cover letter template for postdoc position

How to Write a Great Postdoc Cover Letter

While a good cover letter makes an explicit connection between how your past experience will help you succeed in the postdoc position, a great cover letter sparks the PI’s interest and ensures they read your CV. Here are some tips to make sure your cover letter is a great one.

Before you start writing, learn as much as you can about the position and the lab. Do some research on the department’s website and talk to your mentors about the group. It’s also a good idea to take a look at their recent papers to familiarize yourself with the kind of work they do. Once you have a good understanding of the position and group, you can determine which of your qualifications would be most applicable. Be sure to emphasize them in your cover letter.

The Cover Letter Format

A cover letter starts like a formal letter with the date at the top followed by the name and work address of the job poster. This is followed by the salutation. For a postdoc position, you will often be addressing your letter to the PI. However, if it is not clear from the advertisement who the job poster is, you can always address the letter to “members of the search committee).

The Introduction

The opening paragraph should explain why you are writing this letter. Indicate the specific position you are applying for and where you saw it advertised. If another professor at the university or someone the PI knows suggested that you apply for the position, mention it here. Follow it up with a short description of yourself that will allow the reader to place you academically. This could be something like “I am in the final year of my PhD in (field) at (name of university) and will be graduating/defending/finishing in (month). My dissertation is titled (title) and is supervised by Professor (name)”.

The Body Paragraphs

The bulk of your cover letter will be spent demonstrating how you are the right candidate for this postdoc by highlighting your qualifications and showing how they will benefit this specific project. One of the biggest mistakes you make is not tailoring this section to each position you apply for.

In a postdoc cover letter, it is common to dedicate one paragraph to your dissertation or current research project. Summarize your research topic, your key findings or arguments and why they matter to the field.

Now, this next step is important: you must translate your dissertation and previous research to the postdoc project. What expertise will you bring to the project by virtue of your past research that no one else can? Give specific examples that show you understand the proposed projects. Work in reference to you major awards and accomplishments while doing so. Depending on the requirements of the position, it might also be relevant to discuss your teaching experience here. Remember, the theme throughout the body paragraphs should be how your research experience will make this postdoc project successful.

The Final Paragraph

This last paragraph covers some job applicant formalities. In it, you should write that you have attached your CV and other necessary documents in your application. Mention that you look forward to hearing from them and are available to discuss the position further in an interview. Finally, thank them for their consideration before signing off.

Get Feedback

Once you have written your postdoc cover letter, ask your supervisor or a mentor to review it for you. They are likely to have had some experience hiring and will be able to make valuable suggestions from the other side of the table. They can also check that your cover letter is formatted according to the conventions of your field.

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Postdoc Cover Letter Example

Written by Mark DeGrasso

May 4, 2023.

A postdoctoral position is an excellent opportunity for early-career scientists to develop their research skills and make significant contributions to their chosen field. However, before securing a postdoc position, you must write a compelling postdoc cover letter that captures the attention of potential employers. In this article, we will discuss the essential components of an effective postdoc cover letter, common mistakes to avoid, and provide an example to guide you in crafting a cover letter that will help you stand out in the fierce competition.

What Employers Look for In A Postdoc Cover Letter

Postdoctoral positions are highly competitive, and employers receive numerous applications from qualified candidates. A well-written postdoc cover letter can make a significant difference in your chances of getting selected. Employers use postdoc cover letters to assess your qualifications and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the position. To increase your chances of getting selected, it’s essential to identify the needs of your potential employer and tailor your cover letter accordingly.

One of the critical factors that employers look out for in postdoc cover letters is relevant research experience. Employers seek postdocs who are skilled in conducting research and have experience in the field. Highlighting your research experience and how it aligns with the position you are applying for can make you a desirable candidate.

Another essential factor that employers consider is publications. Having one or more scholarly publications to your name is a valuable asset. It shows that you have a track record of producing high-quality research that has been peer-reviewed and published in reputable journals. If you have publications, be sure to mention them in your cover letter and highlight their relevance to the position.

Collaboration is an essential aspect of postdoc research. Employers look for candidates who can work effectively in a team and collaborate with others. Highlighting your ability and experience in collaboration can make you a desirable candidate. Provide examples of collaborative projects you have undertaken and how you contributed to their success.

Finally, employers also look for unique qualifications. Emphasizing your unique skills and experience relevant to the postdoc position can distinguish you from other candidates. If you have specialized skills or experience that aligns with the position, be sure to highlight them in your cover letter.

In conclusion, keeping these factors in mind as you write your postdoc cover letter ensures that you capture your potential employer’s attention and improves your chances of success. Remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific position and employer, highlighting your qualifications and how they align with the job requirements. Good luck!

A postdoctoral position is an exciting opportunity to further your research career and gain valuable experience. As such, it is essential to craft a cover letter that showcases your skills and experiences in a clear and concise manner. In the header section of your cover letter, include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Additionally, add the date of writing the cover letter to show that you are timely and organized. When addressing your cover letter, it is crucial to avoid using a generic ‘Dear Sir/Madam.’ Instead, research the name of the person who will be reviewing your application, and address them directly. This personal touch shows that you have put in effort and are genuinely interested in the position. In the introduction section, introduce yourself and state the postdoctoral position you are applying for. Keep this section brief, as the body of your cover letter will provide more detail about your qualifications. The body of your cover letter should address the essential components of the postdoc position. For example, if the position requires experience in a specific research technique, highlight your experience in that area. Additionally, highlight any publications, presentations, or awards that demonstrate your research skills. Be sure to connect your skills and experiences to the requirements of the position. In the conclusion section, summarize your main points and express your enthusiasm for the position. This section is your final opportunity to make a strong impression on the hiring committee, so make it count. Finally, end your cover letter with a professional sign-off and your name. Ensure that your formatting is appropriate and that your letter does not exceed two pages. These factors demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism, which can set you apart from other applicants. In conclusion, crafting a well-organized and professional postdoc cover letter can increase your chances of being selected for an interview. Highlight your skills and experiences, connect them to the requirements of the position, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Good luck!When it comes to applying for a postdoc position, the cover letter is one of the most important documents you’ll submit. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the field. However, there are several common mistakes that applicants make that can hurt their chances of getting the job.One of the most common mistakes is not following the instructions provided in the job advertisement. Employers often provide specific guidelines on what they want to see in a cover letter, such as the skills and experiences they’re looking for. If you don’t follow these instructions, you risk coming across as unprofessional or not paying attention to detail.Another mistake is forgetting to address the cover letter to the potential employer. Using a generic salutation such as “To Whom It May Concern” can give the impression that you didn’t take the time to research the company or the person who will be reading your cover letter. It’s important to personalize the letter and make a connection with the reader.Failing to demonstrate compatibility with the postdoc position advertised is another common mistake. Your cover letter should show that you have the skills and experience needed to excel in the position. It’s important to highlight your relevant accomplishments and explain how they make you a good fit for the job.Using too much technical jargon and acronyms is also a mistake that can make your cover letter difficult to read and understand. While it’s important to showcase your knowledge and expertise, it’s equally important to communicate clearly and concisely. Always define technical terms if necessary.Lastly, including information that is not relevant to the postdoc position that you’re applying for is a mistake that can make your cover letter seem unfocused and unprofessional. Stick to the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job and explain how they make you a good fit for the position.By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your cover letter stands out and gains the attention of your potential employer. Remember to personalize the letter, highlight your relevant accomplishments, and communicate clearly and concisely. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream postdoc position.

Final Steps On Writing Your Postdoc Cover Letter

Writing a postdoc cover letter can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. As you near the end of the writing process, there are a few final steps you should take to ensure your cover letter is as strong as possible.

First and foremost, it’s important to proofread your cover letter thoroughly. This means checking for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and formatting issues. Even the smallest typo can detract from the overall quality of your letter, so it’s worth taking the time to go over it with a fine-tooth comb.

Once you’ve proofread your cover letter, it’s a good idea to have someone else read it as well. This could be an academic mentor, a colleague, or a career development officer. Getting an outside perspective can help you identify any areas that may need improvement, and can give you valuable feedback on how to make your cover letter even stronger.

When you receive feedback on your cover letter, it’s important to take it seriously and make any necessary changes. This may involve rewording certain sentences, expanding on certain points, or reorganizing the overall structure of your letter. Remember, the goal of your cover letter is to convey your suitability for the postdoc position you’re applying for, so every word and sentence counts.

