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- Cover Letter Examples
- Science Cover Letter: Examples & Writing Guide for a Scientist
Science Cover Letter: Examples & Writing Guide for a Scientist
Whether you’re a psychologist, environmental scientist, biochemist, or epidemiologist, you need a science cover letter that shows you can get the job done. See how, below.
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If you want to work at Boston Scientific or Eli Lily, your science cover letter must do one thing: show the team your past accomplishments fit the job like a theorem from Euclid. Oh—and you’ve got to do it fast. Your goal? To make them read your resume like it’s got a giant funding grant inside.
Below, you’ll see a sample cover letter for scientist jobs that lands interviews, with a clear process to fit it to your career.
Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.
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How to Write an Effective Cover Letter for a Research Scientist Job
Published: Oct 04, 2022 By Katharine Hansen, Ph.D.
Research scientists are a critical component of the life science industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , medical scientists earn a median annual salary of $84,810 and typically have a doctoral or professional degree.
Some may have an M.D. but conduct research in addition to, or instead of, practicing as a physician. The BLS projects job growth for medical scientists at a faster-than-average 8% up to 2028.
Various structures are possible for cover letters, and hiring decision-makers don ’ t offer a consensus on the best structure. But if you ’ re inexperienced with cover letters, the following offers a basic roadmap for getting started.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Research Scientist Job
One thing that ’ s changed in recent years since many professionals first started writing about cover letters is people's attention spans.
Hiring professionals used to recommend a maximum of four paragraphs – and some people can still get away with four. Three, however, is a safer limit these days, and the full letter should never be more than a page. Some experts say hiring managers scan the whole letter in about 10 seconds.
Here ’ s a structure for your cover letter, including an optional paragraph:
Opening Paragraph
Do not waste the opening paragraph of your cover letter. It is essential that the first paragraph sparks the employer ’ s interest, provides information about the benefits the employer will receive from you, and helps you stand out from all the other job seekers. Right from the get-go, identify one or two benefits you can offer the employer and tell how you can make a difference for the organization.
Weak opening paragraph: I am writing today to apply for the research scientist position you have posted on BioSpace.
Better opening paragraph: My Ph.D. in molecular biology and five years as a postdoctoral fellow in the U.S. and in Switzerland, along with my leadership skills and ability to contribute collaboratively, will enable me to enhance your lab ’ s success in a research scientist capacity, per your current job posting on BioSpace.
Optional Next Paragraph
Provide more detail about your professional and academic qualifications to make it an effective cover letter. Include more information about how you can provide the benefits you mention in the first paragraph. Expand on specific items from your resume that are relevant to the job you are seeking. Use solid action verbs to describe your accomplishments and achievements. If responding to a job posting or job ad, be sure to tailor this paragraph to the needs described in the ad.
Sample Paragraph
I offer proficiency in cell biology, techniques in molecular biology in general, and RNA methodologies in particular, encompassing various techniques of DNA and RNA isolation, linear RNA amplification for microarray hybridization, RNA microinjection, RT-PCR and quantitative RealTime PCR (TaqMan), in-situ hybridization, as well as a wide variety of lab techniques and computer skills, as outlined in my CV.
Second or Third Paragraph
Relate yourself to the company, giving details on why you should be considered for the position. Continue expanding on your qualifications while showing your knowledge of the company. Be sure you ’ ve done your homework. To make an effective cover letter, show that you know something about the organization.
Sample Paragraph :
My current experience as a postdoctoral research associate in the Molecular Biology Group at Novartis Pharmaceuticals AG in Basel, Switzerland, translates well to the requirements of your research-scientist position. These past three years at a leading international pharmaceutical company, along with two years of postdoctoral research at the Center for Developmental Biology, University of Texas, have bolstered an eclectic combination of skills that gives me a solid foundation upon which to make an immediate and meaningful contribution at your lab.
Closing Paragraph
The final paragraph of an effective cover letter must be proactive – and a call to action. You must ask for the job interview (or a meeting) in this paragraph. You must express your confidence that you are a perfect fit for the job. You must also put the employer on notice that you plan to follow up within a specified time.
Don ’ t leave the ball in the employer ’ s court. Too many cover letters end with a line like this: “ If you are interested in my qualifications, please call me.” Proactive cover letters, in which the job seeker requests an interview and promises to follow up with a phone call, are far more effective.
Weak closing paragraph: I hope you will review my resume, and if you agree with what I have stated here, consider me for the position. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Better closing paragraph: I am eager to help advance the success of your company, and I am confident that we should arrange a time to meet. I will call your office in the next week to schedule an appointment.
Tips and Tricks
Employer focus. Avoid telling the employer what the company can do for you instead of what you can do for the company. This rookie mistake is particularly common among new college graduates and other inexperienced job seekers. In most cases, employers are in business to make a profit. They want to know what you can do for their bottom line, not what they can do to fulfill your career dreams. Keep it concise and edit. Your letter should be not only fairly short, but also concise and pithy. Edit your letter mercilessly. Follow the journalist ’ s credo: Write tight! Cut out all unnecessary words and jargon. Then go back and do it again.
Proofread. If your timeframe will allow it, put your cover letter down, and then pick it up a day or two later as though you were the prospective employer. Does it grab and hold your attention? Is it concise? Is it free of typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors? Is it interesting? Is it looking like an effective cover letter? If you were the employer, would you know what this job seeker wants to do and why he or she is the best person to do it?
If you would not invite a job seeker with your cover letter for an interview, consider rewriting it to give yourself the best possible chance of securing the job.
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- 9 Organization Strategies for Busy Life Science Professionals This will open in a new window
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- How Long Employers Can Expect Staff to Stick Around This will open in a new window
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Science Cover Letter Examples
How to build a successful science cover letter.
