PhD/Postdoc Sample Resumes

PhDs and postdocs can use this page to explore sample resumes tailored to different disciplines and career paths. These examples show how to present research, teaching, leadership, and professional experience for roles in consulting, higher education, public health, industry, and more, and can help you structure and customize your own resume.

Your academic background, work experience, and professional story are unique, and your resume should reflect that! Use these samples as a reference for resume structure, section order, and language to describe your accomplishments, rather than copying any one document exactly. For detailed guidance, review our Resume Guide for Graduate Students & Postdocs and schedule a career advising appointment to get personalized feedback on your resume on Handshake.

Click here for FAQs on resumes for PhDs and postdocs

Table of Contents for Sample Resumes for PhDs and Postdocs

Click on the image below to open a full-size pdf of the sample.

Consulting PhD/Postdoc Resume (1 page) 

This one-page sample from an Engineering PhD shows how to translate research expertise, analytical skills, and project leadership into language that resonates with consulting firms. It demonstrates how to summarize complex academic experience in a concise, business-focused format suitable for most consulting applications.

Social Science PhD/Postdoc Resume (1 page) 

This sample, based on an Anthropology PhD, emphasizes clear storytelling and transferable skills such as qualitative research, communication, and stakeholder engagement for roles beyond academia. It offers an example of how to keep a one-page resume focused and readable while highlighting impact.

Social Scientist and Public Health Researcher PhD/Postdoc Resume (2 pages) 

This sample from an Annenberg PhD illustrates how to balance research accomplishments, technical expertise, publications, and professional experience in a format suitable for research-intensive and applied public health roles. It provides an example of when a two-page resume may be appropriate. 

Humanities PhD/Postdoc Resume for Higher Education Roles (2 Pages) 

This two-page resume from a Humanities postdoc showcases their experience for careers in higher education. It highlights ways to connect academic accomplishments to institutional and student-focused impact derived from teaching, program development, advising, and administrative experience.

Life Sciences PhD/Postdoc Resume (2 Pages) 

This two-page resume from a postdoc in the life sciences demonstrates the effective presentation of research expertise, laboratory skills, publications, and collaborative contributions. It offers strategies for communicating scientific accomplishments to both academic and industry audiences. 

Engineering PhD/Postdoc Resume (2 Pages) 

This two-page resume from a Bioengineering PhD is an example of showcasing technical expertise, research achievements, project management experience, and industry-relevant skills. It demonstrates an effective balance between technical depth and professional impact for a range of engineering opportunities. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is a resume different from a CV?
    Resumes are generally more concise and are tailored to the role you are applying for. They emphasize the relevant experiences and skills you have for that specific position. CVs are much more comprehensive and encompass all of your academic and professional experience, regardless of relevancy to the position. The samples above are tailored to specific job roles, with an emphasis on transferable skills and concise descriptions of experience, as opposed to the comprehensive academic CVs used for faculty positions.
  • How long should a resume be for PhD students and postdocs?
    PhD students and postdocs can most often use a two-page resume, especially when applying for research-intensive or specialized roles. Two pages is common and acceptable when the content is relevant and well organized. Prioritize quality over fitting everything onto one page. But note that some employers, such as consulting firms, prefer a one-page resume.
  • I heard that consulting firms want a one-page resume. Is this true?
    Yes, this is true. The vast majority of consulting firms prefer a concise, one-page resume.
  • Should I include publications on my resume?
    While dependent on the field, it is common to include some of your publications on a resume. You might title this section “Selected Publications (xx/xx)”, in which you share your total number of publications but only include the most relevant or significant ones.
  • How much technical detail should I include?
    Include enough detail to show expertise, but avoid discipline-specific jargon unless applying to highly technical roles.
  • How can I get feedback on my resume at Penn?
    Graduate students and postdocs can schedule individual appointments with Penn Career Services through Handshake to review resumes, cover letters, and other application materials.