Biotech CV Example
A biotech CV showcases your ability to apply biological science and technology to develop innovative products and processes.
Recommended template: FreshPro
Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Highlight experience with scale-up from bench to pilot or manufacturing scale.
- Include any patents or intellectual property contributions.
- Detail your understanding of regulatory frameworks such as FDA or EMA guidelines.
- Showcase cross-functional collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Biotech CV
A biotech CV must demonstrate your ability to apply biological science within a commercially driven or regulated environment. Employers in the biotech and biopharmaceutical sectors want to see that you can develop robust processes, work within GMP frameworks, and collaborate across multiple functions. Your CV should highlight specific platforms, scale-up experience, and regulatory awareness alongside your core scientific skills.
CV Structure
Adopt a reverse-chronological format with sections for your profile, experience, education, technical skills, and patents or publications. Each role should describe the organisation, the therapeutic modality or product type, and your specific responsibilities. Follow with achievements that demonstrate process improvements, regulatory contributions, or commercial impact. Keep the CV to two pages unless you have an extensive patent or publication list.
CV Format
Select a clean, corporate-style template that reflects the professional nature of the biotech industry. Use clear headings for each section and consistent bullet point formatting. Avoid academic-style CVs with excessive publication detail — industry recruiters prefer concise, results-focused documents. Save as a PDF for submission.
CV Profile Examples
Senior Biotech Scientist
Biotech scientist with ten years of experience in cell line development, upstream bioprocessing, and technology transfer for monoclonal antibody production. Skilled in CHO cell culture, bioreactor operation at scales from 2L to 2,000L, and process characterisation under GMP conditions. Named inventor on two patents and a key contributor to three successful BLA submissions.
Bioprocess Development Scientist
Process-focused biotechnologist specialising in upstream fermentation and downstream purification of recombinant biologics. Experienced in Design of Experiments, process analytical technology, and scale-up from lab bench to pilot plant. Strong collaborator who thrives in cross-functional teams spanning R&D, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
Early-Career Biotech Professional
Motivated biotech graduate with a Master's degree in biotechnology and one year of industry experience in a contract manufacturing organisation. Proficient in mammalian cell culture, protein purification using AKTA systems, and analytical release testing. Eager to develop within a dynamic biotech company and contribute to the development of next-generation biological therapies.
Summarise your specialism, years of experience, key platforms, and a headline achievement. Mention the type of products you have worked on — monoclonal antibodies, cell therapies, gene therapies — and the regulatory environment you are familiar with.
Key Skills for Your Biotech CV
Cell Culture
Growing and maintaining mammalian, insect, and microbial cells for recombinant protein and biologics production at various scales.
Genetic Engineering
Constructing and optimising expression systems using molecular biology techniques including transfection, selection, and clone screening.
Fermentation Technology
Operating and monitoring bioreactors for microbial and mammalian cell cultivation in batch, fed-batch, and perfusion modes.
Downstream Processing
Purifying biological products through chromatography, filtration, and centrifugation to achieve required purity and yield targets.
GMP Compliance
Working within Good Manufacturing Practice frameworks to ensure product quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance in production environments.
Bioprocess Development
Designing, optimising, and scaling up biological manufacturing processes from laboratory bench to pilot and commercial scales.
Regulatory Affairs
Preparing process development sections for regulatory submissions and understanding FDA, EMA, and MHRA expectations for biologics.
CRISPR
Applying CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology for cell line engineering, gene knockout, and functional genomics studies.
Protein Expression
Producing recombinant proteins using bacterial, yeast, insect, and mammalian expression platforms for research and therapeutic applications.
Work Experience Examples
Describe the product type and development stage, the specific processes you developed or operated, and the scale you worked at. Quantify improvements in titre, yield, purity, or timeline. Include contributions to technology transfers, regulatory submissions, or patent applications as these demonstrate high-value impact.
Senior Scientist — Upstream Process Development
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham
Led upstream process development activities for multiple client biologics programmes, from cell line selection through to pilot-scale manufacturing runs.
Responsibilities
- Developed and optimised fed-batch and perfusion cell culture processes for CHO and HEK293 expression systems using ambr250 and bench-scale bioreactors.
- Designed and executed DoE studies to identify critical process parameters and establish design spaces for regulatory filings.
- Authored technology transfer documents and provided technical support during process scale-up to 200L and 2,000L manufacturing bioreactors.
- Collaborated with analytical development and quality teams to define in-process controls and product release specifications.
- Presented process development data at client review meetings and prepared sections for IND and BLA regulatory submissions.
Achievements
- Increased CHO cell culture titre by 65% for a key client programme through media optimisation and feeding strategy refinement, contributing to a £4M contract extension.
- Led the successful technology transfer of three upstream processes from development to GMP manufacturing with zero major deviations.
- Co-invented a novel cell retention device for perfusion culture, resulting in a patent application filed in collaboration with the engineering team.
Bioprocess Scientist
MedImmune (AstraZeneca Biologics), Cambridge
Supported downstream process development for monoclonal antibody and bispecific antibody candidates within the early-stage biologics pipeline.
Responsibilities
- Performed chromatographic purification using Protein A, ion exchange, and mixed-mode resins at bench and pilot scale.
- Conducted viral clearance validation studies including low pH inactivation and nanofiltration in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
- Analysed process intermediates and final products using SEC-HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and host cell protein ELISA.
- Maintained batch records and deviation reports in compliance with GMP documentation standards.
Achievements
- Developed a single-step polishing chromatography method that replaced a two-step process, reducing purification time by 30% and buffer consumption by 45%.
- Contributed downstream process data to two successful IND filings, enabling clinical trials for novel antibody candidates.
Education & Qualifications
List your highest qualification first. A PhD in biochemistry, biotechnology, or bioprocess engineering is common but not essential for all roles. Include relevant master's and bachelor's degrees. Mention any industrial placements or sandwich years as these are highly valued in biotech recruitment.
PhD in Biotechnology or Bioprocess Engineering
Doctoral qualification demonstrating advanced research skills in developing biological products or processes.
RSC or RSB Membership
Professional society membership indicating commitment to scientific standards and continuing professional development.
GMP Training Certificate
Formal training in Good Manufacturing Practice principles required for roles in regulated biologics production.
Six Sigma Green Belt
Process improvement certification valued in manufacturing-focused biotech roles for reducing variability and waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a biotech CV focus on?
How do I show scale-up experience on a biotech CV?
Should I mention patents on my biotech CV?
How important is GMP experience for biotech roles?
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