Professionals in the scientific field work in a wide array of positions and disciplines, from the study of biology and medical research to humanities and social science. Earning a position in your scientific discipline requires an optimized cover letter that showcases your most relevant professional strengths .
In this guide, we teach you all the essential information to include in a science cover letter. Continue reading to learn more about:
- Formatting your science cover letter header and headline
- Making your science cover letter personalized to specific employers
- Writing an effective introduction for your science cover letter
- Highlighting your professional strengths as a scientist
- Concluding your science cover letter with a well-written closing statement
1. Format your science cover letter header and headline properly
The beginning of any great science cover letter starts with an excellently formatted header and headline.
A cover letter header always comes first, placed at the top of the page. This header should contain key pieces of information about both you and the employer, such as:
- Your name and professional title
- Your professional contact information
- The name of the employer and/or company
- The department of the company you are applying to (when applicable)
- The address of the company
Here is an example of a well-formatted science cover letter header
John Doe , Biology Scientist (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/john-doe
To: General Labs & Development, Inc. Biology Science Department 1234 Street Address Washington, D.C. 2001
Following your header is a cover letter headline . Think of this as a title to your cover letter that highlights key points and helps to captivate the employer’s attention .
Your headline should be one sentence or line of text and include compelling details that are highly relevant to both the position you are applying to and the content of your cover letter.
Here is an example of a well-written science cover letter headline
My 3-Step Approach to Conducting Scientific Research & How This Approach Can Benefit Your Lab
2. Make your science cover letter personalized to specific employers
Writing cover letters is a fairly commonplace practice, with most employers expecting to receive a cover letter when job applications are submitted for open positions.
What many applicants don’t realize, however, is that a core requirement of a successful cover letter is personalization . Personalization refers to a process of tailoring a cover letter to be highly specific to each individual employer, addressing their specific wants and needs.
To personalize a cover letter, it is crucial to research the employer thoroughly ahead of time to find out essential details, such as the company’s values and goals.
Additionally, you should always include a personalized greeting on your cover letter that addresses a specific person by name, such as the company CEO or a hiring manager.
Here are 3 examples of personalized science cover letter greetings
Dear Lab Supervisor Jack Green,
- Dear Mr. Jack Green,
- Dear Hiring Manager Joe Johnson,
3. Write an effective introduction for your science cover letter
The next necessity for your science cover letter is an effective and compelling introduction .
Introductory paragraphs should be concise, typically between two to three sentences in total. In this introduction, you want to provide the employer with a clear explanation of why you are a qualified candidate that should be considered for the job.
Here is an example of an effective science cover letter introduction
I am a recent graduate of Columbia University with a Master of Science in Clinical Research Methods. In my time as a student at Columbia, I worked for 3 years as a lab assistant and 1 year as a lab teaching assistant. My experience in the university labs has given me the technical prowess and interpersonal competence to effectively fulfill the role of assistant lab supervisor at your company.
Find out your resume score!
4. Highlight your professional strengths as a scientist
In a resume, you spend a lot of your writing space delving into the specifics of your educational and work experience. Comparatively, in a cover letter, you should spend more time explaining your top achievements and relevant skills , highlighting these qualifications as your professional strengths.
As you describe your key skills and achievements, make sure to include details that are highly relevant to the position and include contextual information. Your primary goal is to show the employer the real-life value you bring to the table that gives you an edge over other applicants.
Here are 6 skills to describe in a science cover letter
- Examining and analyzing lab samples
- Documenting and writing reports on lab results
- Developing hypotheses that can be tested
- Communicating and collaborating with other scientists
- Specific scientific specializations (biology, botany, etc.)
- Deep knowledge of utilizing scientific equipment
Here is an example of how to describe an achievement in a science cover letter
As a Lab Scientist at [Former Employer], I worked as a lab assistant helping to supervise experiments carried out by undergraduate students. In this role, I play a key role as a student mentor, helping to implement safer laboratory practices that resulted in a 15% decrease in dangerous lab incidents. Additionally, I led a research experiment that resulted in the development of a new scientific patent for the university.
5. Conclude your science cover letter with a well-written closing statement
Anytime you write a science cover letter, you should always end with a strong conclusion that reiterates your excitement for the position and encourages the employer to get in touch with you.
In your conclusion, make sure to include:
- An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
- Key information on how to best get in contact with you, as well as the best days and times for contacting you are
- A formal sign-off
Here is an example of a strong conclusion from a science cover letter
As your company is one of the top scientific research centers in D.C., it brings me great excitement and gratitude to be considered for this position. I look forward to speaking with you more about this opportunity and am available to meet on Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To best reach me, please call me at (123) 456-7890.
With Sincerity,
[Applicant Name]
If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two .
Martin Poduška
Martin is a resume expert and career advice writer at Kickresume. In his five years at Kickresume, he has written nearly 100 in-depth, painstakingly researched resume advice articles and, as chief editor, he has also edited and revised every single article on this website. Tens of thousands of job seekers read Martin’s resume advice every month. He holds a degree in English from the University of St Andrews and a degree in Comparative Literature from the University of Amsterdam .
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Science Cover Letter Example
February 23, 2022 | By the Resume Genius Team | Reviewed by Geoffrey Scott, CPRW
Need help writing a scientist cover letter for an academic or industry job? Use our science cover letter sample and follow our practical writing tips to simplify the process.
Want a different design? Download another cover letter template from our collection.
Samples Similar to a Science Cover Letter
- Biology Cover Letter
- Research Assistant Cover Letter
- Postdoc Cover Letter
Science Cover Letter Template (Text Format)
Make sure you use proper cover letter format to ensure that your cover letter is readable and professional.
