maintenance during off-peak hours.
- Maximized grant ROI by utilizing open-source software for data analysis instead of paid licenses.
Quality Control & Safety Verbs
Showing you can navigate lab hazards and ensure strict compliance.
Mitigated
Reduced the severity or impact of a lab hazard or experimental risk.
- Mitigated chemical exposure risks by implementing a strict fume hood usage protocol.
- Mitigated sample degradation risks by installing a backup generator for critical freezers.
- Mitigated cross-contamination risks by separating pre- and post-amplification workspaces.
Calibrated
Adjusted instruments to ensure accurate measurements.
- Calibrated pH meters and analytical balances daily to ensure 99.9% data accuracy.
- Calibrated the automated pipetting robot, reducing well-to-well variance to under 2%.
- Calibrated the HPLC system prior to each run, ensuring reliable compound separation.
Ensured
Made certain that lab standards or safety requirements were met.
- Ensured 100% compliance with OSHA and CDC biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) guidelines.
- Ensured all clinical trial samples were chain-of-custody documented.
- Ensured proper disposal of biohazardous waste according to state environmental regulations.
Troubleshot
Identified and fixed problems with equipment or protocols.
- Troubleshot recurring contamination in the cell culture incubator, saving 50 valuable samples.
- Troubleshot failed sequencing runs, identifying a faulty reagent lot as the root cause.
- Troubleshot the mass spectrometer's ion source, restoring functionality in 4 hours.
Validated
Proved that an assay or process produces reliable results.
- Validated new assay protocols, reducing the false-positive rate to under 2%.
- Validated the cleaning procedure for reusable lab glassware to eliminate carryover.
- Validated analytical methods for impurity testing in accordance with ICH guidelines.
Monitored
Kept track of lab conditions, experiments, or equipment health.
- Monitored lab temperature logs continuously to protect sensitive biological materials.
- Monitored cell growth curves daily to determine optimal harvest times.
- Monitored radioactive isotope usage, maintaining strict compliance with radiation safety standards.
Rectified
Fixed an error or resolved a compliance issue.
- Rectified a critical error in the database logging system, recovering 3 months of raw data.
- Rectified a chemical labeling inconsistency during a surprise safety audit.
- Rectified protocol deviations by retraining staff and updating the SOP documentation.
Averted
Prevented a lab disaster or sample loss from happening.
- Averted a potential freezer failure by proactively scheduling preventative maintenance.
- Averted a chemical spill hazard by properly segregating incompatible reagents.
- Averted cross-contamination by strictly enforcing pipette tip change policies.
Diagnosed
Identified the root cause of an equipment or experimental failure.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues with the centrifuge, preventing catastrophic sample loss.
- Diagnosed the cause of high background noise in Western blots as degraded antibodies.
- Diagnosed intermittent connectivity issues with the lab's LIMS server.
Enforced
Compelled observance of lab rules or safety protocols.
- Enforced PPE protocols, maintaining a zero-incident safety record over 2 years.
- Enforced strict access control to the BSL-3 facility, ensuring only authorized personnel entered.
- Enforced proper chemical waste disposal, avoiding potential EPA fines.
Data Analysis & Documentation Verbs
Proving you can process results and publish findings efficiently.
Analyzed
Examined data methodically to extract meaning or conclusions.
- Analyzed complex genomic datasets using Python and R, identifying 3 biomarker candidates.
- Analyzed flow cytometry data to isolate distinct immune cell populations.
- Analyzed statistical variance in clinical trial data to isolate effective treatments.
Documented
Recorded experimental procedures and results meticulously.
- Documented all experimental procedures in digital lab notebooks to ensure reproducibility.
- Documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for 15 new lab techniques.
- Documented equipment maintenance logs, ensuring audit-readiness at all times.
Compiled
Collected and assembled research data into a cohesive format.
- Compiled 5 years of longitudinal research data into a comprehensive final report.
- Compiled literature reviews for 3 grant proposals, summarizing 50+ scientific articles.
- Compiled monthly progress reports for the principal investigator and funding agency.
Modeled
Used computational or mathematical methods to represent biological systems.
