application letter for research scientist position

How to Write an Research Scientist Cover Letter (With Template)

Key takeaways

• A cover letter can be the most important element in a job application. Ensuring your profile stands out to recruiters is crucial to your professional success.
• A well-tailored cover letter should provide relevant information clearly and concisely. Focus on detailing your skills and why you are the right person for that specific role.
• The included Research Scientist cover letter template provides an easy starting point to craft your own cover letters. Adapt and personalize it to fit your profile.

A well-written cover letter is key to quickly getting the attention of prospective employers. Among countless job seekers, resumes, and application letters, yours need to stand out on first impression if you want to ensure your job search   translates to a new role .

In this post, you will discover:

• Reasons why a well-crafted cover letter is key to professional success, from entry-level roles to senior positions
• Cover letter do’s and dont’s
• A Research Scientist sample cover letter you can easily adapt and personalize

A well-tailored   cover letter : The key to   job application   success

Ensuring you know how to write a cover letter that is clear, informative, and tailored to the role you are applying to will benefit you in many ways. Well-crafted cover letters have many benefits, which include:

• Showcasing relevance:   Tailoring your cover letter allows you to emphasize the most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the specific job requirements. This immediately captures the attention of the   talent acquisition   team, recruiters, or human resources reps.
• Demonstrating research:   A good cover letter conveys your understanding of the organization's needs and illustrates how you can contribute to its success, signaling to potential employers that you've done your homework.
• Telling your story:   Each job application is unique, and a tailored cover letter enables you to craft a personalized narrative. It lets you connect your professional journey with the role's specific challenges and opportunities, making your application more compelling.
• Highlighting cultural fit:   Your cover letter allows you to address the company's values, mission, and culture. By aligning your experiences and values with those of the organization, you demonstrate a cultural fit and convey your enthusiasm for being part of the team.
• Addressing specific requirements:   Job postings often include   specific skills or qualifications   the employer is seeking. Tailoring your cover letter enables you to address these requirements directly, showcasing how you possess the desired attributes and can meet the company's expectations.

Cover letter tips

A great cover letter should reflect your professional profile and personality. However, no matter what your cover letter's content is, the tips below will help ensure the message you want to convey is clear and easily accessible to hiring managers.

• Keep it concise:   Aim for a cover letter length of 250-400 words. Be succinct in presenting your qualifications and experiences.
• Use a clean layout:   Opt for a professional and clean cover letter format with a standard font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman) and a font size of 10-12 points.
• Include   contact information :   Provide your contact information at the top of the cover letter, including your name, phone number, and professional email address.
• Use   headers   and sections:   Organize your cover letter into clear sections with headers such as Introduction, Work Experience, and Achievements for easy readability.
• Maintain a professional tone:   Keep the tone of your cover letter professional and upbeat. Avoid overly casual language, and focus on showcasing your skills and experiences.
• Use keywords:   Incorporate relevant keywords from the Agile Project Manager   job description   and company website into your cover letter. This can help your application pass through   applicant tracking systems (ATS)   used by many employers.
• Highlight achievements with bullet points:   Use bullet points to list specific accomplishments or notable projects. This makes it easier for the reader to grasp your accomplishments quickly.
• Use quantifiable data:   Whenever possible, include quantifiable data to demonstrate the impact of your achievements. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your contributions.
• Match company tone:   Adapt your writing style to match the tone of the company and industry. Research the company's culture to strike the right balance between professionalism and personality.
• Showcase company knowledge:   Demonstrate your understanding of the company by referencing its values, mission, or recent achievements. Explain why you're excited about the opportunity to work for this specific organization.
• Address employment gaps (if applicable):   If you have employment gaps, briefly address them in a positive light, focusing on any skills or experiences gained during those periods.
• Proofread   thoroughly:   Eliminate typos and grammatical errors by proofreading your cover letter multiple times. Consider using tools like Grammarly to catch any overlooked mistakes and ensure your English (or any language you use) is correct.
• Include a   call to action :   Conclude your cover letter with a call to action, expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and indicating your readiness for an interview.
• Follow submission instructions:   If there are specific instructions for submitting the cover letter, such as naming conventions or document formats, ensure that you adhere to them.
• Save as a PDF:   Save your cover letter as a PDF before submitting it. This ensures that the formatting remains consistent across different devices and software.

While understanding the correct steps to write a cover letter is crucial to your professional success, knowing what mistakes to avoid is equally important. The best cover letter can easily be made useless by a tiny blunder. Avoid making the mistakes listed below; you will be halfway to your new job.