[Today’s Date]
[Hiring Manager’s Name] [341 Company Address] [Company City, State xxxxx] [(xxx)-xxx-xxxx] [[email protected]]
Dear [Dr./Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],
I’m writing to express my interest in a postdoctoral research position in your lab at Harvard University, which I discovered through your lab website. I recently received my Ph.D. from the Chemistry Department at Columbia University under the supervision of Dr. John Smith. In my thesis work, I applied my skills in structural chemistry to characterize chromatin factors involved in human cancer. As your lab uses chemistry to investigate cancer epigenetics and functional genomics, I believe my diverse technical skills and interest in cancer research make me an ideal fit for your lab.
One major part of my thesis work was the isolation of the protein MADP-1, which has eluded purification by the field for six years. Having tried three conventional methods to isolate MADP-1, I tackled the problem through development of a novel purification scheme. I then determined the contacts between MADP-1 and PRC2 by X-ray crystallography. As the Smith Lab specializes in the study of metabolic signaling proteins – rather than chromatin factors – involved in cancer, I pioneered three chromatin assays in our lab. To further elevate the MADP-1 project, I collaborated with chromatin expert Dr. Maria Curry Lab at Stanford. Therefore, I am not afraid to go where the research takes me, and value being both an independent as well as highly collaborative researcher.
I am particularly interested in your work in cancer epigenetics, specifically your recent publications using CRISPR/Cas9-induced mutagenesis for genome-wide screens. Having planned and executed three high-throughput drug screens and assisted with two genetic screens, I am confident that I can apply my previous experience to perform similar screens in your laboratory. Additionally, I trained four undergraduates during my PhD. Specifically, I taught bench techniques, oversaw experiments, and edited their scientific writing, such as conference posters and senior theses. As a postdoctoral researcher at your laboratory, it would be a privilege to continue mentoring junior researchers.
I believe my resourceful and collaborative nature, interdisciplinary technical skills, and interest in disease research make me well-suited to work in your lab. I look forward to discussing more with you about my fit within your research group. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Jane Webster
How to write a science cover letter
Learning how to put together a cover letter for the specific job(s) you want will help you land more interviews.
Applying for jobs related to science? You’re going to need a cover letter that precisely outlines how you’d fulfill the needs of the position.
The first goal of your science cover letter is to make the hiring manager want to examine your other application materials. Another main purpose of your cover letter is to provide details about your professional background that you couldn’t fit in your science CV.
While our scientific cover letter example is written for an academic postdoc position , it can also give you ideas for writing cover letters for science jobs in industry.
Follow these four tips to write a cover letter for a scientist position:
1. Research the job thoroughly
Job descriptions can be sparse, especially for academic science positions. You may be left with only a vague idea of the exact job responsibilities and required qualifications.
To learn more about a position (whether at a lab or a company), look at their:
- recent publications , if a lab
- press releases, news stories or interviews
- social media accounts
- mission statement
Your research will not only tell you if the role is right for you, but will help you to write a cover letter as your employer’s ideal candidate.
Altogether, your investigative work can tell you about different aspects of the place you’re applying to, including their:
- research direction
- productivity level (and therefore expectations)
- work atmosphere
If the job description itself is more elaborate, make sure to highlight any of your specific skills or qualities that are explicitly asked for.
2. Emphasize how you are a good fit
Convey how your interests , technical skills , or both align with those of the role you’re applying for.
Often, showing enthusiasm for the job is more important than having all the prerequisite skills. Many employers don’t mind – and even expect – that you will have to learn some skills on the job.
To show excitement for the position, consider answering the following questions in your body paragraphs:
- Do you believe in the lab or company’s mission?
- If it’s a research position, are you interested in the field of study?
- Will you grow professionally, such as in learning new skills?
- Do you have past experience that will help you do the job particularly well, even better than other candidates with similar qualifications?
If you have other skills in addition to the prerequisites, describe how you would apply your different technical knowledge to advance the research or help the company fulfill its goals.
3. Provide data about yourself
As a scientist, you are well-trained in collecting and analyzing data. Your science cover letter is the place to use this skill on yourself.
Below are a few examples of the specifics you can include, and appropriate cover-letter action words to pair with them:
- You did something faster (i.e. processed a 96-well plate in half the time it had taken previously)
- You did something better , such as by increasing accuracy, precision, or yield
- You made something easier (i.e. developed a graphical user interface for a program that previously required extensive coding skills to run)
- You saved money (i.e. implemented a technique that is $40 less per reaction)
- Number of techniques established or executed
- Number of people managed
- Number of people your invention or discovery affects (i.e. users, patients, other scientists)
Quantifying your achievements not only sounds impressive, but makes your claims more believable at face value. If the hiring manager still doesn’t take your word for it, they can easily verify the numbers.
If the job description requires a research summary in your cover letter, talk about your research in a way that highlights you – not just what you discovered. For example, you can demonstrate your persistence and problem-solving skills by describing the different techniques you tried to get an experiment working, rather than just stating the experiment’s result.
4. Talk about your future plans
While your science CV tells a story about your past, your science cover letter can show where you’re headed.
Highlight how the job and your goals align
Perhaps bringing life-saving drugs to market in the private sector is the reason you went to graduate school. Maybe you’ve always wanted to study dolphins, and becoming a professor will let you do that.
State a more general goal that can be various timescales away (next year, five years, ten years), and how this role will either help you advance towards or achieve your goal. For example, if applying for an academic job, mention what your future research goals are.
Show you can handle the next step
As you are climbing the ranks at a company or in academia, show the hiring manager you have what it takes to do the job at the next level.