- Modeled protein folding structures using computational software to predict binding sites.
- Modeled pharmacokinetic drug interactions to predict in vivo efficacy.
- Modeled population dynamics in ecological sample sites using statistical forecasting.
Published
Prepared and released research findings in scientific journals.
- Published 4 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact scientific journals.
- Published a first-author manuscript detailing a novel method for RNA extraction.
- Published findings on novel gene-editing applications in Nature Communications.
Presented
Delivered research findings to an audience of peers.
- Presented research findings at 3 international molecular biology conferences.
- Presented quarterly data updates to the steering committee and key stakeholders.
- Presented a poster session on novel oncology therapeutics to an audience of 200+ scientists.
Summarized
Briefly stated the main points of an experiment or dataset.
- Summarized weekly data outputs into actionable insights for the principal investigator.
- Summarized complex technical literature into layman's terms for grant review panels.
- Summarized patient clinical histories to contextualize lab diagnostic results.
Interpreted
Explained the meaning of experimental data or results.
- Interpreted mass spectrometry spectra to identify unknown chemical compounds.
- Interpreted microbiological culture results to assist physicians in patient diagnosis.
- Interpreted statistical trends to refine the next phase of the experimental design.
Quantified
Measured or expressed data in numerical terms.
- Quantified protein expression levels using Western blot densitometry analysis.
- Quantified viral load in patient plasma samples using RT-qPCR standard curves.
- Quantified the reduction in lab waste after implementing the new recycling protocol.
Cataloged
Entered sample or data information into an organized system.
- Cataloged 1,000+ biological samples into the central laboratory information system (LIMS).
- Cataloged chemical structures and their assay results into the institutional database.
- Cataloged historical lab data to create a searchable archive for future research.
50 Resume Bullet Point Examples
Real-world examples of how to use these verbs on your resume.
Experimentation & Protocol Execution
- Investigated the efficacy of novel compounds, resulting in a 20% reduction in bacterial growth.
- Synthesized 15 new organic compounds for pre-clinical trials using advanced chromatography techniques.
- Extracted high-quality DNA from archived blood samples, achieving a 98% purity rate.
- Cultured primary mammalian cell lines to support 3 concurrent oncology research projects.
- Sequenced genomic DNA from patient cohorts, identifying 3 novel mutations linked to disease progression.
- Assayed enzyme activity levels, establishing a baseline for the new metabolic study.
- Screened a library of 10,000 small molecules to identify potential enzyme inhibitors.
- Titrated chemical reagents to precise molarities, reducing assay variance by 15%.
- Centrifuged 200+ blood samples daily to separate plasma for lipid profiling.
- Isolated specific RNA sequences from 500+ tissue samples for downstream qPCR analysis.
Data Analysis & Findings
- Analyzed complex genomic datasets using Python and R, identifying 3 biomarker candidates.
- Quantified protein expression levels using Western blot densitometry analysis.
- Modeled protein folding structures using computational software to predict binding sites.
- Interpreted mass spectrometry spectra to identify unknown chemical compounds.
- Compiled 5 years of longitudinal research data into a comprehensive final report.
- Summarized weekly data outputs into actionable insights for the principal investigator.
- Published 4 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact scientific journals.
- Presented research findings at 3 international molecular biology conferences.
- Cataloged 1,000+ biological samples into the central laboratory information system (LIMS).
- Documented all experimental procedures in digital lab notebooks to ensure reproducibility.
Lab Management & Equipment Maintenance
- Optimized lab inventory management, reducing reagent waste by 25% annually.
- Procured a new mass spectrometer at a 15% discount through strategic vendor negotiation.
- Inventoried over $100k in lab equipment during the annual facility audit.
- Maintained core lab equipment, preventing $20k in potential outsourcing costs.
- Conserved $10,000 in grant funding by synthesizing custom primers in-house.
- Allocated a $500k research grant across 4 distinct experimental phases.
- Standardized the reagent ordering process, cutting administrative time by 5 hours weekly.
- Streamlined the sample processing workflow, increasing daily throughput by 30%.
- Maximized the utility of existing lab space by reorganizing the cell culture suite.
