This guide provides actionable strategies for biologists at any career stage: undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, industry professionals, and educators. Beyond bench skills, employers and academic institutions value:
Save this page as a PDF. Print the checklist. Begin. License: This guide is free to copy, distribute, and adapt under CC BY-NC 4.0. Please attribute to “Biology PD Collaborative.” To save as a PDF: Copy the entire text above → Paste into Microsoft Word or Google Docs → Select File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf) . This guide provides actionable strategies for biologists at
| | Key Skills | |--------------|----------------| | Technical | PCR, flow cytometry, CRISPR, aseptic technique, histology | | Computational | R, Python, Bioconductor, UNIX, GIS, statistical modeling | | Data Literacy | Experimental design, image analysis, big data interpretation | | Soft Skills | Scientific writing, grant preparation, public speaking, teamwork | | Compliance | Biosafety (BSL-2/3), IACUC, GDPR/IRB, GLP/GCP | Strategy: Perform a skills audit every 6 months. Rate your proficiency (1–5) in 10 key skills and identify your top 3 gaps. Section 2: Mapping Your Career Trajectory Biology offers diverse pathways. Align PD activities with your target sector. histology | | Computational | R