cover letter postdoc chemistry

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

Postdoc Cover Letter & Writing Guide

A postdoc cover letter is a document to use when you’re applying for a postdoctoral research position . It’s an academic role where those with PhDs can continue their work, using it to transition from being students to full-time professionals.

A well-written postdoc cover letter should showcase your highly specialized knowledge in the field of interest, along with your motivation and passion for research . In this article, we’ll show you how to achieve that in a concise and information-packed letter to land an interview and, afterward, a postdoc fellowship. 

Let’s dive right in!

Key Takeaways

A business letter format is the best one for a postdoc cover letter.

The ideal length for your postdoc cover letter is one page, 250–400 words, or 3–5 paragraphs.

The first paragraph should explain what position you’re after while highlighting your key strengths.

The final paragraph should feature a call to action to increase your chances of success.

Your letter should have a professional tone and no typos or mistakes.

Postdoc Cover Letter Format

A postdoc cover letter format should be the same as for a standard cover letter, which is the business letter format . This is an established way of writing letters in professional circles, ensuring an organized and easy-to-follow structure.

Here’s what that format should look like and how you should arrange the parts of your cover letter:

Cover Letter Mandatory Details

Contact information should be in the header.

A polite greeting addresses the reader.

The body of the letter should consist of three parts: a. An introductory paragraph to grab attention b. The summary of your research to emphasize your qualifications c. A closing paragraph with a call to action

A polite conclusion closes the cover letter.

In addition to optimizing the format of your letter, you also need a strong layout to create an enticing visual experience .

Here are some guidelines to help you achieve that:

Cover Letter Layout Guidelines

Your cover letter should be one page long .

The writing should be concise and information-packed, no more than 250–400 words and 3–5 paragraphs .

You should pick an established font for your cover letter , such as Arial or Calibri.

An optimal font size is between 10 and 12 pt .

Margins should be at least 1 inch .

Typical line spacing is 1.0 , with an extra line of space between paragraphs.

While following these guidelines is a simple way to get a professional postdoc cover letter, it’s entirely possible that you don’t want to bother formatting your document from scratch. In that case, you can use our cover letter builder to simplify the process and ensure maximum accuracy .

You’ll find a number of expertly made postdoc cover letter templates that you can fully customize . With preset formats and layouts, all you need to do is add your writing and download a finished product.

Postdoc Cover Letter: 7 Fundamental Parts

Let’s learn how to write a postdoc cover letter by examining each of the seven fundamental parts. You’ll discover what each section of your cover letter should have and how you can make it perfect.

#1. Heading

A cover letter heading should showcase contact information and the date of writing .

You should start with your details and include:

Heading Mandatory Details

Mailing address

Phone number

Email address

Following that, you should specify the location and date of writing the cover letter before listing the recipient’s details , such as:

Recipient's Mandatory Details

The recipient’s name

The university or the company’s name

The university or the company’s address

Let’s see all that in an example:

Header Example

James Brown 3451 Quiet Valley Lane Woodland Hills, CA 91303 818-883-3690 [email protected]

Berkeley, 03/11/2024

Dr. George Cooper University of California, Berkeley University Avenue and Oxford St Berkeley, CA 94720

#2. Greeting

Every postdoc cover letter should start with a polite greeting. You want to address the reader and introduce them to your writing cordially. For the most impact, you want to include the recipient’s name.

This creates a personalized experience , builds rapport with the reader, and maximizes the chances of them focusing on your writing.

Here’s an example:

Greeting Example

Dear Dr. Cooper,

If you researched the company or institution and didn’t find the name of the recipient, you can include their job title, department, or similar information. Avoid using generic greetings , like “ To Whom It May Concern ,” as they are too impersonal.

#3. Introduction

The introduction of your postdoc cover letter should be catchy while explaining its purpose . To start your cover letter , you should state why you’re writing it and what position you’re applying for.

After that, you want to highlight a couple of your most notable strengths to outright convince the reader that you’re a strong candidate. This is also the place to include a professional reference if you have one.

Let’s see that in an example:

Introduction Example

I am writing to express my enthusiasm for the postdoctoral position in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. As a recent graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where I focused on nanomaterials in energy storage, I would love to continue my pursuit in the field as a part of your team. You may recall I was referred by Dr. Jane Doherty, who speaks highly of your department.

#4. Summary of Your Research

The central part of your postdoc cover letter should represent the summary of your research. You want to talk about your work and efforts and, through that, emphasize your skills and qualifications .

You can mention relevant information, such as your field of study or dissertation topic. However, keep the details relevant to the position that you’re applying for . You want to make sure you’re emphasizing those abilities that the reader wants in candidates.

Here’s a good example:

Summary of Your Research Example

During my doctoral studies, I focused on the research and synthesis of innovative nanomaterials, with the goal of improving their efficiency and creating sustainable systems for storing energy. One of the greatest challenges I tackled was the issue of material degradation, which I approached by developing a new grade of anode material. During trial testing, we achieved a 39% increase in capacity with up to a 31% improvement in sustainability after 50 cycles.

#5. Reasons for Applying

When you state the specific reason for applying to the particular institution or company, you demonstrate in-depth knowledge of its organization .