For instance, postdocs are often more independent, so give examples from your graduate work where you were able to think for yourself. A director of R&D at a company has to manage people, so give examples of how you supervised others earlier in your career.
Don’t forget to mention the immediate future
End your cover letter by saying you will be in touch or are looking forward to hearing from them soon.
Extra Science Cover Letters, Resumes, & CVs:
Cover letters:.
- Academic Cover Letter
- Computer Science Cover Letter
- Bioinformatics Resume
- Chemistry Resume
- Computer Science Intern Resume
- Computer Science Resume
- Lab Assistant Resume
- Lab Technician Resume
- Research Assistant Resume
- Research Assistant CV
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Writing a winning cover letter
- By John K. Borchardt
Y our CV cover letter is both an introduction and a sales pitch. "It should show what sets this individual apart from all others," advises Jeffrey Stansbury , vice chair of the Department of Craniofacial Biology at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in Aurora. Like any good sales pitch, your cover letter should motivate the customer to learn more about the product—in this case, you.
A good cover letter, like a good sales pitch, has several characteristics. First, like a good doctor, it does no harm: It avoids making a negative impression. Second, it demonstrates that the product suits the consumer's—your future employer's—specific needs. Third, it assures the customer that the quality of the product (you) is superb. Accomplishing all this is easier said than done. So how do you write a cover letter that will do you justice and earn an interview? First you need a plan.
If the cover letter is to be effective, it must definitely be tailored to the particular institution. —Kenton Whitmire
The objective
"A successful candidate impresses the committee right off with the cover letter and makes the committee members actually want to dig through the CV and recommendation letters to pull out the details that start to validate the positive claims," Stansbury says. "It also provides a glimpse into the applicant's personality and gives some guidance as to whether or not they can communicate in an organized, effective way."
One of the most important jobs of any good sales pitch is to avoid doing harm. Some cover letters inadvertently convey negative impressions of a candidate, especially if they "look sloppy or indicate an inability to communicate in English," says H. Robert Horvitz , who shared the 2002 Nobel Prize for physiology and medicine and has chaired search committees at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. "These things can kill someone's chances," adds Kenton Whitmire , chemistry professor and former chair of the chemistry department at Rice University in Houston, Texas.
Horvitz adds that cover letters "should be neat and professional," and should fit on one page. Whitmire would allow applicants a bit more room: The letter, he says, should be "no longer than one to two pages." To keep it short, "the cover letter should not reproduce the information in the CV, publications list, or other documents provided," Whitmire says, "but it should be used as a vehicle to highlight those things that the candidate believes will make him or her a good match for the position at hand."
More on writing a cover letter:
" The Commandments of Cover Letter Creation "
" The Cover Letter: Door Opener Par Excellence "
An effective cover letter doesn't just emphasize your best qualities; it also shows how well those qualities are likely to mesh with the open position. "Applicants should begin by reading advertisements for faculty positions carefully and be sure that their background and goals are appropriate for the position in question. You lose credibility if you can't make a case that you fit the ad," Whitmire says. "If the cover letter is to be effective, it must definitely be tailored to the particular institution."
"There's no excuse for not writing a cover letter that shows how your education, experience, and interests fit with what the institution is seeking," warns Julia Miller Vick, coauthor of the Academic Job Search Handbook , which is now in its fourth edition. "Not doing this would reflect laziness," Horvitz observes. At best, Vick adds, "a form letter or one that is generic doesn't accomplish much and leaves how the application is reviewed completely up to the reviewing committee." At worst, a generic cover letter can make you seem undesirable.
"While many people applying for academic positions tend to think that the review process is an evaluation of their previous work—how good is it?—the issue that is as important is the match," Whitmire says. "How will this person fit in here? The former is necessary, but the decision to interview will often be made upon research area or some other measure of fit to the department's needs at that moment in time."
Begin by learning about the department in general and the open position in particular. Department websites are a good starting point, but don't stop there. Go beyond the public information, and seek a sense of perspective. "It is best if candidates speak with their advisers and mentors to get some feel for the institution where they wish to apply," Whitmire suggests. Close senior colleagues can serve the same purpose. Read beyond the job ad, and figure out what they're really looking for.
Once you've got a fix on the institution, the department, and the open position, ask yourself what abilities or special qualities a candidate needs to excel in that position. Then determine which of your qualifications and accomplishments will particularly interest this department. Think about your research plans, past research accomplishments, special projects, and previous employment.
What evidence can you put forward that your background and plans prepare you well for this opening? How well do your research interests match those described in the advertisement? How well will they complement the work of the current faculty? How will your presence there make the department better? All this information will determine what to emphasize in your cover letter.
Writing the body of the letter
Your research accomplishments and plans should constitute the body of your cover letter for a research university position. At institutions where teaching is the primary emphasis, your primary focus should be your teaching experience, philosophy, and goals—and the suitability of your research program to a teaching-focused environment.
"An outline of plans for teaching and research needs to be specific to be meaningful," Stansbury says. Focus on your most important two or three examples of proposed research projects and innovative teaching plans, such as developing novel courses. These examples should change from one cover letter to another, as you customize your letters for different jobs.
The opening
After the body of your cover letter has been drafted, you come to the most critical step: writing an attention-getting introduction. Salespeople call this "having a handle." Your handle is what you offer that makes you especially well qualified for a particular faculty opening. For example, summarizing how well your research interests match the ones the department advertised provides an effective letter opening.
The opening paragraph should be short but more than one sentence. After you've captured the reader's attention with the handle, clearly but briefly summarize your most important—and relevant—qualifications. Anything less than a sharp focus and your readers will quickly lose interest and move on to the next application.