Finally, before you hit send on your cover letter, take a moment to review the job posting one last time. Make sure you’ve addressed all of the key requirements and qualifications mentioned in the posting, and that you’ve highlighted your relevant skills and experience. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of standing out from the competition and landing the postdoc position you’ve been dreaming of.

Example Postdoc Cover Letter

Here’s an example postdoc cover letter to help you write your cover letter.

Overall, I believe that my research experience, teaching and mentoring skills, and collaborative nature make me a strong candidate for this position. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and contribute to the ongoing research projects in your department. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Postdoc Cover Letter FAQ

Are you looking to apply for a postdoc position? Do you want to make your application stand out from the rest? Here are some frequently asked questions about a postdoc cover letter to help you get started:

What is the purpose of a postdoc cover letter?

A postdoc cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to your potential employer and showcase your skills and qualifications. It is a critical component of your application that can help you stand out from other candidates. Your cover letter should highlight your achievements, research experience, and your passion for the field.

How long should a postdoc cover letter be?

A postdoc cover letter should be concise and not exceed more than two pages. It is essential to keep your cover letter brief and to the point while still providing enough information to convince the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the position.

When writing your cover letter, ensure that you use a simple font and spacing to give your cover letter an organized appearance. The hiring manager should be able to read your letter easily without any distractions.

Should I follow up after submitting a postdoc cover letter?

Yes, it’s ok to follow up with an email to check the status of your application. Following up shows that you’re interested and keeps your application at the top of the hiring manager’s mind. However, avoid making multiple follow-up attempts, which can seem pushy and harm your chances.

When following up, make sure to be polite and professional. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration and express your continued interest in the position. This gesture can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the postdoc position.

Can I use the same cover letter for different postdoc positions?

While it may be tempting to use the same cover letter for different postdoc positions, it’s best to tailor your cover letter to the specific job that you are applying for. Employers appreciate when applicants take the time to customize their cover letters to the job advertisement.

Make sure to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the requirements of the position you are seeking. This approach shows the hiring manager that you have taken the time to research the position and that you are genuinely interested in the job.

In conclusion, writing an effective postdoc cover letter requires understanding the essential components, crafting it to fit the job advertisement, and proofreading it to eliminate errors. Follow our recommendations, avoid common mistakes and use our example to guide you in writing an excellent cover letter. With these tips, you can improve your postdoc application and increase your chances of securing the postdoc position you seek in your field.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression. Take the time to craft a compelling letter that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the field. Good luck with your postdoc application!

Table of Contents

• Your Job Search
• Developing Application Materials
• Academic Job Market

Academic Cover Letters

The cover letter is a single spaced, two-page introductory document that creates a narrative for your application package. It introduces the search committee to your:

• Enthusiasm for the position and your expected availability (e.g., expected defense date)
• Teaching and teaching assistantships
• Other relevant experience (internships, previous professional experience, etc.)
• Fit (why you are the right person for the position, understanding of campus culture and values, etc.)

Because no cover letter can convey all this information appropriately in only two pages, you will need to tailor your letter depending on the department, the university, the requirements specified in the job call, your application package, etc.

Keep in mind, the cover letter should not directly lift content from other supporting material. For example, if a job call also asks for a Teaching Statement or Philosophy, you should not feel pressure to condense all of that content into a paragraph. Rather use the cover letter to illustrate how your teaching fits into your scholarly identity. Consider how it is informed by your research, commitment to equity and inclusion, etc.

• How the job call is written, which responsibilities are presented and in what order – is teaching prioritized over research?
• What application documents are requested – is there something not requested that you could elaborate on in the cover letter?
• What student populations would you engage with as a faculty member in the department – undergraduate? graduate? both?
• Is the institution mission-driven – how does that impact your professional narrative?

The cover letter could include a combination of the following paragraphs:

Opening Paragraph

Just like articles and dissertations have a central “thesis” or research question, this paragraph gives the letter’s thesis statement, clarifying how your mix of experience makes you the best candidate for the job. This paragraph lists the basics of the cover letter:

• Introduce yourself
• Explain your interest in the position and institution
• Basic rundown of who you are as a scholar in relation to the role

Body Paragraphs

This content could address your research project(s), areas of interest, methodological training, and future research agendas. Think about how you would fit into the department and the expertise you would provide. If you are applying to a research institution, your research paragraphs should come first.

You will want to include some of the following points:

• Your current research project (dissertation)
• Potential future projects (dissertation to book, next research project, etc.)
• Impact of your project(s) (publications, conference or poster presentations, public lectures, etc.)
• Other achievements (grants and funding won, awards earned, public-facing work, etc.)
• Potential collaborations within the department and/or across the institution, depending on the interdisciplinary nature of the position.

This content discusses your teaching experience, whether as an instructor of record or a TA, your pedagogical training, and any mentoring/advising. If the job is teaching-focused, this should be where you start. Use this space to introduce how your teaching is a part of who you are as a scholar.

• Your approach to teaching
• Other ways you have engaged with and/or mentored students (office hours, summer research opportunities, etc.)
• Expertise in relation to courses you are prepared to teach

This content communicates how you contribute to the collegial nature of the institution or department to which you are applying. It might range from a full paragraph to a few sentences supplementing your research or teaching paragraphs.

You can pull from:

• Graduate Assistantships or other service you have done within your department (e.g., serving on committees), the institution, or professional organizations
• Conference volunteering and service
• Search committee participation
• Other volunteer work and community involvement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This content discusses how your current and future experiences consider diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility. Commitment to DEI can be shown through:

• Research areas, pedagogical applications, or service in and outside of institutions
• Where you align with the mission statement of the institution and/or department
• How you can contribute to the student population or wider community

These considerations are communicated most seamlessly not as stand-alone paragraphs, but woven into your document as a whole.

Closing Paragraph

Think back to your thesis statement and reinforce your excitement about the role. Keep it short and to the point – thank them for their time and consideration, ending with a professional sign off and full name.

General Tips Before Submission

• Prior to submitting, double check that the cover letter is signed and saved as a PDF (preferably on Northwestern letterhead).
• As with all application documents, make sure to have multiple eyes on the content before submitting it to the hiring committee.
• Take advantage of the support Northwestern provides from the Graduate Writing Place and Northwestern Career Advancement.
• Postdocs can make appointments for individualized feedback with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

Clinical psychology

• Anxiety disorders
• Feeding and eating disorders
• Mood disorders
• Neuro-developmental disorders
• Personality disorders
• Affirmations
• Cover Letters
• Relationships
• Resignation & Leave letters

Psychotherapy

Personality.

Table of Contents

Cover letter for a postdoc (5 samples)

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.

This blog post will show samples of “cover letters for a postdoc.”

Samples of postdoc cover letters

To get a postdoc position, you need a well-written cover letter that showcases your passion for and dedication to the industry. When writing a postdoc cover letter, these are some of the essential things to include in your letter:

• Address the employer with a formal salutation. For example, “Dear/Hello (name of the recipient or hiring manager).”
• The next step is to state the position you are applying for and how you found the opening. 
• Write a short sentence about why you’re interested in the position.
• State your skills and work experience; ensure they are similar to the job position. When stating your skills, provide the accomplishment you have achieved. 
• Conclude your letter with a forward-looking statement. For example, “I look forward to discussing the position further.”

“01/06/2021

Dr. Harold Bergman

Enteny University

113 Sunnyside Circle

Enteny, Illinois, 60002

Dear Dr. Bergman,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in Enteny University’s open postdoc laboratory position. I would love to pursue my postdoctoral studies as a member of your team. I am a recent graduate of Bertrum University where I gave my presentation on hydrogen fuel cell viability. You may remember Juan Sosa mentioning my interest in your laboratory at the end of the last school year.

In my research, I focused on developing hydrogen fuel cell delivery and storage solutions focusing specifically on portable applications for military use. In my doctoral studies, I worked to develop charging and backup systems for portable electronic devices (PEDs). Current military operations cannot effectively use fuel alternatives because emergency and frequent charging solutions remain unavailable. Most of my work has revolved around alternative energy-harnessing systems and long-lasting batteries. In my work, I produced fuel cells less susceptible to environmental degradation factors and extreme temperatures. I look forward to continuing my research and working toward miniaturizing fuel cells to improve their PED compatibility as a member of your research team.