- Audited cold storage units monthly to ensure compliance and sample integrity.
Quality Control & Safety Compliance
- Calibrated pH meters and analytical balances daily to ensure 99.9% data accuracy.
- Mitigated chemical exposure risks by implementing a strict fume hood usage protocol.
- Ensured 100% compliance with OSHA and CDC biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) guidelines.
- Troubleshot recurring contamination in the cell culture incubator, saving 50 valuable samples.
- Validated new assay protocols, reducing the false-positive rate to under 2%.
- Monitored lab temperature logs continuously to protect sensitive biological materials.
- Rectified a critical error in the database logging system, recovering 3 months of raw data.
- Averted a potential freezer failure by proactively scheduling preventative maintenance.
- Diagnosed mechanical issues with the centrifuge, preventing catastrophic sample loss.
- Enforced PPE protocols, maintaining a zero-incident safety record over 2 years.
Research Leadership & Collaboration
- Supervised a team of 4 junior research assistants in daily lab operations and safety compliance.
- Mentored 3 undergraduate interns, guiding them through their first independent research projects.
- Collaborated with the bioinformatics team to analyze 5TB of RNA-seq data.
- Directed the daily operations of the molecular biology core facility, serving 50+ researchers.
- Spearheaded the transition to a digital lab notebook system, improving data retrieval times by 40%.
- Trained 15 lab members on the operation of the new flow cytometer.
- Liaised between the clinical team and the genomics core to prioritize urgent patient samples.
- Guided the experimental design phase of the grant proposal, ensuring statistical power.
- Unified 3 separate research databases into a single searchable LIMS repository.
- Chaired the weekly journal club, facilitating critical review of recent literature.
ATS Optimization Tips
How to ensure your action verbs actually reach human eyes.
Use Standard Section Headings
Don't get creative with titles like "Lab Journey" or "Research History." Stick to "Experience," "Education," and "Skills" so the ATS knows where to find your action verbs and scientific keywords.
Avoid Tables and Columns
ATS software reads left-to-right, top-to-bottom. If you put your action verbs in a side column or a table, the ATS might read them out of order or skip them entirely. Use a single-column layout.
Pair Verbs with Exact Keywords
Action verbs are great, but ATS looks for nouns too. Pair them: "Investigated qPCR assays using RT-PCR" is stronger than just "Investigated assays."
Save as a PDF or DOCX
Unless the application specifically asked for Word, save as a PDF to lock in your formatting. Ensure the PDF is text-based, not a scanned image, so the ATS can read your verbs and technical skills.
Professional Writing Tips
How to frame your bullet points for maximum impact.
Drop the Pronouns
Resumes use "implied first-person." Never use "I," "my," or "we." Start directly with the action verb.
❌ I analyzed the genomic data to find mutations.
✅ Analyzed the genomic data to identify 3 novel mutations.
Use the XYZ Formula
Google famously recommends this formula for resumes: "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]." Put your action verb at the very beginning of [Z].
✅ Achieved a 98% purity rate (X), measured by spectrophotometry (Y), by optimizing the RNA extraction protocol (Z).
Keep Tense Consistent
If you are describing a past lab role, every bullet point should start with a past-tense verb (Investigated, Calibrated, Analyzed). For your current job, use present tense for ongoing duties (Investigate, Calibrate, Analyze) and past tense for completed projects.
❌ Calibrated the HPLC in 2022. Run daily assays.
✅ Calibrated the HPLC in 2022. Run daily assays.
Don't Overinflate
Be honest about your role. If you only prepped buffers and labeled tubes, don't say you "Spearheaded" the research. Use accurate verbs like "Prepared," "Supported," or "Assisted." Hiring managers will dig into your claims during the interview.
LinkedIn Profile Examples
How to translate these verbs to your LinkedIn profile.
1. The LinkedIn Headline
Don't just write "Research Assistant." Use action-oriented language to show what you do and the value you bring.