Closing the letter
End your letter decisively. Don't let it meander to an indefinite or weak close. A decisive close projects an image of you as assertive, confident, and decisive. It never hurts to close by requesting an interview.
Make your cover letter an example of your best writing by editing it carefully. It must be easy to read. Focus and clarity of expression in your letter imply focus and clarity of thought—very desirable qualities in a faculty member.
Then return to the critical issue: whether your research interests, other qualifications, and personality meet the search committee's requirements. Anything that doesn't accentuate the match should be deleted ruthlessly.
Now, set your letter aside for a day or two before editing it again. The detachment you gain from this short break will help you see what you've written more clearly. Detachment makes it easier to determine whether your paragraphs flow smoothly from one to the next. The logic that seemed so obvious when you were writing may seem much less so a day or two later. Carefully review both your cover letter and your CV to be sure the information in them is perfectly consistent. Often, a committee won't bother to try to resolve any discrepancies they find; they'll just move on to the next application.
Finally, Whitmire advises, "be sure to have your cover letter reviewed by someone [who] can be trusted and who has experience. Often, getting a second opinion about how something sounds to the reader—i.e., what they got from reading the letter, not what you intended in writing it—can be very valuable."
This article is an updated version of an article originally published on 10 March 2006.
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About the author, john k. borchardt.
John K. Borchardt has a Ph.D. in chemistry. He is the author of the book Career Management for Scientists and Engineers .
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Research Scientist Cover Letter Examples
Research Scientists study and investigate specimens and scientific processes related to the goals of the company for whom they work. Research Scientists record, analyze and interpret data and use that data to provide evidence that supports their conclusions. Research Scientists specialize in the advancement of technology, the creation of new commercial applications, processes or products, and the increase of scientific understanding.
The cover letter is one of the most important aspects of the application process because it is the first point of contact between you and your future boss. You need to convey as succinctly as possible in your cover letter why you are the ideal candidate for the position.
Not exactly what you are looking for? Check our complete library of over 1000 cover letter examples .
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Also, be sure to check out our extensive Research Scientist Resumes .
Improve your chances of getting noticed with a powerful cover letter. Take a look at our guide to create the best cover letter in 2023 .
Include These Research Scientist Skills
- Preparing protocols and lab reports for experiments
- Preparing grant proposals
- Installing new fixtures in the lab to improve work flow and lab space productivity
An example cover letter of a Research Scientist which is an effective example of a candidate’s collection of skills and experience relevant to the position appears below.
Dear Ms. Guadalupe Reid:
As a highly innovative and accomplished Research Scientist with a strong background in Microbiology and Biochemistry, I am currently seeking to use my highly transferable skills in medical technology and laboratory science. With extensive experience in biological research, documentation, teaching/instruction, and clinical laboratory environments, I feel confident in my ability to generate superior results for your organization.
Some of my key accomplishments include:
Cloned and expressed several proteins of interest for functional studies.
Taught undergraduate students the disciplines of Cell Biology and Microbiology with lab. Created lesson and curriculum plans. Coached students on proper lab techniques.
Trained Ph.D. colleagues in a specific curation technique to collect names and synonyms of proteins in order to retrieve relevant literature.
I possess extensive writing experience, analysis, and proofreading skills. I am a performance driven individual with a passion for learning. I can quickly adapt and achieve goals in any environment. For a more detailed presentation of my skills and background, please review the enclosed resume. I look forward to speaking with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your consideration.
Lloyd Barrett, Ph.D.
A professional cover letter is the first step toward your new job!
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Resume & Cover Letter
Writing an effective science cover letter.
Posted by Glassdoor Team
Career Advice Experts
Last Updated June 29, 2021
Guide Overview
Writing an effective science cover letter.
Your cover letter is an important part of your job search, even with the rise of online job applications. Spending time on your cover letter is worthwhile. It may be the first piece of information about you that the hiring manager sees. Science cover letters, while they may include some unique sections, share characteristics with those used in other fields. An effective cover letter can help get you past the screening phase and into the interview room when the field is crowded. Here are some steps to help you develop an effective cover letter for a scientist position.
Why should you write a science cover letter?
When you’re applying for a job, your cover letter has one purpose. It should convince the hiring manager that your skills and experience might be right for the job and that you are worth further consideration. Therefore, if the application process allows for the submission of a cover letter, you should submit one. In highly competitive fields such as the hard sciences, the cover letter for a scientist job application may be the difference between getting an interview and getting no response at all.
Learn More: How to Write a Cover Letter
How to write a science cover letter
A science cover letter includes the typical summary of your experience and qualifications, but it also focuses on your academic credentials, presentations, publications, and research projects on which you may have worked. Internships and fellowships may figure prominently in a cover letter for a scientist position. Here are a few things to consider as you are creating yours:
Learn More: How to List Publications on Resume
Use the format of a standard business letter
Take the time to identify the hiring manager so that you can use the correct name and address in the letter. Phrases like “To Whom It May Concern,” are outdated and don’t demonstrate a sincere interest in the position. When a job has hundreds of applicants, a generic form cover letter gives the hiring manager a reason to eliminate you. Unless it’s specifically prohibited in the posting, call the company to get a specific name from the Human Resources department. Try to get the name of the person who will be doing the initial review of the applications.
Introduce yourself right away
Give an overview of your education, experience, and skills but don’t repeat exactly what is on your resume. Share what you feel are your greatest accomplishments, research projects, or publications. Then go one step further and relate those achievements to the position for which you are applying.
Refer to the job posting or description and describe how you are a good match. For example, if you are applying for a job as a researcher in a laboratory environment, choose an accomplishment that highlights your experience in that setting. If the job description lists a particular piece of equipment, describe your experience with it. Show the employer how you improved safety in the computer science lab, reduced operating expenses, or increased efficiencies.