I would appreciate the opportunity to continue my research in your laboratory and pursue a long-term future with Enteny University. I believe the nature of my research relates to your lab because, as the leading institution in fuel cell research, my chosen field of study is extremely relevant to your efforts. I think my knowledge and experience surrounding PEDs and battery longevity could aid in your research.

I am a self-motivated, independent researcher with eight years of experience. As a detail-oriented, qualified and creative candidate, I feel my fuel-cell research, grant proposal writing and tutoring experience could be a major asset to your laboratory. I’ve attached my CV and would be very interested in setting up a time to further discuss my skills and qualifications with you. Please let me know if you have questions and I look forward to hearing from you.

Harriet Browne”

“[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[123 Company Address]

[Company City, State xxxxx]

[(xxx)-xxx-xxxx]

[[email protected]]

Dear [Dr./Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

I am writing to express my interest in a postdoctoral position in your lab. I am a PhD Candidate in the Andrew Dwyer lab at James Hill University expecting to graduate in June 2022. My graduate work, published in Science this year, investigated the RNA virome in various aquatic environments using metagenomic analysis. My future research goals are to apply my computational skills and develop my skills working with non-human primate models to better understand and design therapeutics against pathogenic viruses. I believe my strong background in virus biology, library preparation, and next-generation sequencing analysis make me an ideal candidate to study respiratory disease viruses in your lab.

In my thesis lab, we use viral evolution to find trends that unite eukaryotic disease viruses. However, our current picture of RNA virus taxonomy is still incomplete, with the five-clade organization largely informed by human and agricultural animal and plant studies.

Therefore, to refine and complete our understanding of the global RNA virome, I sampled multiple complex aquatic environments and performed metagenome analysis. Confirming that the five-phyla classification based on RdRP sequence comparisons holds true, my analysis nearly tripled the number of currently known RNA viruses.

Host assignments proved to be tricky during my thesis. But I tackled this problem through various methods, including developing machine learning algorithms and comparing RNA viruses to size-separated microbial preparations subjected to DNA and RNA sequencing. I am continuing to characterize the novel and more highly divergent RdRPs discovered by our sampling. Also I mentor one graduate and one undergraduate student with their independent projects drawn from my work.

While I have focused primarily on RNA virus ecology and evolution during my graduate work, I am comfortable extending my research to studying RNA viruses in human disease. I collaborated with Dr. Henry Fields on a publication, currently under review at Frontiers in Immunology, studying rhesus macaque responses to MERS-CoV. The skills I learned through our collaboration, as well as from electives and literature search in immunology and human virology, have prepared me well to transition from studying viruses to studying virus-host interactions. Additionally, I look forward to applying my computational skills toward single-cell sequencing analysis examining the effects of age, diet fat content, and viral strain on primate responses to SARS-CoV-2 challenges, building on the methods and results in your recent Cell Reports Medicine paper. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to talk with you more about my fit in your lab. Thank you for your time and consideration.

“Anshu Mahajan

Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

+91 84 90184020

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/anshu.mahajan

Pondicherry, 10.01.2022

Kajol Samra

Head of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pondicherry University

Chinna Kalapet

Kalapet, Puducherry

Dear Ms. Samra,

As an alumnus of Pondicherry University, I was thrilled to learn about the Post-Doctoral Fellow position available at the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. During my PhD studies at Pondicherry University, I researched the relationship between circadian regulation and neurodegenerative diseases and wrote my doctoral thesis “Circadian activity and memory performance in Alzheimer’s patients” under the supervision of professor Qadim Ray. Seeing that Pondicherry University hopes to move to the forefront of neurodegenerative disease research with a new team led by professor Abbas Sengupta, I believe that my analytical skills and academic experience could be a great asset to this programme.

The fellowship offer mentions you’re looking for candidates skilled in the areas of lab management, cytometry for apoptosis detection, and data collection. I am happy to say that I possess all of those qualities:

• Lab management: During my PhD research, I collaborated with fellow doctoral students to create a lab maintenance plan, which included up-to-date information on equipment booking, planned activities, instrument inventory, scheduling details, and a list of consumables and chemical supplies for restocking. By implementing this system, we were able to reduce the instances of conflicting activities by 67% within two months, and we maintained a stock of consumables and chemical supplies 88% of the time.
• Cytometry for apoptosis detection: I am familiar with various methods of apoptosis detection, having conducted flow cytometry to detect changes appearing in organelles, monitor activation of caspase 3, oversee changes to the plasma membrane, and changes in the nuclear DNA, using cells at a concentration of 1×106 cells/ml.
• Data collection: For my doctoral thesis, I have conducted 74 detailed interviews with Alzheimer’s patients, covering their current memory-related symptoms, overall health, family history, and sleeping habits. I have compared this information with data gathered using sleep trackers that collected information about sleep cycles. Instead of paper copies, I have used Excel spreadsheets and Cloud solutions for storing information, which helped to speed up the process of pulling up specific data by 89%.

What makes me particularly interested in your post-doctorate fellowship program is the chance to continue my research. Having worked with Alzheimer’s patients, I have seen first-hand how this disease influences the quality of life of not just the patients themselves, but also their loved ones. I believe that working together with other researchers under the guidance of professor Abbas Sengupta can lead to significant discoveries in the nature of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, I have observed how another team of researchers at Pondicherry University achieved a major breakthrough in the study of endosome function and dysfunction. I believe that professor Sengupta’s team can replicate this success and lead to a better understanding of diseases that afflict over 50 million people worldwide.

I can’t wait to discuss my ideas for managing data gathered by professor Sengupta’s team and for introducing changes to laboratory procedures to create a smooth workflow. Could we schedule a meeting next week to discuss how my research experience can contribute to this project?

Anshu Mahajan

linkedin.com/in/anshu.mahajan”

“Dear Professor Knightly,

Having completed my doctorate in Slavonic Studies last semester, I am applying to continue my Postdoc research in the area of the Old Church Slavonic language.

Researching the homeland and language of the Slavs has always been a passion and I have undertaken many translation projects that have contributed to the modern understanding of how language influenced the early Slavonic church in the Moravian Empire.

I will be spending much of my Postdoc period in libraries across Eastern Europe, presenting at local symposia and writing my second book on the development of early Proto Slavic and Common Slavonic languages in conjunction with a number of leaders in the field. My travel has mostly been funded by the publishers, but given the considerable expense in my work I am continuing to request the bursary from the university.

I teach classes for local students and will continue to lead seminars six times a year on my return trips to Chicago. I enclose my latest research paper for your interest. It has received critical acclaim in over 15 industry publications. After analyzing over 2,000 church manuscripts, it is fascinating to see the evolution.

I was proud to receive my doctorate, but the work is just beginning. Understanding the origins of language is helping to unlock the secrets of the early Slav Church – exploring many of the rituals that still hold firm to this day.

Simon Bartley”

“New Haven, June 26, 2020

Professor B. Hawthorne

Faculty Search Committee

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 94305

Dear Professor Hawthorne,

I am writing to apply for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford. I am completing my PhD in Clinical Psychology and Criminology at Yale University under the direction of Professor Mark Fisher with an expected graduation date of May 2021.

Within my research, I have focused on a multidisciplinary approach to examining the nature of self harm and how social support networks affect the likelihood of self-harm being fatal. The thesis ‘Cry for Help: Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Characteristics’ takes 128 participants aged 15-39, 50% male and 50% female. Analyzing quantitative statistical data on the angle and depth of NSSH, the comparison versus factors such as time of contact with therapist, standardized family awareness of issues, number of social support network points as well as self-reported severity of suicidal ideation found the following.

It was found that severity of suicidal ideation didn’t reliably predict the severity of NSSH, i.e. its actual objective risk to life. However, it was found that gender was a reliable predictor of location of NSSH, with females mostly harming their arms and legs, while males were more likely to harm their chest and private areas. It was also found that the combined strength of social support was a significant predictor in the severity of NSSH, i.e. depth and angle. Early time of contact with a therapist was not affecting severity of NSSH, but had a significant correlation with frequency of harm.

