Our CV templates provide a clean, professional design focused on clarity and readability. Ideal for academic roles, they help you efficiently highlight your research, qualifications, and experience. Create a professional academic curriculum vitae in no time, designed to impress recruiters and academic institutions. Start building your academic CV today.

Create my academic CV
pro tip

Explore our other CV templates to enhance your job search and create an application that makes a lasting impression on potential employers:

Free academic CV sample

Create your academic CV with our free template, designed to meet UK standards. Whether this is your first CV or you’re updating your academic curriculum vitae, this easy-to-use format ensures your qualifications, experience, and skills are presented clearly and professionally. Customise it to create an academic CV that stands out to universities and recruiters.

Mark Rice
52 Park Row
Edinburgh, EH2 0YR
07912 345678
mark.rice@example.co.uk

Personal Statement

A dedicated and passionate psychology professional with a deep interest in teaching and research. With a background in cognitive psychology, extensive experience as a teaching assistant, and several peer-reviewed publications, I aim to foster a positive and engaging learning environment. My expertise spans research methodology, behavioural psychology, and psychological assessment, and I am committed to contributing to both the academic community and the development of students at higher education institutions.

Education

PhD in Psychology
University of Leeds | September 2017 – September 2021

  • Thesis: Cognitive Biases in Decision-Making: An Exploration of the Influence of Emotional States on Judgement and Risk Perception
  • Supervisor: Dr. John Smith
  • Key Modules: Advanced Research Methods, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychometrics

Master of Science in Psychology (MSc)
University of Manchester | September 2015 – September 2017

  • Dissertation: The Role of Memory and Attention in Children’s Social Development
  • Key Modules: Child Development, Neuropsychology, Research Design

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSc)
University of Birmingham | September 2012 – June 2015

  • 2:1 Honours
  • Key Modules: Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Research Methods

Research Experience

Research Assistant
University of Leeds | October 2019 – June 2021

  • Collaborated with Dr. John Smith in a study on cognitive biases and decision-making in high-stakes situations.
  • Conducted data collection analysis using SPSS and literature reviews.
  • Co-authored a paper published in The Journal of Cognitive Psychology.

Research Assistant
University of Manchester | September 2016 – June 2017

  • Assisted in the development of experimental designs for memory studies in young adults.
  • Managed participant recruitment, data collection, and statistical analysis.
  • Contributed to the development of a conference presentation for the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Teaching Experience

Teaching Assistant (TA)
University of Leeds | September 2018 – June 2021

  • Led weekly seminars in cognitive psychology and research methods for undergraduate students.
  • Assisted in grading and providing feedback on coursework, essays, and presentations.
  • Supported faculty members during laboratory sessions and supervised practical assessments.
  • Organised additional study sessions to support students’ academic development.

Teaching Assistant (TA)
University of Manchester | September 2015 – June 2017

  • Assisted in introductory psychology courses, facilitating group discussions and lab work.
  • Developed and maintained learning resources for first-year students.
  • Participated in curriculum design meetings and reviewed course content to ensure it met the learning objectives.

Publications

  • Smith, J., & Mark Rice. (2021). Cognitive biases in decision-making: Emotional states and their impact on risk perception. Journal of Cognitive Psychology, 45(3), 217-230.
  • Mark Rice, & Thompson, R. (2017). The role of memory in social development in children: A longitudinal study. Developmental Psychology, 53(6), 1105-1119.

Conference Presentations

“The Impact of Emotional States on Risk Perception in Decision-Making”
British Psychological Society Annual Conference | March 2021

“Memory and Attention in Children’s Social Development”
International Conference on Child Development | July 2017

Professional Affiliations

  • Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
  • Member of the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD)
  • Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Skills

  • Advanced knowledge of research methods and statistical analysis (SPSS, R)
  • Expertise in cognitive psychology and developmental psychology
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficient in creating and delivering engaging lectures and seminars
  • Skilled in curriculum design and educational technology (Moodle, PowerPoint, Zoom)
  • Strong ability to mentor and support students in academic development
  • Ability to write research papers and reports for academic publication

Awards & Achievements

  • Best Paper Award, British Psychological Society Annual Conference (2021)
  • Dean’s List, University of Leeds (2019-2021)
  • Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Manchester (2017)

References

Available upon request.