Explain why you are a great fit
You want to go beyond showing why you are a good fit for the job. You want to show the hiring manager why you are the best choice for the company. To effectively sell yourself as the ideal match for the business, you need to research the company thoroughly. You want to understand the organization’s mission, vision, and values, and you want to develop an understanding of what the business needs you to achieve on its behalf if you are the selected candidate.
You may be able to find the information you need online, but if not, network with your connections to find someone who works there who can give you insight. Tailor your cover letter to the specific position to which you are applying rather than speaking in broader terms about the sciences. Share how your personal and professional goals align with those of the company.
Describe briefly how you, as the ideal candidate for the job, can help the company meet its goals. The employer will be impressed with the time and effort you put into learning about the enterprise. Understanding the organization’s position demonstrates that you are interested in contributing to its success.
Learn More: How to End the Perfect Cover Letter
Proofread carefully
Simple mistakes such as these in your science cover page make it far too easy for a hiring manager to pass over your application in favor of a more careful candidate. Pay special attention to scientific terminology and vocabulary specific to the company or the position. While online proofreading programs can help catch basic errors, don’t rely completely on software to check your spelling and grammar. Some types of errors will make it past those filters. Proofread carefully yourself and have someone else review it as well.
Learn More: How to Write a Resume
Use a professional tone
While some sources may recommend a conversational and casual tone, the sciences tend to be more formal. Strive for a tone that is professional but cordial, expressing confidence and enthusiasm without venturing into hyperbole. The only exception would be if you are applying to work for an employer known for a low-key, casual atmosphere. If you don’t know what the work environment is like, visit the company website and talk with your contacts to learn more. Matching the tone of your letter to that of the company is a good way to stand out from other applicants.
Learn More: Words and Phrases to Never Include in a Cover Letter
Scientific cover letter example
Science cover letter samples can be helpful to help you get started. Here is one that may give you some ideas:
January 4, 2021
Charles Thompson
Hiring Manager
Jackson Laboratories
2468 West Forest Avenue
Medon TN 38356
Dear Mr. Thompson:
My name is Leigh Canovan, and I would like to be the next Laboratory Safety Manager at your Medon facility as advertised in your posting dated December 15, 2020. I hold a Master’s degree in Laboratory Sciences and more than 15 years of experience in similar roles. I am competent in all of the equipment listed in the job description. In fact, in my current role, I successfully negotiated a new contract for safety equipment, saving my employer more than $10,000 per year. These skills are a good match for the budget management responsibilities described in the job posting.
Based on my research, I understand that Jackson Laboratories prides itself on the safety of its facilities and has set a goal of having zero lost-time workplace injuries. The job description states that the Laboratory Safety Manager is responsible for purchasing, installing, and maintaining the proper equipment to achieve that goal. Improving laboratory safety is a passion of mine as demonstrated in my success in my current role. We have had no lost-time accidents in our facility for the last five years, and I would take great pride in helping Jackson Laboratories reach similar success.
The job posting also mentions that Jackson Laboratories would like to get involved in researching new innovations in lab safety. I recently co-authored a study on several new types of personal protective equipment, demonstrating my experience and ability to help the company implement such a plan. Also, in 2015, I was the lead researcher in another study on the use of new materials in safety goggles. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about this position. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this more with you in an interview.
Leigh Canovan
Scientific cover letter template
Here is a template to help you get started with your biotech cover letter:
Name of the hiring manager
Title of the hiring manager
Name of the company
Address of the company
City, State, ZIP
Dear prefix and name of the hiring manager:
The first sentence introduces you and gives a direct statement about why you want the job. Briefly outline your education, experiences, and qualifications without repeating word-for-word what is on your resume. Describe an accomplishment that demonstrates why you are the best person for the job.
The second paragraph should show what you have learned from your research on the company. Describe why your own professional goals are aligned with those of the company. Draw from your own experience and describe how it matches what the employer is looking for in the job description. Talk about how you can help the company rather than how the company can help you.
The third paragraph is similar to the second. It should further describe how you are a good match for the company. Close it out with a show of appreciation for the hiring manager’s time and a desire for an interview.
Closing statement,
A well-done science cover letter can help you stand out in a competitive field of applicants, whether it’s for a full-time job, an internship, a fellowship, or a teaching position. Once you have that interview, get prepared by researching salaries for the position in the current market.
Looking for a new job? Start here.
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How to write a successful cover letter for science jobs
Crafting a great science cover letter is an essential part of the job application process. Even if you’re right for the role and have a polished CV, you still need to prove why you’re the best person for the job.
Let’s face it: most of us dread the prospect of having to write a cover letter. Promoting ourselves can often feel uncomfortable, and writing in a persuasive, compelling style is already difficult enough.
Fortunately, writing a top-notch cover letter doesn’t require the prose abilities of Austen or Hemingway. By following a tried-and-tested formula and getting straight to the heart of what the hiring manager is looking for, anyone — regardless of writing ability — can produce an effective cover letter that really showcases your talents.
Indeed, writing a cover letter can be a real confidence-boosting exercise and even add to your professional skill set.
How to Write a Science Cover Letter
SECTION 1: PREPARATION
Research the hiring company
To kick off the cover letter process, you should spend an hour or two of your time acquainting yourself with the role and the company.
By aiming to better understand the business, the role, and how you’d fit into the bigger picture as an employee, you’ll be able to keep your cover letter direct and to the point from the very first word.
After all, you can never do too much research. If you’re not equipped with even the most basic knowledge of the company, how can you properly demonstrate that you’re right for the role?
Your research will also help you confirm whether or not you want to work for the company. Do the company’s mission and values align with your own? If not, then you may want to consider another role.
