Research Scientist resume skills and keywords
In 487 Research Scientist job postings from 212 employers analysed on October 23, 2026, the most requested skills are Communication (55 %), Publication (38 %), Machine learning (32 %), Collaboration (31 %) and Python (31 %). Of the top 40 skills, 30 are hard skills, tools or certifications and 10 are soft skills.
Download the full list as a CSV or check your own resume against a posting with the free keyword scanner.
Top 40 skills in Research Scientist job postings
| Skill | Share of postings | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 55 % | Soft skill |
| Publication | 38 % | Hard skill |
| Machine learning | 32 % | Hard skill |
| Collaboration | 31 % | Soft skill |
| Python | 31 % | Tool |
| Problem Solving | 22 % | Soft skill |
| Mentoring | 21 % | Soft skill |
| Leadership | 21 % | Soft skill |
| Biochemistry | 19 % | Hard skill |
| PyTorch | 18 % | Tool |
| Data Analysis | 18 % | Hard skill |
| Troubleshooting | 18 % | Hard skill |
| Molecular Biology | 18 % | Hard skill |
| Attention to detail | 16 % | Soft skill |
| SOPs | 16 % | Hard skill |
| Robotics | 15 % | Hard skill |
| Algorithms | 15 % | Hard skill |
| LLMs | 15 % | Tool |
| Deep learning | 15 % | Hard skill |
| Decision making | 11 % | Soft skill |
| Interpretation | 10 % | Hard skill |
| Computer vision | 9 % | Hard skill |
| Experimentation | 9 % | Hard skill |
| Artificial Intelligence | 9 % | Hard skill |
| Research and Development | 9 % | Hard skill |
| Cell culture | 9 % | Hard skill |
| Formulation | 9 % | Hard skill |
| HPLC | 9 % | Hard skill |
| Creativity | 8 % | Soft skill |
| Generative AI | 8 % | Tool |
| R (programming) | 8 % | Tool |
| Bioinformatics | 8 % | Hard skill |
| GLP | 8 % | Hard skill |
| Interpersonal skills | 8 % | Soft skill |
| Product development | 7 % | Hard skill |
| GMP | 7 % | Hard skill |
| Quality control | 7 % | Hard skill |
| Flexibility | 7 % | Soft skill |
| Logistics | 7 % | Hard skill |
| Drug Development | 7 % | Hard skill |
Hard skills vs soft skills vs tools and certifications
Hard skills (25)
- Publication 38 %
- Machine learning 32 %
- Biochemistry 19 %
- Data Analysis 18 %
- Troubleshooting 18 %
- Molecular Biology 18 %
- SOPs 16 %
- Robotics 15 %
- Algorithms 15 %
- Deep learning 15 %
- Interpretation 10 %
- Computer vision 9 %
- Experimentation 9 %
- Artificial Intelligence 9 %
- Research and Development 9 %
- Cell culture 9 %
- Formulation 9 %
- HPLC 9 %
- Bioinformatics 8 %
- GLP 8 %
- Product development 7 %
- GMP 7 %
- Quality control 7 %
- Logistics 7 %
- Drug Development 7 %
Soft skills (10)
- Communication 55 %
- Collaboration 31 %
- Problem Solving 22 %
- Mentoring 21 %
- Leadership 21 %
- Attention to detail 16 %
- Decision making 11 %
- Creativity 8 %
- Interpersonal skills 8 %
- Flexibility 7 %
Tools and software (5)
- Python 31 %
- PyTorch 18 %
- LLMs 15 %
- Generative AI 8 %
- R (programming) 8 %
Keyword phrases recruiters use
Multi-word phrases that recur across these research scientist postings, with the share of postings that use each one.
How to use this on your resume
Treat the table as a checklist, not a script. Put the skills you genuinely have in your skills section, using the same wording as the posting, and back the top ones with a bullet that shows the result.
Each job posting differs from the average, so compare your resume with the actual ad: paste it into the resume keyword scanner to see which terms you already have and which are missing. The ATS keywords guide explains where to place them so applicant tracking systems read them.
Skip any skill you cannot talk about in an interview; a keyword that falls apart under one question costs more than it gains. For a full layout with these skills in context, see the Research Scientist resume example. Then prepare for the Research Scientist interview questions that test them.
Build a research scientist resume with these skills
Start in the editor, tailor your bullets to the job you want and download an ATS-friendly resume.