• Don't use a generic greeting:   Avoid generic salutations like "To whom it may concern," “Dear sir or madam, “ or “Dear hiring manager.“ Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person.
• Don't repeat your resume:   An effective cover letter should complement your resume, not duplicate it. Focus on specific experiences and achievements that showcase your qualifications for the role.
• Don't exaggerate or lie:   Be truthful in your cover letter. Exaggerating your qualifications or providing false information can harm your chances and damage your professional reputation.
• Don't use unprofessional email addresses:   Ensure that the email address you use in your contact information is professional. Avoid using nicknames or unprofessional terms.
• Don't include irrelevant information:   Keep your cover letter focused on the job. Avoid including unrelated personal details or experiences that do not contribute to your suitability for the role.
• Don't use jargon unnecessarily:   While demonstrating your knowledge is essential, avoid unnecessary jargon that may confuse the reader. Use clear and straightforward language.
• Don't sound overly eager:   Expressing enthusiasm is positive but can easily feel unauthentic if overdone.

Remember, the goal of a practical cover letter is to present your qualifications in a clear, organized, and compelling manner while adhering to professional standards.

How to structure your Research Scientist   cover letter

Express your genuine interest in the Research Scientist position at [Research Institution or Company Name] in the opening paragraph. Communicate your passion for scientific discovery, data analysis, and your eagerness to contribute to a team dedicated to advancing knowledge and making significant contributions to your field. If applicable, mention any referrals that have influenced your decision to apply for this specific role.

About your current role

Highlight your achievements and effective research strategies that have positively impacted the success of your current team. Emphasize your role in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing complex datasets, and contributing to high-impact research projects. Demonstrate your proficiency in research methodologies, advanced data analysis techniques, and your ability to lead and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

Use this section to outline your current responsibilities and ongoing projects, emphasizing how they align with the requirements and objectives of the Research Scientist role.

About your experience

Detail your extensive hands-on experience in research scientist roles, showcasing your ability to conceptualize and lead research projects, publish in reputable journals, and contribute to the advancement of your field. Clearly communicate that your research skills and readiness for the role are well-established. This section is also an opportunity to highlight any relevant publications, presentations, or additional skills you've acquired throughout your research career.

Notable achievements

Highlight notable accomplishments that showcase your effectiveness as a Research Scientist. Whether you played a key role in a groundbreaking research project, developed novel research methodologies, or contributed to significant advancements in your field, use this section to concisely mention your achievements, how they were measured, and their impact on the overall success of the research projects you've been involved in.

Why you want to work there

Express your interest in the institution or company by highlighting specific aspects of its research focus, mission, and values related to your field of expertise that resonate with you. Convey how these align seamlessly with your professional goals and how you envision contributing to the organization's success through your expertise as a research scientist. Be concise but articulate about your motivations.

Specific projects or initiatives that motivated you to apply

Demonstrate your understanding of the organization by referencing specific research-related projects or initiatives that have captured your interest. Draw connections between these initiatives and your skills and experiences, emphasizing how your contributions align with the institution or company's goals for advancing scientific knowledge. This shows your genuine interest and proactive approach to aligning with the organization's mission.

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your enthusiasm to contribute to the organization's success as a Research Scientist. Express your eagerness to discuss how your skills align with the organization's research objectives and invite the reader to reach out with any questions they may have. Sign off with a professional salutation.

Research Scientist   cover letter template

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Research Scientist position at [Institution or Company Name], as advertised. With a strong background in [Your Field of Expertise] and a proven track record of conducting impactful research, I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to your esteemed research team.

About my current role

In my current position as a Research Scientist at [Current Institution or Company], I have:

• Led and conducted independent and collaborative research projects in [Your Field of Expertise].
• Published research findings in reputable journals and presented at national and international conferences.
• Mentored and collaborated with junior researchers, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.

About my Research Scientist experience

My experience extends to:

• Designing and executing experiments, ensuring the integrity and validity of research methodologies.
• Utilizing advanced research techniques and methodologies, such as [specific techniques or tools relevant to your field].
• Securing research funding through successful grant applications and contributing to proposal writing.

Some of my notable achievements include:

• Leading a research project that resulted in [specific research outcome, e.g., a new discovery, a novel methodology, etc.].
• Establishing collaborations with [specific institutions or researchers], enhancing the reach and impact of research projects.
• Contributing to the development of [specific technology or product] based on research findings.

Why I want to work for [Institution or Company]

I am particularly drawn to [Institution or Company Name] due to its [mention aspects unique to the institution or company such as commitment to cutting-edge research, renowned researchers on the team, access to state-of-the-art facilities, growth,...]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Institution or Company Name]'s reputation for excellence in [Your Field of Expertise] and to collaborate with other leading researchers in the field.