With the NCHS reporting a 30% increase in death by suicide in the United States between 2000 and 2016, it is a highly pressing issue to reverse engineer the factors that lead to heightened risk, and many scholars consider NSSH a stage in the development of fatal suicidal ideation. The next part of my study intends to look at the relationship between strength of social support for young males and risk of online political and religious radicalization, another great risk to our civilization in these uncertain times, and there aren’t many better places to conduct this study than Stanford. My approach is highly informed by the modern machine learning cross-factor analysis that has been innovated by Professor Musk, and upon which I based my own analysis.

I am well-prepared to do my part teaching as well as researching, having taught a range of courses in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology and Statistics, such as ‘Radicalization: Social and Scientific Factors’ which has been wildly successful with the undergraduates at Yale, and grew from 7 students signed up in 2018 to over 55 in 2020. All in all, I have taught 400+ undergraduates and mentored 20+ master’s students, and achieved increasing participation in courses designed by me year and year, and higher than average results on all previously-established courses.

I am enclosing my curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, as well as copies of transcripts. I also attach letters of reference from Dr Smith, Dr Jones, and Robert Martinson. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I could provide additional information or materials that will aid you in the evaluation of my application. I am available for interview during the next Criminology conference at Stanford, or by phone or email at any other time.

Best Regards,

Sam Marks PhD

211-978-1043

[email protected]”

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do i write a cover letter for healthcare.

“I am writing to express my interest in applying for the [specific position name] listed on your website. Between my educational background and relevant experience, I am confident that I can help support your hospital’s mission of [reference to facility’s specific values and mission].”

How do you grab attention in a cover letter?

How to Create an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter: 

• Write a compelling introduction.
• Use tasteful humor in your cover letter. 
• Research about the company. 
• Demonstrate your confidence. 

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Postdoctoral Research Associate Cover Letter Sample

Get more job offers and find inspiration for your cover letter with this customizable Postdoctoral Research Associate cover letter sample. Copy-paste this cover letter sample at no cost or rewrite it directly in our professional cover letter builder.

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Postdoctoral Research Associate Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Martin Lambert

Dear Hiring Manager,

As a Doctorate of Molecular and Cellular Biology graduate, I apply with enthusiasm for this opportunity.

During my studies at the University of Sunnybank, I taught Genome Expression and Organization and Genetic Manipulation as a part-time undergraduate Microbiology Instructor. As well as the planning and delivery of high-quality instruction in physical and virtual settings, I administered and evaluated assessments. I was particularly pleased at the average 97% pass rate my classes achieved.

As well as my instructional duties, I assisted with the research and writing of "Chapter 2: Molecular Cell Biology of Diabetic Complications" in Erick Miska’s (2017) Molecular Cell Biology Advances in the 21st Century (Persimmon Press). 

In addition to 6 years of research and teaching and my recent doctorate, I hold a Master of Biology. I have also attended numerous professional workshops and courses.

I have enjoyed my time at the University of Sunnybank, and am grateful for the excellent research opportunities offered. As my doctorate is now complete, I seek a postdoctoral research associate role that will enable me to help advance our understanding of molecular cell biology.

Please find attached my curriculum vitae for your consideration. Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you regarding next steps. 

Yours sincerely,

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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Postdoc Cover Letter: 4 Templates and Emails

Letter Template: 1

Table of Contents

Postdoc Cover Letter

[Mention the name of the sender]

[Mention the address of the sender]

[Mention the contact details]

[Mention the email address]

[Mention the date]

Subject- cover letter for Postdoc

[Mention the name of the recipient]

[Mention the address of the recipient]

[Mention the contact information]

Dear[Mention the name of the recipient]

I’m interested in the postdoctoral position in your lab. I completed my PhD under the supervision of [Mention the name of the doctor], Director, [mention the name], and am currently employed as a senior research fellow in her [mention the name] laboratory.

My thesis has been submitted to the University, and I am looking forward to the Viva-Voice, that will be held soon. I would be available to join your lab right now.

I’m quite interested in working on T cell activation and maturation. During my graduate studies, I became interested in inflammation and the processes that control T cell function. T cell signalling fascinates me, especially how diverse signals like TCR, cytokine signalling, and co-receptors like xxx and TLR interact to trigger T cell proliferation and differentiation. 

How Notch affects E3-mediated xxx signal strength T cell differentiation is influenced by E3-ubiquitin ligases. Other areas that interest me are the NF-B signaling kinetics in T cells and the involvement of Notch signaling in the development of lipid rafts and the immunological synapse.

My master’s thesis looked at inflammatory diseases in [Mention the disease] and the impact of immunosuppressive substances and cells in the tumor microenvironment. During my Ph.D., I researched both lymphoid and myeloid cells. I looked at the different regulators of T cell signaling (both positive and negative) and how they affect T cell function in cancer. 

The fundamental motivation for this research is to learn more about the molecular pathways of T cell functions and how they interact with tumors.

A copy of my CV and thesis is enclosed.

I eagerly await your response.

[Mention the phone number]

[Signature]

Download Template : ( pdf, docs, ODT, RTF, txt, HTML, Epub, Etc )

Letter Template: 2

I’m writing to express my genuine interest in the open postdoctoral laboratory position at [Mention the name]. As a member of your team, I would love to continue my postdoctoral studies. I recently graduated from[Mention the University], where I gave a presentation on the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cells. [mention the name] may recall my curiosity in his laboratory at the close of the previous academic year.

My research concentrated on creating [Mention the name of the thesis], with a particular emphasis on portable military applications. I worked on developing charging and backup methods for portable electronic gadgets during my doctoral studies (PEDs). Because urgent and regular charging solutions are still lacking, current military activities cannot efficiently utilize alternative fuels. 

The majority of my work has been focused on alternate energy harvesting devices and long-term energy storage batteries that last a long time. In my research, I developed fuel cells that are more resistant to environmental degradation and severe temperatures. As a member of your research team, I am excited to continue my research and work towards miniaturizing fuel cells to increase their PED compatibility.

I’d be grateful for the chance to continue my study in your lab and build a long-term relationship with [Mention the name]. Because your lab is the premier institution in fuel cell research, I believe the topic of my research is pertinent to your efforts. I believe my knowledge and experience with PEDs and battery life could help you with your research.

I’m an [mention the number]-old self-motivated and autonomous researcher. My fuel-cell study, grant proposal writing, and tutoring expertise, as a detail-oriented, qualified, and innovative candidate, might be of great value to your laboratory. I’ve included my CV and would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my abilities and qualifications further. Please contact me if you have any questions, and I eagerly await your response.

Letter Template: 3

I was thrilled to read about your opportunity for a postdoc research associate in American literature since I have long supported Rush University’s dedication to the preservation and education of the English language and its literature. I am convinced that my expertise will be an advantage to the University, having just defended my doctoral thesis on the impact of globalization on American English semantics & having taught for several years.

I know that [mention the place] University wants to go beyond teaching students and become an open source of information for anybody who is interested. While at [Mention the name of the college], I collaborated with a group of Ph.D. students to develop a free, open educational platform that explained scholarly articles in English philology in a way that anyone outside academia could understand. 

This resulted in a [mention the amount] % increase. An increase in media attention led to an increase in student applications the next semester. I also taught three distinct electives that enhanced students’ knowledge of the history of English grammar and the usage of English in immigrant literature in order to provide students with a broader knowledge base and context for understanding current linguistic developments.

[Mention the name of place] University is regarded as having one of the greatest English programs in the country, which further adds to my enthusiasm for this potential opportunity. I’d like to expand and enhance my understanding of how particular linguistic notions have evolved in modern English usage.

Can we talk about establishing [Mention the name of place] University’s open learning platform on the phone next week?

Letter Template: 4

I’m writing to apply for a postdoctoral researcher position at [Mention the name]. I’m working on my PhD in Clinical Psychology and Criminology at [Mention the University], where I’ll graduate in [Mention the year] under the supervision of Professor [mention the name].

My research has taken an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the nature of self-harm and how social ties influence the likelihood of self-harm becoming lethal. The thesis ‘[Mention the name] includes 128 participants, 50 percent male and 50 percent female, ranging in age from 15 to 39.

The comparison of characteristics such as time of contact with a therapist, standardized family knowledge of difficulties, number of social support network points, and self-reported severity of suicidal thoughts with quantitative statistical data on the angle and depth of NSSH found the following.

It was discovered that the intensity of suicidality did not predict exactly the severity of [Mention the name], i.e. the risk to one’s life. Gender, on the other hand, was found to be a reliable predictor of NSSH location, with females more likely to damage their arms and legs and males more likely to injure their chest and private parts.