What to look out for
Aim to familiarise yourself with info on the following:
- What the company does
- The company’s services and/or products
- The company’s people and culture
- Any relevant information on the target market (including competitors)
- The tone of voice employed by the company
Where to look
You can use social media channels such as LinkedIn, Glassdoor employee reviews, and science publications. You should also browse through the company’s website, which will (or at least should ) provide information on what they do (in their own words) and the team.
The information you gather will help you tailor your cover letter according to what the company and hiring manager are looking for in the job description.
Analyse the job description
The job description is pivotal to the cover letter. While each job description differs in detail and scope from the next, they all have the same purpose: to outline the type of person that the employer requires.
Job descriptions usually start by offering an overview of the company and role, before getting into the nitty-gritty of which skills and experience are required, as well as what the role entails. Often, these are in the form of bullet points, which can help you separate and identify the exact points that your cover letter needs to cover.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to cover every bullet point, but you should definitely try to cover the most important ones.
To recap: Always have one eye on the job description when writing your cover letter. Let the former act as your guide; follow it closely and you’ll be better placed to prove your suitability to the hiring manager.
SECTION 2: WRITING YOUR COVER LETTER
How long should a cover letter be?
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer. As a benchmark, one sheet of A4 paper or 250 to 500 words will usually suffice, but the length of your cover letter will largely depend on two things:
- The number of essential criteria listed in the job description, most of which you’ll need to show evidence of.
- The examples you provide to meet these criteria (more on this shortly).
PRO TIP: Always write a new cover letter for each role you apply to. Every job (and therefore every job description) is different, so try not to reuse an old cover letter or rely on a one-size-fits-all template. If you do have a template, then at least ensure you tailor it to the exact role you are applying for on a case-by-case basis.
Now, let’s get into the actual writing.
How to start your cover letter
The start of a cover letter is arguably the most important section. Your intro will set the tone for the reader, so make sure you are forthright and direct, but also aim to demonstrate your uniqueness and suitability for the role as early as possible.
After all, each open position will likely attract dozens of applications — which is a lot of reading for those in charge of hiring (many of whom will be strapped for time and have other responsibilities to attend to).
How to choose the right greeting for your cover letter
If you know the name of the person you’re addressing (tip: this is often stated on the job advert), use a simple:
Dear [first name],
If you don’t have a name, it’s worth gauging the tone of the company you’re applying for by browsing through their website and social media pages. If the company uses formal or technical language, go for:
To whom it may concern,
If the company is less formal (as many startups tend to be), the following greetings will be appropriate:
Dear hiring manager,
OR (for a company with a particularly informal culture)
Make the reader know your intentions from the outset
Hiring managers are busy people. Given that there’s a good chance your application may be skimmed through, it’s crucial that you stand out. Once you’ve chosen a greeting, you’ll need a killer opening line.
If writing doesn’t come naturally, don’t worry — you’re not being judged on the merits of your prose. Instead, aim to outline your intentions in the opening line. For example:
Please accept this as my application for the position of [Job Title] with [Company Name].
Now you’ve set your stall, it’s time to briefly summarise:
- What makes you right for the role
- Why you want to work for the company
In one or two paragraphs, explain what attracted you to the job posting and include some relevant information about what the organisation does. This will demonstrate that your research on their company has gone beyond just the job title and job spec.
PRO TIP: Aim for paragraphs of between three and six lines. This will break up the text for the hiring manager and make it easier to read through.
Think of your cover letter as an elevator pitch
Much like a sales pitch, the cover letter represents your chance to sell yourself. But instead of trying to sell an idea or a product in a five-minute presentation, you’ll have a page of A4 to impress the hiring manager and showcase your suitability. As you start writing, aim to make every word, sentence, and paragraph count. Likewise, aim to remove anything that doesn’t add value.
What to include in the cover letter main body
Once you’ve crafted a snappy intro of one or two paragraphs, the bulk of the letter should see you systematically work through the job description and highlight any skills, experience, and the techniques that are relevant to the role.
Be explicit, as these are the details that will jump out to a busy recruiter or hiring manager who may be scanning your letter.
Here are some pointers on what to bear in mind or include when writing your cover letter.
Write in the company’s tone of voice
If you’ve done your research on the employer, you’ll likely have picked up pointers on the type of language they use externally (if not internally, too).
When writing and editing your cover letter, aim to mirror their tone of voice as closely as possible. Do they place emphasis on scientific jargon? Use scientific jargon. Do they have a conversational approach? Write to them in a conversational way (though again, not too informal).
By mirroring cultural markers, you’ll subconsciously stand out to the hiring manager as someone who is likely to quickly assimilate.
Provide situational evidence of your competencies
Given the technical demands of scientific roles, hiring managers want to see evidence of you applying your technical knowledge to real-world scenarios. You’ll therefore need to demonstrate how your background, skills, experience, and attitude can enhance the business you are applying for.
To do so, you should refer to one successful real-life example where you have saved your previous/current employer time and money or have streamlined processes to increase profitability. Using the ‘ STAR ’ technique will help give you a rounded example. STAR stands for:
Situation — Briefly describe the background to the situation
Task — Describe the task or challenge you were faced with
Action — Describe what you did and why you did it
Result — Describe the outcome of your actions
Show your personality
This key part of any cover letter is often neglected (particularly by scientists!). While skills, experience, and aptitude is crucial for any hire, so too is the personality and cultural fit of each candidate.
Given that many scientific roles continue to be office- or lab-based, every hiring manager is looking for candidates who value teamwork and camaraderie. As such, you should include a paragraph that provides an insight into who you are outside of work.