CopyCreate my Academic CV

Create an academic CV template in minutes

Look no further than the images below for a selection of academic CV templates. These samples will be a good starting point in helping you create your academic curriculum vitae.

Unsure of how to structure your CV? Our CV format guide provides clear instructions to ensure your CV stands out and helps you secure that next opportunity. Start building your academic CV today.

How to write an academic CV

Creating an academic CV is essential when applying for higher education or research positions. Unlike a standard CV, an academic curriculum vitae (CV) includes additional sections that focus on your academic achievements, research, teaching experience, and contributions to your field. As a result, your academic CV will typically extend beyond the usual one-page format. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a strong CV that showcases your qualifications and experience.

how to write an academic cv

STEP 1

Start with your personal information

Your CV should begin with your full name, contact details (address, phone number, and professional email), and links to your professional online profiles (such as LinkedIn or a personal academic webpage). Ensure your contact information is up-to-date, easy to find and error-free. You don’t want to miss a potential interview because of a wrong phone number or email address. 

STEP 2

Write your personal statement

While not always required, a brief personal statement can be a great way to introduce yourself to the reader. In this section, you should provide a snapshot of your academic background, research interests, work experience and what you bring to the institution. Keep it concise (3-4 sentences) and tailored to the position you’re applying for.

STEP 3

List your education and academic qualifications

The education section is the most important part of an academic CV. It should include your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent qualification. Include the institution’s name, degree title, dates of study, and any notable achievements such as dissertation topics, scholarships, or academic honours. If you have completed postgraduate study or relevant research projects, make sure to highlight them here.

Example:

PhD in Clinical Psychology
University of Oxford | 2018 – 2022

  • Thesis: The Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy in Treating Depression in Adolescents
  • Awarded: Best Thesis Award, 2022
STEP 4

Detail your research or professional experience

As an academic, research is often the focal point of your career. Include any significant research projects you’ve been involved in, detailing your role, research objectives, methodologies, and outcomes. If you’ve published research or presented your findings at conferences, mention these accomplishments in this section. If applicable, list any relevant work experience outside of teaching or research, particularly if it supports your academic career. 

STEP 5

Include your publications and presentations

Academic CVs often feature a section dedicated to publications and conference presentations. List your articles, books, chapters, and papers in peer-reviewed journals. Include the full citation (authors, title, journal/book name, and year). If you have presented research at academic conferences, include these as well.

STEP 6

Add any additional skills and training

The skills section of your academic CV should include your technical skills, soft skills, and any specialised training relevant to your academic career. This could include teaching certifications, research grants, or additional training supporting your academic profile.

STEP 7

Provide references

In academia, references play a significant role in validating your experience. List the names and contact details of academic mentors, supervisors, or colleagues who can speak to your qualifications, research, and teaching abilities. Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference.

STEP 8

Proofread and check for errors

Once you’ve completed your academic CV, carefully proofread it for any grammatical, spelling, or formatting errors. An academic CV must be flawless, as mistakes can leave a poor impression on recruiters or academic committees. Ensuring your CV is error-free demonstrates your attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to high academic standards.

Create my academic CV

Academic CV templates and examples

Are you looking to create a standout academic CV? Explore our professionally designed academic curriculum vitae templates and CV examples below, tailored for roles in higher education, research, and academia. Use them as inspiration to create your own CV to help you make a strong impression on university recruiters and academic institutions.

Environmental science researcher template

Create my CVacademic cv examples

This academic CV format for an environmental science researcher is tailored to showcase your expertise in environmental research, data analysis, and sustainability practices. By emphasising your experience with field studies, lab research, environmental assessments, and scientific publications, this template ensures your qualifications stand out to academic institutions, research organisations, and environmental consultancy firms.

Related

Assistant professor CV template

Create my CVcv academic

This academic CV format for an assistant professor is designed to highlight your academic qualifications, research expertise, and teaching experience. It focuses on your academic achievements and relevant work experience while emphasising your teaching skills. By showcasing your contributions to research and education, this template ensures your CV reflects your suitability for an assistant professor position in any academic institution.

Related

 

Academic CV template for psychology research assistant

Create my CVacademic cv layout

This academic CV format for a psychology research assistant is tailored to effectively present your academic background, research skills, and hands-on experience in psychology. Highlighting key areas such as data collection, statistical analysis, literature reviews, and laboratory work, this template ensures your research experience and technical expertise stand out to potential academic employers.