The combined strength of welfare protection was also found to be a significant marker of the degree of NSSH, i.e. profundity and angle. The severity of NSSH was not affected by early interaction with a therapist, but it did have a strong link with the frequency of injury.

I’ve attached my curriculum vitae, teaching and research statements, and transcript copies. I’ve also included letters of recommendation from [Mention the name], as well as [mention the name]. If you require any further information or materials to assist you in evaluating my application, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am available for an interview during [Mention the name]’s upcoming Criminology conference or via phone or email at any time.

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Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template

When used as a cover letter, the postdoc application letter format is generally 3 to 4 paragraphs long and begins with an introductory paragraph. Writing a postdoctoral cover letter is basically the same as writing any other cover letter.

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #1

September xx, xxxx

Associate Professor

University of Pennsylvania

Dear Dr. xxxx

I am applying for the postdoctoral position in your Laboratory. I have done my PhD under the guidance of Dr xxxxx, Director, xxx, xxxx and am presently working as senior research fellow in her laboratory at xxxx. I have submitted my thesis to the university and awaiting Viva-Voice which will be held very soon. I would be immediately available to join your lab.

I am highly motivated to work in the field of T cell activation and differentiation. During the course of my graduate work, I have developed an interest in the inflammation and pathways regulating T cell function. I am especially intrigued by T cell signaling and how different signals TCR, cytokine signaling and co-receptors like xxx and TLR work together to induce T cell proliferation and differentiation. How Notch regulates xxx signal strength by regulating E3-Ubiquitin ligases and thereby modulates T cell differentiation. Kinetics of NF-κB signaling in T cells and role of Notch signaling in the formation of lipid raft and immune synapse are other aspects which excites me.

My graduate work has focused on the immune dysfunction in oral cancer and role of immunosuppressive factors/cells present in the tumor microenvironment. I have worked on the lymphoid as well as myeloid cells during the course of PhD. I have analyzed the different regulators (positive as well as negative) of T cell signaling and how they modulate the T cell function in cancer setting. The important among them was the Notch signaling which has implications in increasing the efficacy of T cell based therapy. We have addressed the root cause of immune dysfunction and its association with MDSCs, Tregs and Th17 cells. We have addressed how MDSCs accumulate, their life span, suppressive potential, and also how they induce Th17 differentiation and inhibit Treg differentiation in in vitro conditions.

Apart from this I have also worked on project “xxxx signaling in regulating effector functions of xxxx cells. I am well versed with the biology and in vitro expansion of xxxxx cells.

During my doctoral program I have thoroughly used multicolor flow cytometry (nine color), western blotting, real-time PCR, siRNA, molecular cloning, co-culture assays, Mixed leukocyte reactions, Immunomagnetic sorting of cells (MDSCs, Tregs, Naïve CD4 cells and CD3 cells, γδ T cells), cytometric bead array and ELISA for quantitation of cytokines, proliferation assay (Dye dilution and tritiated thymidine assay), 51Cr release assay, confocal microscopy, chemotaxis assays to perform the experiments.

I have learned animal handling especially animal dissection, harvesting of liver, spleen, mammary glands, vertebrae and femur bones, Tail vein injection.

I have basic Knowledge about mass spectrometry sample processing; however, I would be highly fascinated to gain expertise in each aspect involved in the project.

I am interested in the work going on in your laboratory and could be an asset to your Laboratory because of my experience and skill.

I envision my future research to span across some interrelated sub-areas of immune function and dysfunction. I believe that I am an outstanding researcher in my specialty, based on my background and achievements. Having succeeded in the current research, employing the knowledge from different fields of molecular biology and Immunology, I feel well prepared for the further challenging studies and research in the fields of molecular immunology, perhaps on very different topics, as well as on the topics I am familiar with. The main motivation here is to make advances in our understanding of molecular mechanisms of T cell function and its interaction with the tumor.

Enclosed is a copy of my CV and thesis.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely Yours

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #2

Dear Dr. XXX,

I am writing this mail to express my interest in conducting my post-doctoral research under your supervision. I am interested in working on the advertised project of understanding the epigenetic regulation and role of steroid synthesis on physiology and development.

I have also previously worked on the xxx, which is differentially expressed in adult xxx cells during the xxx development and inhibits steroidogenesis by reducing the expression of xxx enzymes. In this study, I proved that the overexpression of xxx in mice testis (mediated by adenovirus) has the potential of inhibiting the differentiation of testicular and prostatic cells by reducing the size of testis and prostate but has no effect on the growth of seminal vesicles. It has also found to reduce the level of xxx and xxx by reducing the steroidogenic enzymes such as xxx, xxx and xxxx. This is the first study reporting a time-course analysis of the implications of long term overexpression of xxx in mice testis and its effect on other organs such as prostate and seminal vesicles. This study suggested that xxxx may play an important role in the differentiation of male reproductive organs such as testis and prostate.

I would further like to extrapolate my substantial experience and research more in this field by analysing the transcription circuitry of steroid biosynthesis at single xxx cell level and thereby on its application in prostate cancer biology.

I have completed Ph.D in xxx (xxx) from Department of xxx, xxxx University. My thesis project entitled as “xxxxxxxxxx”. The research concentrated upon exploring the role of xxx, a xxxxx-anchored adhesion protein in pathogenicity of xxxxx, a causative agent of xxxx using interdisciplinary approach of molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry. Through my doctoral study, I have proposed a model of how the xxxx protein matures in the xxxx lumen upon xxxx anchor attachment. I have then further explore this adhesion protein and the linked signaling pathways in xxxx and published several papers related to this work.

My avid interest and motivation towards research has kept enforcing me to work along while pursuing my job. I worked on varied project like xxxxxxx and some more in association with Dr. xxxxx, professor at xxxx University.

I have conducted immunization based studies on mouse animal model such as Sprague Dawley rats and FVB mice that involves mice handling, xxxx extraction, purification of Primary Leydig Cells, Preparation of Recombinant Adenovirus, Adenovirus injection, immunohistochemistry, FACS (Fluorescence activated cell sorting), Radioimmunoassay, Western blot analysis, ELISA, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) Assays, neutralization assay, agglutination, immunofluorescence along with using molecular biology approach i.e. molecular cloning, PCR and expression analysis at both transcript and protein level, mutational studies by side-directed mutagenesis approach and biophysical tools like MALDI-TOF/TOF analysis, Mass SpectrometryI dentification of Proteins, Circular Dichroism (CD), Transmission electron Microscopy (TEM) and data analysis using bioinformatics approach like 2D-Progenesis Samespot Software, functional analyses and pathways generation using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis and top gene suite, PCA analysis along with R-programming package “FactoMineR” to reduce the complexity of the dataset, Modelling and Docking Studies using Rosetta 3.2 biomolecular comparative modelling and docking suite, Expasy server, EBI server, CHIMERA software, Multiple alignments, similarity searches, BLAST, Microbial BLAST , FASTA, ClustalW version 1.8, ClustalX 1.8, primer designing.

I believe that these features of knowledge on steroid synthesis, in vivo studies on mice models using interdisciplinary approach, a substantial research experience, skills command over the molecular, cell biology and biochemistry subjects and professional experience in training students along with the strong motivation will go a long way in pursuing the post-doctoral research in your prestigious institute under your guidance. I feel well prepared for the further challenging studies and research to epigenetic regulation of steroid synthesis in Leydig cells and its role in development. Given the opportunity, I am confident that I will be able to contribute successfully to this project with the motivation, commitment and determination with hands on experience in this field to succeed in this area.

Please find enclosed the attached Curriculum Vitae (CV) including the references details. Do suggest if any other information is required from my side.

Thanking You,

Yours sincerely

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #4

Dear Professor,

Hope this email finds you well.

This is to bring your attention to a postdoctoral position in your group.

I, xxxx and have completed my Ph.D. in xxxx under the mentorship of Dr. xxx, Discipline of Chemistry, xxxxx, India. The title of my thesis is “xxxxxxxxx”.

Currently, I am working a postdoctoral research associate, School of xxxxx xxx, xxxxx University, South Korea.