This doesn’t have to be a huge achievement; it can be as simple as the things you like to do in your downtime (e.g. activities with family and friends; hobbies; groups; charitable endeavours; engagement with the local community).
Demonstrate your adaptability and willingness to learn
Innovation in STEM happens at a breakneck pace, so most employers are looking for candidates who are adaptable and up to date with the latest trends. Focusing on your transferable skills will demonstrate to the hiring manager that you’re self-aware and on a journey of professional development. It will also show that you can be a long-term asset to the business.
Include memorable numbers and statistics
Much like how an infographic helps break up a blog, any relevant or valuable data will immediately stand out to the reader and pique their interest (especially as they’re likely to be scientific professionals themselves). Let’s be honest, “ I increased lab efficiency by 35% ” sounds more impressive than the vague “ I increased lab efficiency .”
Use keywords
Make sure to pepper your cover letter with relevant keywords that relate to the role or job, particularly any that are included in the job description.
For a molecular biology role, for example, skills- or technique-related keywords may include things like PCR (polymerase chain reaction) , gel electrophoresis , ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) , and cell culture .
For an analytical chemistry role, this could include HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) , GC (gas chromatography) , and/or MS (mass spectrometry) . Of course, you should only include keywords that are relevant to the role and reflect your actual experience.
Be honest about your experience
Like with your CV, you’ll eventually get caught out if you include half-truths in your cover letter. If you’re missing experience, there’s no need to apologise or try and overcompensate for it elsewhere. Simply act natural and let your actual experiences and values come to the fore. Besides, being honest will help you better recall what you wrote in any subsequent interview — and help you avoid any awkward umming and ahhing.
How to end a cover letter
If your reader has made it this far, you’ll want to leave them with a favourable final impression of your application. After all, there’s no use in nailing the introduction and main body if you simply rush the ending and/or sign off with a whimper.
Instead, you want to end with a bang.
First up, summarise your key strengths, skills, and experience. In one or two sentences, reiterate the most important points from your main body. Don’t simply lift words or phrases from earlier in the cover letter, though. Rephrase what you’ve already said and, if possible, try to inject something new into it.
In your closing statement, you want to exude professionalism and confidence, but without being pushy. Round off your cover letter by thanking the reader for their time and attention, and offer your contact details so that you are easy to get in touch with should they wish to organise a further exploratory conversation with you.
Keep it short and sweet.
Finally, choose a professional and courteous salutation to wrap up your letter, such as,“ Yours sincerely ” (only if the recipient is addressed by their name), “ Kind regards , ” or “ Thank you for your consideration .” Avoid overly casual or informal phrases such as, “ Yours , ” “ Cheers , ” or “ Take care .”
SECTION 3: EDITING AND FOLLOW UP
Before sending your cover letter...
Proofread your letter.
Some scientific roles will require writing skills, so try to avoid any embarrassing typos (“ King regards ” crops up very frequently). A second pair of eyes always helps, so ask a close friend to give it a read. Free plugins such as Grammarly can also help you spot repeated words or grammatical errors, which can be a real timesaver (and lifesaver!) when writing.
Make sure it sells you as the best person for the job.
While a good cover letter takes time, you’ll also feel proud when you’ve got it down to a tee. Put yourself in the shoes (or reading glasses) of the hiring manager: does the letter excite you? If not, you may need to add some more tweaks.
Writing an email subject line for a job application
In many instances, the job advert will instruct you to apply via email. This requires creating a strong subject line to capture the hiring manager’s attention.
When crafting your subject line, don’t overthink it. Be succinct and direct. Unless explicitly instructed otherwise, include both the job title of the role you are applying for and the company. For example:
Application for the position of [Job Title] with [Company Name]
The above is short, simple, and to the point. In other words, it’s an effective way of telling the hiring manager exactly what to expect when they open the email.
How to follow up your job application
If you’ve not had an acknowledgement or feedback on your application within the suggested time on the advertisement (or a week if not stated), follow it up with an email. Demonstrate you are keen, interested, and motivated to successfully see your application through.
In your follow-up email, you should open with a polite and courteous salutation, keep it brief, and express in sentence or two why you are a good fit. Then, ask any questions related to the job at the end of the email. As before, close with a professional salutation.
Follow-up email template
Subject Line: Molecular Scientist Position - [Your full name] Application
Dear [their first name].
I hope you are well. I recently submitted my application for the molecular scientist position and wondered if it would be possible to receive an update on your decision timeline.
I am very interested in working at [company name] and believe that my skill set — especially my extensive experience in [give example of relevant experience] at [current or former employer] — make me an ideal fit for the role.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from my end.
Thanks again for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Your full name]
With that said, good luck in your job hunting!
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Writing a great Scientist cover letter is an important step in your job search journey. When writing a cover letter, be sure to reference
Science Cover Letter Template · 1. Use a proven science cover letter format and layout · 2. Write a clean-looking science cover letter header · 3.
Relate yourself to the company, giving details on why you should be considered for the position. Continue expanding on your qualifications while
Parts of a Scientist Cover Letter · First paragraph. Highlight your education, experience, qualifications, and highlights of your career. · Second paragraph. Your
1. Format your science cover letter header and headline properly · Your name and professional title · Your professional contact information · The
I believe my resourceful and collaborative nature, interdisciplinary technical skills, and interest in disease research make me well-suited to
What evidence can you put forward that your background and plans prepare you well for this opening? How well do your research interests match
I am a performance driven individual with a passion for learning. I can quickly adapt and achieve goals in any environment. For a more detailed presentation of
Scientific cover letter template ... Dear prefix and name of the hiring manager: The first sentence introduces you and gives a direct statement
I am very interested in working at [company name] and believe that my skill set — especially my extensive experience in [give example of