Related

What makes our CV builder your top option?

Intuitive

 Our academic CV builder has been designed to simplify the process of creating a professional and detailed academic profile. With ease of use in mind, the tool enables you to effortlessly generate a comprehensive CV without the need for technical expertise. The user-friendly interface guides you through each section, ensuring your academic achievements are clearly and effectively showcased.

simple cv basic template

Customisable

We recognise the importance of personalising your academic CV to reflect your specific research, teaching, and scholarly contributions. Our platform offers a variety of templates and customisation options, allowing you to adjust everything from formatting to section organisation. Whether it’s tweaking the layout, selecting professional fonts, or emphasising key achievements, you have full control to tailor your CV to meet your needs.

cv format for job

Quick

Our CV builder helps you move past a blank page by providing structured templates and expertly crafted example content specifically designed for academic professionals. With helpful tips at every stage, you can quickly and easily populate your CV with relevant information—from publications and teaching experience to research projects and academic awards—ensuring your CV is both comprehensive and impressive.

how do you layout a cv
Create my academic CV

Academic CV vs employment CV: What’s the difference?

When creating a CV, the format and content will differ depending on whether you’re applying for an academic or non-academic role. Understanding the key differences between an academic CV and an employment CV can help you tailor your application to suit the expectations of the respective industries.

Focus on education and research vs work experience

An academic CV strongly emphasises your education, research experience, and academic achievements. Sections like publications, research projects, conferences, and teaching experience take precedence. In contrast, an employment CV (or standard CV) generally focuses more on work experience, skills, and professional achievements. An academic CV may detail specific research contributions, but an employment CV prioritises relevant work experience and practical skills that match the job description.

Differences in CV length

How long should a CV be? That will depend on the type of CV you use. Academic CVs are typically longer than employment CVs. While an employment CV is generally one to two pages, an academic CV can extend to several pages, particularly if you have a long list of publications, research, or teaching experience. The length of an academic CV allows you to include detailed information about your academic background and accomplishments, while an employment CV is more concise, providing a snapshot of your skills and work history.

CV structure and sections

An academic CV usually has extra sections dedicated to research interests, publications, grants, and academic awards. For example, you may list any peer-reviewed journal articles, books, or book chapters you have authored or co-authored. You may also include any academic projects, fellowships, or collaborations and have a section for references. In contrast, an employment CV tends to focus on sections like work experience, skills and professional qualifications. While academic CVs often showcase a career in academia or research, employment CVs focus more on transferable skills that align with the specific role.

Purpose and audience

An academic CV is primarily aimed at securing roles within academia, research institutions, or education sectors, where your academic credentials, research history, and teaching experience are the focal points. On the other hand, an employment CV is used when applying for roles in the private or public sectors, where your practical experience, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet industry-specific challenges are more relevant.

In summary, the main differences between an academic CV and an employment CV lie in their focus, length, and structure. By understanding these differences, you can ensure that your CV aligns with the expectations of the role you’re applying for, increasing your chances of success.

 Employment CVAcademic CV
PurposeUsed for job applications across most industriesUsed for academic and research roles
Length1-2 pages3-5+ pages
Content focusWork experience, skills, and qualifications

Academic background, research, publications, teaching

LocationCommon in the UK and EuropeUsed globally for academic and research roles
When to useNon-academic roles across various sectorsAcademic, research, or university positions
ReferencesNot necessaryAlways included
Create my academic CV

Dos and Don’ts for an academic CV format

DO

  • Review academic CV examples

    Look at various CV examples to gain inspiration for structure, layout, and style. Analyse how key information is organised, such as education, research, and publications. Understanding how successful candidates present their achievements will help you design a CV that meets academic expectations.

  • Tailor your CV to the specific academic role.

    Adjust your CV for the particular academic position you’re applying for, ensuring it aligns with the job description. Highlight relevant skills, such as teaching experience, research expertise, or academic service, depending on the focus of the role (e.g., teaching-focused vs. research-focused positions).

  • Highlight your publications and research work.

    For an academic CV, publications are a key area to focus on. List your most notable publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, books, or conference papers. For research roles, showcasing the impact and outcomes of your research can make a significant difference.

DON’T

  • Don’t overcomplicate the formatting.