Weak Headline:
Research Assistant at BioCorp
Strong Headlines:
Research Scientist | Investigating Novel Oncology Therapeutics | Synthesizing Targeted Compounds
Lab Technician Optimizing PCR Protocols & Calibrating Analytical Equipment
2. The "About" Section
Write in the first person here. Weave your action verbs into a narrative about your scientific philosophy.
"I am a research scientist specializing in molecular biology. Over the past 6 years, I have investigated cellular pathways and quantified protein expression in over 1,000 samples. My core strength is troubleshooting failing assays to ensure 99% data accuracy, ensuring I consistently publish reliable, reproducible findings in top-tier journals..."
3. The Experience Section
You can copy your resume bullet points directly here, but you don't need to be as strict about omitting "I". Still, starting with an action verb looks cleaner.
• Sequenced genomic DNA from patient cohorts, identifying 3 novel mutations linked to disease progression.
• Optimized lab inventory management, reducing reagent waste by 25% annually.
• Mitigated chemical exposure risks by implementing a strict fume hood usage protocol.
Common Resume Mistakes
Avoid these frequent pitfalls when writing your resume.
Responsible for running tests on samples.
✓ Executed qPCR assays to validate gene expression in 200 patient samples.
Explanation: "Responsible for" is passive and describes a duty, not an achievement. Use strong action verbs to show what you actually did.
Tip: Highlight the specific technique and outcome, not just the job description.
Helped with the cancer research project.
✓ Contributed to an NIH-funded study by isolating 50 protein complexes for analysis.
Explanation: "Helped with" is a weak verb that diminishes your contribution. It leaves hiring managers wondering how much you actually did.
Tip: Use words like Contributed, Supported, or Investigated.
Worked on improving the lab protocol.
✓ Optimized the RNA extraction protocol, increasing yield by 30% and reducing contamination.
Explanation: "Worked on" is vague and lacks metrics. It doesn't tell the recruiter if you succeeded or failed.
Tip: Always attach a quantifiable metric to your action verb.
Was tasked with looking after the lab equipment.
✓ Calibrated and maintained $500k worth of analytical lab equipment, ensuring 99% uptime.
Explanation: "Was tasked with" sounds like you were forced to do it. It lacks ownership and scientific rigor.
Tip: Use authoritative verbs like Calibrated, Maintained, or Audited.
Did experiments to find new drugs.
✓ Screened a library of 10,000 small molecules, identifying 3 potential enzyme inhibitors.
Explanation: "Did experiments" is unprofessional and unquantified. Use precise scientific language and exact numbers.
Tip: Use terms like Screened, Assayed, or Investigated.
Assisted the PI with data.
✓ Analyzed complex genomic datasets using Python, identifying 3 novel biomarkers.
Explanation: "Assisted" makes you sound like an observer rather than an active researcher. Even if you were junior, own your specific contribution.
Tip: Use Analyzed, Compiled, or Quantified.
Handled safety checks in the lab.
✓ Audited BSL-2 safety protocols, ensuring 100% compliance with OSHA standards.
Explanation: "Handled" is overly casual for a science resume. It fails to show strategic understanding of lab safety.
Tip: Use Audited, Enforced, or Ensured.
Put together the lab reports.
✓ Authored comprehensive final reports detailing 5 years of longitudinal research data.
Explanation: "Put together" is a colloquial phrasal verb. Resumes require formal, professional terminology.
Tip: Use Authored, Compiled, or Documented.
Looked after the cell cultures.
✓ Cultured and expanded 15 primary mammalian cell lines for downstream assays.
Explanation: "Looked after" is passive and imprecise. "Cultured" is the exact scientific term, showing specific technical skill.
Tip: Use precise technical verbs like Cultured, Passaged, or Maintained.
Made sure the tests were accurate.
✓ Validated new assay protocols, reducing the false-positive rate to under 2%.
Explanation: "Made sure" is subjective and immeasurable. Use specific quality metrics and formal verbs.
Tip: Use Validated, Verified, or Calibrated.
Correct vs. Incorrect Examples
Before and after resume bullet points.
Weak / Passive
Responsible for testing blood samples.
Strong / Active
Assayed 200+ blood samples daily to detect inflammatory markers using ELISA.
Weak / Passive
Worked with the team on the experiment.