Under the thesis title ‘xxxxx’, my work was focused on the synthesis of simple xxx complexes at xxxx condition, solid-state structural reactivity, and their applications as molecular precursors for nanostructures synthesis and performance evaluations of these nanostructures in catalysis, waste-water treatment through adsorption or photocatalysis, and sensing of hazardous contaminants. Moreover, I have also tried to explore the application of the metal-organic frameworks/coordination polymers for dye adsorption and catalysis.

I have used various techniques for characterization and analysis purpose such as molecular structure determination by Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder-XRD, FT-IR, XPS, BET-surface area, AFM, SEM-EDAX, TEM, TGA, combustion method (CHNS and O analysis), particle size analyzer (DLS analysis), LCMS, GC-MS, UV-Vis, cyclic voltammetry and photocatalytic reactor. I am also familiar with software which is necessary for the determination of the structure of the metal complexes, characterization of nanomaterials and data analysis such as CrysAlisPro RED software and Win GX, ChemDraw, Diamond 3.1, Mercury, and Origin.

Due to my research expertise and hands-on synthesis in both material and chemistry with the handling of different instrumentations, this would be surely helpful to attain more pronounced results.

I believe my candidature would suffice for a postdoctoral position in your group.

I have enclosed a copy of my curriculum vitae. If you require any other information then kindly let me know. I will be happy to provide the same. Your kind consideration of my application is requested and I hope that you will give me a chance to pursue my research in your group.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Best regards,

P.S., CV in brief:

Name: XXXXX

Thesis title: “XXXXXX”

List of publications: Published: Journals-xxxx, Book Chapters-xxx

Submitted/under preparation: Journals-xxx

Research Interest: Inorganic/or Nano-materials, Waste-water treatment (adsorption/photocatalysis) using Nano-materials, Sensors (electrode modifications and detection of contaminants), Heterogeneous catalysis, Crystal engineering (solid-state structural transformation).

Best Regards,

xxx xxxx, Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

xxxx, xxx University

xxx, Republic of Korea

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel.:+xxx-xx-xxx

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #5

[email protected] , +91 xxx

Dear Dr. xxxx,

With great confidence and enthusiasm I would like to submit my CV for the position of a postdoctoral researcher in your lab. I have obtained my Ph.D. degree in xxx from xxx University, India; I have worked in the lab of Dr. xxx based at xxxx, xxxx. My PhD dissertation focussed on understanding the shape-function relationship of multidomain protein xxxx as a function of temperature using SAXS as a major technique. Currently, I am looking for positions where my skills sets can be put to use in overcoming new and exciting challenges.

It has been a long standing research interest to exploit the tools of biophysics to explore newer possibilities and better drugs for efficacious treatment regimes as well as diagnostic methods; this reason has motivated me to apply for this position in your lab. During my Ph.D. dissertation I got a chance to explore the therapeutically important protein – xxx, a multidomain xxx sensitive protein from a perspective of temperature. The SAXS data analysis showed that the protein remains semi-active at physicological temperatures thereby enabling activation of protein even at semi-optimal concentrations. This data has been published in the journal xxx (xxx). Another part of my study revolved around a truncated yet active version of xxx, here SAXS data coupled with TEM and FPLC helped us to discover temperature induced amyloid formation in native xxx. These amyloids were capable of releasing active protein over prolonged incubation, this was particularly important observation as this could exploited for shipping of therapeutic protein at ambient temperature as well as a sustained release mechanism of treatment. This study was also published in the journal xxx (xxx). Apart from my dissertation project I was involved in numerous other projects in lab which has enabled me to learn following skills:

In addition to my scientific writing I also have experience in preparing and delivering presentations and reports for funding agency as well as key opinion leaders. Apart from my bench work I was extensively involved in other lab duties such as purchasing of lab reagents and maintaining the in house SAXS facility by scheduling and maintaining the records of beamtime allotment. I could accomplish all this due to my high work ethics combined with my targeted approach and interpersonal skills. Post Ph.D. I have briefly worked as Research Associate in lab of Dr. xxx, where my role was to perform field trials of the DNA aptamer based xxx estimation kit developed in the lab. Currently, I am looking for a challenging role and be a part of the team where my technical as well as soft skills can be implemented to contribute constructively in ongoing as well as future projects. I am confident that if I join your lab then my vast experience in SAXS data collection and analysis shall be extremely useful in exploring structural-function relationship of proteins and use this data to develop novel drugs. My particular interest would be high throughput screening of small molecules using SAXS data as well as exploring the possibilities of drug repurposing in cancer targets.

I have enclosed a copy of my CV for your better understanding of my skills and qualifications. I shall more than welcome the opportunity to be interviewed or discuss my experience with you. I may be contacted on +91 xxx or [email protected] . Thank you for your time and consideration. Looking forward to hear from you.

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #6

This is in reference to the Postdoctoral position in your laboratory. I have completed my PhD under the mentorship of Dr. XXX, PI, Structural and xxx xxx Lab., xxxxxxxxx, India. Presently, I am working on CRISPR-Cas9 system and generating cancer-causing knock-in/out mutations in human cell lines, in xxx Lab., xxxx, xxxxx, India.

During the course of my graduate work, I have worked on human DNA intercrosslink repair proteins mainly xxxx and xxx. I have performed structural & functional characterization of xxx xxx repeat, xxxx xxx, xxx xxx domain and pathogenic mutants. In xxxx repeat, we find xxx motif that binds to major groove of dsDNA (xxxxx et. al.,xxx, xxx). In xxxx, we did the comparative studies of xxx Domain and pathogenic mutants (xxxx et. al. manuscript under preparation). Furthermore, we performed protein-protein interactions studies and found that xxx xxx repeat and xxx xxx domain interacts with xxx xxx (xxxx xxx et. al., xxx, xxx). I have performed molecular and essential dynamics of xxx and it’s phosphorylated analogs to address the effect of phosphorylation at the structural and functional level (xxxx et. al., xxx, xxxx). During my PhD, I have also worked in a team to explore the structure and functions of different homologous recombination repair proteins such as xxxx, xxxx, xxxx, xxxx and effect of novel anticancer drugs on apoptosis and cancer (list all relevant collaborative workxxxx, p. xxx9, xxx; xxxx,) (more details in my CV).

I have extensive experience in protein biochemistry. I am well versed with Cloning, Site directed mutagenesis, Protein expression & purification, Protein characterization and protein-protein interactions, cell biology techniques such as cell culture maintenance, electroporation, transfection, transduction, and western blotting. I am experienced in protein crystallization, structure determination using molecular replacement and molecular modelling, dynamics and docking. However, I have an appetite to learn more interdisciplinary skills, and to solve a biologically relevant question.

I am applying for this position because I am interested to work on Structural Biology and Cellular Biochemistry. Opportunity to work on the proposed project will fulfil my ambition to become a successful researcher. I’m sure, I’ll grow under your competent supervision.

My future goal is research in integrative Structural biology that may help to understand the basic mechanisms of the disease or pathway. I want to pursue my career in research and academia.

Enclosed is a copy of my CV.

Yours Sincerely,

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #7

Dear Dr. xxx,

I have worked on cancer xxx during my Ph.D and with this letter; I would like to apply for the postdoctoral position in your laboratory as advertised on www.xxxx.org. Currently, I am finalizing my doctoral thesis and expecting to complete all the formalities of my doctoral degree by xxx/ xxx xxx.

I believe, the postdoc position in your laboratory will provide me an opportunity to further strengthen my current skills as well as learn new scientific methods to achieve my long term goal of establishing my independent research group.

From the days of my masters’ degree in biotechnology, I had a vivid interest in cancer biology; therefore, for PhD, I joined ‘xxxx Group’ headed by Dr. xxxx at xxx, xxx, India. Under my thesis title ‘xxxxx’, my work was focused on the understanding the mechanism of differential xx post-translational modifications in human xxxx cancer. By working with human tissue samples, animal model and several in-vitro studies, I could gain significant insight how different xxx alter with clinical parameters and can be helpful in defining filed cancerization. I could also dissect the regulatory pathway of xxx and identify its xxxx mediated increase in xxx cancer. Further, I also showed the synergistic effect of xxx inhibitors in combinatorial chemotherapy as pretreatment of xxx lead to the chromatin relaxation and increase in the amount of DNA bound chemotherapy drugs and cell death. Moreover, out of my immense interest in tumor microenvironment, I could also report that, how differential composition tumor microenvironment can give a false negative impression and attribute the expression of any protein to tumor cells. Apart from my thesis work, I have also worked on role of xxx variants in cancer and DNA damage response. From my PhD, I would get xxx first author papers (one is published and rest two will be uploaded soon) and a review article. I have also co-authored xxx papers and a book chapter in reputed journals and trained six students for their short term dissertation. Thus, during my PhD, I have got significant experience in the field of xxx as well as communication and leadership skills.