    While an academic CV may be longer than a standard CV, it should still be clear and readable. Avoid overly complicated layouts with heavy fonts, dense text blocks, or multiple colours. Keep the format professional and easy to follow, with a consistent style throughout.

  • Don’t forget to proofread for errors.

    In academia, attention to detail is crucial. Make sure your CV is free of spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors. Even a small mistake can diminish the professionalism of your CV and raise concerns for potential employers.

  • Don’t forget to include a cover letter.

    A well-written cover letter is an essential part of your academic application. It gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself, explain why you are a strong fit for the academic position, and highlight your passion for the subject and the institution. A cover letter allows you to tailor your application to the specific role, offering insight into your academic background and how your expertise aligns with the department’s goals. Always include a cover letter, even if it is not explicitly requested, as it provides a personal touch and demonstrates your genuine interest in the position.

Create my academic CV

Key takeaways for creating an academic CV

  • Follow an academic CV format: An academic CV should clearly present your qualifications, research experience, teaching history, and publications. A structured format helps highlight your academic achievements effectively.
  • Tailor your CV for the role: Customise your CV to align with the specific academic or research position. Highlight relevant skills, research areas, and teaching experience to make a strong case for your suitability.
  • Showcase achievements and contributions: Include measurable outcomes from your academic career, such as successful research projects, conference presentations, or teaching evaluations, to demonstrate your impact.

  • Keep it concise and relevant: Academic CVs should be thorough but focused. Prioritise the most relevant information and avoid unnecessary details to maintain clarity and precision

brand-image

What you need to know about academic CVs

What is an academic CV format?

An academic CV format is a specialised document designed to showcase your academic qualifications, research experience, teaching history, and other relevant achievements in academia. It typically includes sections such as personal details, education, research experience, publications, teaching experience, conferences, and professional affiliations. Unlike a standard CV, it is usually longer and more detailed, reflecting your academic journey and contributions.

Why should I use an academic CV template?

Using an academic CV template helps ensure that your CV adheres to the common standards and expectations in academia. It provides a clear structure for presenting your qualifications, research, and teaching experience in a way that is easy for academic recruiters or hiring committees to assess. A well-organised academic CV enhances your chances of making a strong impression and securing the position you are applying for.

Can I customise an academic CV template?

Yes, our CV templates are highly customisable. You can adjust the layout, fonts, and sections to best present your skills and achievements. For example, you may add a dedicated section for publications or professional affiliations if relevant. However, ensure that your customisations remain professional and that your CV still follows the general structure of an academic CV, which prioritises clarity and readability.

How long should an academic CV be?

An academic CV can be longer than a standard CV, often extending beyond two pages, depending on the extent of your experience. The length will vary based on your career stage; early-career academics may have a shorter CV, while more established academics with numerous publications, research projects, and teaching experiences may have a more extensive CV. The key is to ensure that your CV includes all relevant information while remaining concise and focused.

How do I format an academic CV for a PhD application?

For a PhD application, your academic CV should prioritise your academic qualifications, research experience, and any relevant projects or publications. Tailor your CV to emphasise your research interests, thesis work, and any relevant teaching or assisting experience. Be sure to focus on your academic achievements and demonstrate your readiness for advanced study.

How do I list my publications on an academic CV template?

Publications are a key part of an academic CV. You should list them in a separate section, organised in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include full citation details, such as the title, co-authors, journal or publisher, volume, issue number, and year of publication. For books or book chapters, provide publisher details. Be sure to only include published or accepted works, and if you have works in progress, list them separately in a “Work in Progress” section.

Can I include my work experience in the industry on my academic CV?

Yes, if your industry experience is relevant to the academic position you are applying for, include it in your CV. Highlight skills, projects, or research that can demonstrate your expertise or experience that aligns with the position, such as data analysis, laboratory management, or specialised knowledge. Tailor your descriptions to show how your industry work complements your academic goals.

Create your academic CV with our easy-to-use CV builder

Start building your academic CV today with our intuitive CV builder. Whether you’re applying for a research position, teaching role, or postgraduate opportunity, our user-friendly tool lets you create a professional, tailored academic CV that highlights your qualifications, research, and teaching experience. Customise your CV to match the specific requirements of your field, and easily download it in multiple formats to ensure you’re ready to impress potential employers.

Build my academic CV
cv-template-section

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with myperfectCV.