Strong / Active
Collaborated with 5 researchers to execute a 6-month longitudinal study on neurodegeneration.
Weak / Passive
Helped with the data analysis.
Strong / Active
Analyzed complex genomic datasets using R, identifying 3 novel biomarker candidates.
Weak / Passive
In charge of lab safety.
Strong / Active
Enforced BSL-2 safety protocols, maintaining a zero-incident safety record over 3 years.
Weak / Passive
Talked to other scientists about results.
Strong / Active
Presented research findings at the annual genomics conference to an audience of 200+ peers.
Weak / Passive
Made the lab run faster.
Strong / Active
Streamlined the sample processing workflow, increasing daily throughput by 40%.
Weak / Passive
Looked after the chemical inventory.
Strong / Active
Procured and managed $50k in specialized chemical reagents, optimizing inventory levels.
Weak / Passive
Changed the experiment because it failed.
Strong / Active
Troubleshot and redesigned the assay protocol, reducing contamination rates to zero.
Weak / Passive
Dealt with broken equipment.
Strong / Active
Diagnosed and repaired the centrifuge, preventing $2,000 in outsourcing costs.
Weak / Passive
Did training for the new lab techs.
Strong / Active
Mentored 4 junior technicians on sterile techniques and qPCR best practices.
🎮 Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these interactive questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Why are action verbs so important on a Laboratory and Research Science resume?
Action verbs demonstrate precision and ownership. In science, passively describing that you 'were responsible for' an experiment doesn't prove you achieved results. Verbs like 'Investigated' or 'Synthesized' show you actively drove the research forward.
Should I use the same action verb multiple times on my resume?
It's best to avoid repeating the same verb in close proximity. If you used 'Analyzed' in one bullet point, use 'Quantified' or 'Evaluated' in the next. Variety keeps the reader engaged and shows off a broader technical vocabulary.
What tense should action verbs be in?
For past lab roles, use the past tense (e.g., Investigated, Calibrated, Published). For your current job, use the present tense for ongoing duties (e.g., Investigate, Calibrate, Publish) and past tense for completed projects within that role.
How many action verbs should I use per bullet point?
Typically, one strong action verb per bullet point. The formula is: [Action Verb] + [Technique/Task] + [Metric/Result]. For example: 'Extracted DNA from 200 samples, achieving 98% purity.'
Will using these action verbs help me get past ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)?
Yes. ATS software scans resumes for specific keywords. While it mainly looks for hard skills (like 'PCR' or 'HPLC'), using strong science action verbs alongside those skills ensures your resume reads as a highly relevant match for research roles.
Is it okay to use 'Tested' on a science resume?
Yes, but it is very generic. 'Tested' doesn't tell the recruiter how you tested something. It's better to use more descriptive verbs like 'Assayed,' 'Screened,' or 'Validated' to stand out from other applicants.
What if I wasn't the lead researcher, but just a lab assistant? Can I still use strong verbs?
Absolutely. If you didn't lead the whole study, you still executed parts of it. Use verbs like 'Contributed,' 'Processed,' 'Prepared,' or 'Analyzed' to accurately describe your specific contribution without overstating your role.
Should I include metrics and numbers with my action verbs?
Yes. An action verb without a metric is just a claim. 'Optimized lab protocols' is okay. 'Optimized lab protocols, reducing assay time by 20%' is a proven achievement. Always try to quantify your impact.
What is the difference between a weak verb and a strong verb?
A weak verb describes a state of being or a passive duty (e.g., 'was,' 'had,' 'helped,' 'worked'). A strong verb shows a specific, decisive action that resulted in a change (e.g., 'Investigated,' 'Calibrated,' 'Published').
Can I use these action verbs in my LinkedIn profile?
Yes, your LinkedIn profile is an extension of your resume. Using these strong science action verbs in your LinkedIn 'Experience' section will make your profile more attractive to recruiters searching for laboratory and research talent.
Quick Reference
A cheat sheet for your resume writing.
Formula: [Action Verb] + [Experiment/Task] + [Metric/Result]
Find words exactly how you need them
Explore our extensive dictionary using different filters and categories.