I am highly motivated, hardworking and results driven researcher. Taken together, based on my exposure and expertise gained during PhD, I find myself a suitable candidate for the postdoc position in your laboratory where I can both contribute to the ongoing research and propose and work on new questions at the same time.

I have enclosed a copy of my CV which includes a list of publications, contact details of the referees and a summary of my research experience. Thank you very much for your consideration and looking forward to hearing back from you.

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #8

Dear Dr. xxxxxx,

This is xxx from xxx Lab, xxxxx.

Here are some points may bring your attention:

· For Post-Doc position I’ll arrange my own fellowship through xxx-fellowship of xxxx. (If you ask for)

· I work in the field of xxx Biology.

· I am very much Interested in you lab and seeking a Post-Doctoral Position under your supervision.

· We have talked before in a Conference in xxx, India during xxxx.

I am a xxx year Ph.D. student working under the Guidance of Dr. xxx. This is my last year of the Ph.D. course and I will be getting my Degree in this year (Within xxx xxx). The Project I am working on is “xxxxxxx”. I have published my work in xxx international peer reviewed journals this year.

Our lab focus on xxx, the structural details of protein degradation process as well as its role in cellular homeostasis in normal and cancer cells. Recently we have reported a novel function of xxx as a xxx modulator, through its interaction with xxxx. Apart from that I am involved in a project to find out altered signaling pathway in cancer mediated by xxxx an oncoprotein involved in many cancers. I am also working towards understand the role of xxx in xxx stem cell differentiation. Although my PhD work is based on molecular cell biology I have a lot of interest in understanding the molecular mechanism of Protein degradation by xxx and its role in mammalian cell physiology. Since your lab is focusing on understanding the molecular mechanisms protein degradation in mitochondria as well as the fundamental details of structure and function of xxx and xxx, it would be great if I can get an opportunity to work with you as Post-Doc fellow and begin my real research career under your supervision. Since I would like to pursue my carrier in the xxx BIOLOGY, your research group found to be a best fit for me.

(I have attached my CV, and my xx published paper for your reference, please find the attachment).

Thanking you in anticipation for a reply.

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #9

Date: xx-xx-xxxx

Your affiliation address

Mob: xxxxxxxxxxxx

E-mail: xxxx@xxxxx

Dr. XYZ Designation

Dear Dr. xyz

Re: Postdoctoral position

I am writing to apply for the position of postdoctoral fellow in your laboratory at the University of Somewhere School of Medicine as advertised on xxxx.com. Currently, I am pursuing my Ph.D. in xxx with specialization in xxx under the guidance of Dr. xyz. During my doctoral studies, I have been working on the xxxxx. My Ph.D. thesis has been submitted, and final viva-voce examination is expected by mm-yyyy.

The fundamental aim of my doctoral research work was to discover [Briefly write about your research topic, key findings with citations if any]

In order to achieve my research endeavours, [Write about key techniques and assays you used to achieve your research goals].

Since you are seeking an individual interested in [Write about research areas they are looking for]; I consider myself a suitable candidate for this position with a working hand in [List few relevant expertise], which is well evident by my first-author publication on this subject (xyz et al, 20xx). Moreover, I have an experience in designing the experiments, writing the manuscript, and guiding other fellows. A postdoctoral position in your laboratory will further strengthen my research capabilities as an independent investigator.

I am attaching my most-updated CV, which includes list of publications and contact information of three referees. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Looking forward to listen from you Thank You

Sincerely ,

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #10

I am writing to indicate my interest for the position of postdoctoral fellow in your research group. Your research work is very much related to my research experiences. I have seen your nature of work and publications. I would love to be a part of such groups and thus would like to apply for the postdoctoral position.

I, XYZ, have completed my Ph.D. work in xxxx Research Institute (xxx, xxx, India) and submitted the thesis to xxx University. My thesis work is entitled as “Identification of molecular mechanism for XYZ”. I have expertise in animal handling, dosing, and dissection, especially in rat and mouse models. During my Ph.D., I got experience in primary cell culture and maintenance of cell lines, transfection, and siRNA.

I am well acquainted with various cell and molecular biology techniques such as DNA Isolation, RNA isolation, and Real Time-PCR along with protein analysis techniques including Native/denaturing PAGE, 2D gel electrophoresis, LC-MS, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation and immunoprecipitation.

I have a deep interest in in vitro as well as animal model based mechanistic assessment of different cellular pathways using different molecular and cell biological techniques. My curriculum-vitae containing details of the referees and my research experience is attached with this mail along with the publications (first author).

These above mentioned reasons motivated and boosted my keenness to join your research group. I am looking forward to this potential opportunity. Anticipating for positive response.

Postdoc Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #11

This is in reference to your advertisement on http://www.xxxx.com/ regarding postdoctoral position in your laboratory. I have worked on interaction of xxx in tumor biology and therapeutic interventions at xxx Research Institute, xxx, India under the mentorship of Dr. xxx (http://www.xxxx). I have successfully defended my doctoral research in xxx.

During my Ph.D, I have investigated role of xxx on xxx cancer progression and their molecular signaling involved. Enhanced xxx was found in tissue as well as in serum, and associated with poor and/or better outcome in clinical patients suggesting complex role of xxx in xxx cancer progression (xxxx et al; journal, xxxx). I investigated regulatory pathway of xxx in xxx cancer metastasis and identified xxx mediated invasion and migration of xxx cancer cells (Manuscript communicated). In addition, I have uncovered regulation of xxx by xxx and their dependency on xxx axis in xxx cancer cells (Manuscript under preparation). Moreover, I have elucidated crosstalk of autophagy and apoptosis induced by xxx analogue (xxxx et al; journal, xxxx). I further deciphered the role of xxx and DNA damage response pathway in anti-cancer activity of xxxx hybrid (xxxx et al; journal, xxxx). Apart from my thesis work, I have also worked on identification and mechanism of action of novel molecular entity against cancer (xxxx et al; journal; xxxx; xxxx et al; journal, xxxx; xxxx et al; journal, xxxx).

I believe postdoctoral position in your laboratory will provide me an opportunity to further strengthen my current skills as well as learn new scientific methods to achieve my long term goal of establishing my independent research group. I am a focused and hardworking researcher.

I have enclosed a copy of my curriculum vitae, which includes a list of publications and contact details of the referees.

Waiting to hear back from you.

Thesis title: xxxxx

Lab: xxxx’s lab (http://www.xxxx).

List of publications: First/equal first author-xx, Co-author-xx.

Research Interest: Cancer progression, metastasis, DNA damage, autophagy, therapeutic intervention and d rug discovery.

PhD Application Cover Letter Template I VacancyEdu.com #12

Lab xxxx, xxxxx Division

xxxxx Institute,

xxxxx, India

Assistant Profesor

National Centre for Biomolecular Research

Masaryk University

Kamenice 5/A4

Brno 625 00

Czech Republic

xxxst, July xxxx

Dear Dr. xxxxx,

I am writing to apply for postdoc position (Biomolecular Chemistry-xxx lab) in your Group at National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. I hold M.Sc degree with first division in Biotechnology from xxxx University, xxx-India. Currently I am a research fellow on a project “Elucidating the role of xxx and xxxx damage response pathways in novel Anti cancerous xxxx” at xxxx Research Institute, xxx, India.