This allows you to get ahead of the competition, as members of the hiring committee often look for more in candidates than just their skills and qualifications . For instance, familiarity with the goals and aspirations of the organization that you want to join indicates that you’ll likely be a good cultural fit .

Reasons for Applying Example

I would be excited to continue my work in your laboratory. Your department’s focus on sustainable chemistry aligns with my academic aspirations, and I’d like to keep researching advanced materials as a member of UC Berkeley. I admire your reputation for leveraging cutting-edge research to address global concerns, and I believe my research on nanomaterials can contribute to your efforts.

#6. Call to Action

A call to action in the final paragraph of your postdoctoral cover letter draws on human psychology to increase your chances of getting a response . You can use it to mention your CV or emphasize that you’d be happy to discuss your application further over an interview.

Call to Action Example

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my CV, which contains detailed information about all my relevant skills, experience, and publications, for your review. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss our potential future together further over an interview.

#7. Conclusion & Sign-Off

A conclusion and sign-off—much like a greeting—should be polite and to the point . You should use any of the cordial closing phrases followed by your name.

Check out the following example:

Conclusion & Sign-Off Example

Sincerely, James Brown

Here’s a complete example of a chemistry postdoc cover letter:

Postdoc Cover Letter Example

Cover letter templates

With a postdoc cover letter example out of the way, let’s finish this comprehensive guide with a couple of expert tips that will help you take it to the next level:

5 Best Tips for Writing a Postdoc Cover Letter

Leverage numbers to quantify your accomplishments. If your work has already provided substantial results, including numbers can help you add measurable value and further validate your skills and qualifications.

Don’t forget to highlight your motivation in addition to your competence. The power of a postdoc cover letter lies in its ability to demonstrate your drive and career goals in addition to factual details about your abilities.

Make sure to proofread your cover letter before submitting it. When it comes to academic writing , proofreading is essential. Any typos or errors can draw the wrong kind of attention. You can even ask a friend or a mentor to go through your letter before you submit it.

You should write a new postdoc cover letter every time you apply for a new position. This way, you’ll ensure that your document is perfectly tailored to the needs of the organization that you’re applying to, maximizing your chances of success.

Maintain a professional tone throughout your cover letter. Even though you want to highlight drive and enthusiasm, you should still remain courteous and professional.

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to write a compelling postdoc cover letter for Harvard, Caltech, or any other institute or organization. Formats and layouts remain the same, regardless of the position or the institution that you’re applying to.

Moreover, the writing rules don’t change based on the field of study , so a postdoc cover letter in the humanities and social sciences will be rather similar to a physics or biology one. Your goal is to concisely explain what you’re applying for, highlight your strongest qualifications, and emphasize your motivation.

Now, all you need to know is how to write a CV , and you’re ready to apply for a postdoc and get your new role in academia. Best of luck in your future efforts!

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Sample Cover Letter

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 89 Ames Street 61-210 Cambridge, MA 02139 (617) 555-1212 awalker@mit.edu

Department of Chemistry Wonderful Religious University Great City, OH 54321 September 29, 20XX

Dear Professor Greatguy and Members of the Faculty Search Committee,

I am writing to apply for your department’s open position for an assistant professor of organic chemistry. I have enclosed my curriculum vitae, two academic transcripts, a statement of my teaching philosophy, and three brief research proposals. I have arranged for letters of support to be sent directly from three references: Professor X (MIT), Professor Y (MIT) and Professor Z (California Institute of Technology).

I am seeking a faculty position at an institution that will support me sharing my passion for chemistry with students through teaching. I have significant teaching experience, with outstanding reviews from my students in both general and organic chemistry. I have assisted with both introductory and organic chemistry, and am excited about leading these courses, as well as teaching biochemistry and special topics such as Gene Therapy and the internationalization of science. I plan to teach not only students at WRU, but expand efforts to reach out into the community and raise awareness of the importance of science in everyday life.

As an assistant professor, I will focus my research gene therapy, specifically on the development of new types of nanospheres made of biodegradeable polymers. I have been developing some of these in my postdoctoral work, but will move my own research in a new direction, specifically looking at binding into the major and minor grooves for specificity of application. The three research proposals I have included each include preliminary results that validate my approach, and I plan to use those results to write fullfledged proposals to major funding agencies. The scope of this work dovetails nicely with both the type of students and resources available at WRU, falling naturally into small projects easily managed by an undergraduate over the course of a summer or semester. I am excited about building a research group to more deeply understand these systems, and develop better therapeutic methods.

My wide breadth of experience in biological, organic, natural products and synthetic chemistry, as well as chemical engineering, will allow me to not only work on interdisciplinary research problems, but also help expand the horizons of possibilities for students.

I have given careful considering to the type of academic institution that matches my talents and motivations, and am specifically looking for a primarily undergraduate institution, where I can run a small research group that will let me develop meaningful professional relationships with students. I was thrilled to see WRU’s strong focus on international collaboration, and plan to work with your Science Semester Abroad program, to enable my students to more deeply understand the collaborative and international nature of today’s scientific research.

Finally, I have visited Great City several times, and am well aware of the vast array of cultural and other amenities. I look forward to exploring the city further, and building a personal and professional life there.

Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to hearing from you.

With best regards, Alice Walker

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