I am a highly driven person, and my studies in Life Sciences have fuelled my motivation with passion. After completing my Masters, I have decided to prolong my stay at xxxx Institute xxxxx – India driven by my passion for science and the desire to learn as much as possible. I joined this institute to gain an upper hand in experimental expertise. In this time I have successfully carried a project on xxx damage and xxx pathway, aimed at elucidating the role of xxxx kinases in xxx phopshorylation upon drug-induced xxxx damage and showed that xxx binds to xxxx groove of xxxx to instigate xxxx damage and stabilizes xxx by post translational modification which in part causes perturbation of xxx interaction. For these studies, we employed various key concepts and techniques ranging from cell and molecular biology techniques which include but not limited to flowcytometry, western blotting, comet assay, confocal/fluorescence microscopy, Plasmid and siRNA transfection, in vitro kinase assay, in vivo ubiquitination assay, co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin-immunoprecipitation along with luciferase reporter assay. In addition I also worked in close association with clinicians on differential role of xxxx variants in regulating xxx for this I successfully cloned xxxx and xxxx with the help of site directed mutagenesis in third generation tet-on system and further made stable cell lines of xxx stably expressing these variants. In our lab we also demonstrated xxx induces ROS mediated xxxx through activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibition of xxx pathway (author et al, xxx) so I am well versed with experimental procedures associated with Autophagic studies. I also developed orthotopic syngenic murine mouth and breast cancer model. Thanks to these projects, I developed a keen interest in studying basic cellular processes, in particular DNA damage, Autophagy and their interplay with cancer risk. I now feel ready to undertake the challenge of a PhD. I want to pursue a career in science and I am fully aware of the fundamental importance of seeking the highest level of training, and of the necessity to expand my sphere both in terms of scientific and personal life.

While looking for a suitable PhD position, I found your lab, gone through your research attention and therefore decided to contact you for this PhD position, as it is a strong match and combine the fields I am passionate about with the added advantage of studies involving DDR pathways. This will positively help to expand my understanding of basic cellular processes in a physiological context, in particular during development. Importantly, this PhD would offer me the opportunity to join, one of the best Universities. Getting training here will be in my interest as Masaryk University is known for uncompromising in high quality of research. I would like to have this possible opportunity to receive the level of training that can be the foundation of my future scientific career, to broaden my horizons and develop as a scientist and as a person.

Please find the attached CV, I would like the opportunity to be interviewed and share more about my qualifications.

Thank you for your time and consideration and letting me know the possibilities.

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Cover Letter Writing Guide

The purpose of a cover letter.

Anatomy of a Cover Letter

Sometimes called a “letter of intent” or “letter of interest”, a cover letter is an introduction to the rest of your job application materials (e.g., resume/CV, research statement, teaching philosophy, writing samples, etc.). The purpose of a cover letter is to quickly summarize why you are applying to an organization or for a particular position, and what skills and knowledge you bring that make you the most suitable candidate for that position. The cover letter is often the first impression that a prospective employer will have of you, especially if they do not know you, or have not heard about you from their network of contacts. First impressions count, and so getting your cover letter right is a critical step in your job application process. Like all your job application materials, it may take time and focus to write your cover letters well. You will likely have several drafts before you come up with a final version that clearly articulates your skills and your understanding of the employer and the job requirements.

While your resume briefly states your skills, knowledge, experience, and (most importantly) what you have achieved using your abilities, the cover letter gives you an opportunity to create a narrative that shows the path you have taken in your career or education, emphasizing the skills you’ve used along the way, and explaining why the position you are applying to is the next desirable step on this path. To find out more about the structure of the cover letter, you can see some examples here. Also, it is important to know that there are some differences between cover letters written for faculty positions and those written for non-faculty positions. You can review some of the key differences of cover letters for faculty positions here .

When you start the process of looking for job opportunities, you will probably read through lots of job advertisements. You will notice that most job ads ask for a cover letter of some sort. The exception to this might be when you apply for some jobs through an employer’s online job application system, where they may ask you to upload your letter as a document, cut and paste the contents of your letter into specific fields, or they may not ask for a letter at all. For most jobs, and whenever you are submitting a formal application, cover letters are usually expected – and can be very helpful – even if a letter is not requested in the job ad itself.

Cover Letter Etiquette

You might be tempted to send the same version of your cover letter to multiple employers, especially if you are applying for similar types of positions. Don’t. It can be fairly obvious to an employer when they receive a stock letter, and this will make a bad first impression. Tailor your letter to the employer and to the specific job. This may require you to do some background research on the employer’s website, or talk to someone you know (or don’t yet know) who already works there. Use this information to explain why you want to work at that particular place, doing that particular job. It takes time, but it is worth it. You’ll probably have more luck with three tailored cover letters than with 30 stock letters sent out to 30 different employers. Your cover letter will be read by someone as part of a formal job application, so make certain that it is free of spelling mistakes, grammar issues, and typos. Make sure your cover letter fits onto 1 page (for non-academic position applications), has consistent margins and formatting, and a readable font that is between 10-12pts.

When Not to Use Cover Letters: There are some occasions during the job search process where cover letters shouldn’t be used. During career fairs, you would typically only hand out your resume to employers (and a 1-page resume is ideal). Employers want to be able to quickly scan your resume for the key points, and you should be able to verbally communicate some of the ideas that a letter might contain (for example, why this company interests you). Recruiters won’t have the time to read a letter.

Timeline: Getting Started with your Cover Letter

Step 1: The first step to writing a good cover letter is to first have a good resume. For information on putting these documents together, click here . Your cover letter expands upon some of the information you include within these documents, and describes the role you have played in achieving your academic or non-academic goals (i.e., showing how your experiences have made you the best candidate for the position).

Step 2: The next step is to find an open position that interests you, or at least the type of job to which you want to apply. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cover letter, as each should be tailored to each job you apply to, but there will certainly be parts of the letter that will stay much the same, and be appropriate for multiple jobs. This might mean changing some of the key words in the letter, so that you are describing your experience in the employer’s language (using some of their keywords), not your own.

Step 3: Go through the job ad and carefully note all of the requirements and skills the employer is looking for. Based on your background research of the employer and the people you have spoken to who know about this employer, try to identify the two or three most important skills that the employer is looking for. You should then try to create a cover letter that illustrates that you have these skills and have used them effectively. Your cover letter will be stronger if it addresses these requirements and the job duties.  Ensure that you talk about your experiences in the language used by the employer, echoing their words in descriptions you use to illustrate your skills. Write out a list of the keywords that you highlighted from the job ad, and then next to each of these words, write a brief statement that illustrates the fact that you have this skill/ability/knowledge using a specific example. You may not have an experience for all of the requirements, but the more you think about what you have achieved, the more likely it is that you will find something relevant to talk about. When you have all of this information, then you can begin to structure it within the format of a formal cover letter.

Cover letter template

Here is a general template for a cover letter:

Your Name Street Address City, State, Zip Email and phone number

Today’s Date

Mr./Ms./Dr. Name Title Organization

Dear ______:

The opening paragraph should explain why you are writing, giving your specific employment interest. Mention how you found out about the position. If it was advertised, refer to the website or resource in which you saw it. If a contact told you about it, say so. It is also helpful to include an overall summary of the key skills, knowledge areas, or experiences that you are bring to this role right here in the first paragraph. If you start off with these very specific conclusions that confidently state that you have what the employer is looking for, then the reader will also have a lot of confidence that your letter and resume are worth reading. The next paragraphs will then expand on and illustrate what you are summarizing in this first paragraph.

The middle paragraph(s) should summarize the aspects of your background which will interest the employer. The more information you have about the organization and its needs, the better.  Discuss your qualifications in terms of the contributions you can make. While you should not repeat your resume verbatim, don’t hesitate to refer to the most important information discussed in it. Ideally, both your cover letter and your CV/resume would be able to stand alone. It is not necessary to describe yourself in superlatives. Rather than saying, “I can make a uniquely valuable contribution to your organization,” give the employer enough relevant, targeted information to allow the reader to reach that conclusion independently. Be specific and credible. Tell stories that have a touch of drama, for example: “When I was working as the president of X student group, one of the challenges that we faced was XYZ.” Once you have created a touch of drama, describe how you used your skills to overcome it, for example: “So what I had to do was build relationships with administrators on campus by communicating the critical role our group played in doing ABC.” Once you have told the story, reflect on it in terms of how this is particularly relevant for the reader, for example: “I really enjoyed being placed in a position where I had to reach out to contact and bring them all together by creating a shared vision for everyone to buy into. I think this combination of strong marketing skills and relationship building will be valuable to the role of Advertising Associate.”

The closing paragraph should explain why the position and the particular organization is attractive to you, and should hopefully pave the way for the interview. Provide an authentic reason why you are excited about bringing your skills to the role, and what you will also gain from being in the role. Speaking with former or current employees at the organization as part of your networking will help in this regards.  You can also offer to send any additional information, restate your contact details, and state that you look forward to hearing from them.