Specific research projects or initiatives of [Institution or Company] that motivated me to apply

In researching [Institution or Company Name], I was impressed by your recent projects in [specific research focus or area]. I believe my expertise in [Your Field of Expertise] aligns seamlessly with your organizational objectives. My commitment to rigorous and impactful research and my dedication to advancing knowledge in the field would make me a valuable addition to your research team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to further discuss how my skills and experiences align with the Research Scientist role at [Institution or Company Name]. I look forward to contributing to your team's success.

[Your Full Name]

Get your career rolling with Deel

Your job application is your chance to tell your professional story, and a well-tailored cover letter is your narrative's opening chapter. Remember that personalization is key. Make each word count, emphasizing how your background uniquely positions you as the ideal candidate, and get your dream job. 

Looking for even more inspiration?   Discover how to write a stellar cover letter in 5 steps .

Discover more tips and tools to help boost your career further and climb the steps to your dream job on   the get-hired content hub .

Deel makes growing remote and international teams effortless. Ready to get started?

Legal experts

• Hire Employees
• Hire Contractors
• Run Global Payroll
• Integrations
• For Finance Teams
• For Legal Teams
• For Hiring Managers
• Deel Solutions - Spain
• Deel Solutions - France
• Support hub
• Global Hiring Guide
• Partner Program
• Case Studies
• Service Status
• Worker Community
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Whistleblower Policy
• Cookie policy
• Cookie Settings

15 Research Scientist Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)

Are you are looking to write a cover letter for Research Scientist jobs that will impress recruiters and get you noticed by hiring managers? You need one to apply for a job, but you don’t know what to say.

The recruitment process for a job can be a long and tedious process. A resume may not always capture the candidate’s qualifications, but a well-crafted cover letter will. Every year, companies spend billions of dollars just to review resumes that have no cover letters attached. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of writing a cover letter and how it can help you land your next job.

Here are 15 amazing Research Scientist cover letters that are professionally written and will help you stand out and get that job!

Research Scientist Cover Letters

Each cover letter is written with a different focus. Review all of them and pick the ones that apply to your situation. Take inspiration from multiple samples and combine them to craft your unique cover letter.

Research Scientist Sample 1

I am a Research Scientist with an educational background in the natural sciences and I am interested in your open position as a Research Scientist. I would like to discuss how my skills and experience will contribute to your company.

My skills and qualifications include: -Ability to train, motivate, and organize research groups -Quality control of laboratory experiments for accuracy -Expertise in molecular biology and biochemistry, including cloning and sequencing techniques -Experience with both basic research as well as applied research projects -Hands on experience with the latest technologies such as PCR, DNA sequencing, RNA analysis etc. etc.

Research Scientist Sample 2

I am writing to apply for the Research Scientist position at your company. As a PhD in molecular biology with experience in research and teaching, I have an impressive resume of work to show off. I have been doing research on the link between DNA methylation and how it relates to cancer since my undergraduate years, which is what initially sparked my interest in the field. It has been my life-long ambition to be able to dedicate all of my time towards this area of study, which is why applying for your position excites me so much. If you are interested, please contact me by email at [email protected] or by phone at (520) 555-1212 ext 12345

Research Scientist Sample 3

Dear Dr. Ford,

I am writing to express my interest in the Research Scientist position you posted on LinkedIn. In addition to my work experience and education, I have a proven ability to learn quickly and apply new skills in a fast-paced environment. I believe that these qualifications and my experience working with both large and small research teams would be invaluable for this role.

Research Scientist Sample 4

Research scientist sample 5.

I am a PhD candidate at University of Phoenix with a specialization in Clinical Psychology. I have been working as a research assistant for the last two years and am seeking a Research Scientist position. My background includes mixed methodology, organizational interventions, and statistical analysis.

Research Scientist Sample 6

Dear Mr. or Ms. ________, I’m a recent graduate from ________ University with a Bachelors degree in Biology and an emphasis on ecology and conservation biology. I have been successful in my studies so far by being very focused and determined to be the best student I can be as well as being passionate about what I do. As a result of this, I am confident that I am the perfect candidate for your Research Scientist position at your company! I hope to further develop my skills with you company by working alongside like-minded individuals who are committed to finding solutions for our planet’s ecological challenges. Sincerely, ________________

Research Scientist Sample 7

Dear Manager,

I am writing in regards to the Research Scientist position you recently posted. I would like to express my interest in this position and share with you some of my qualifications. My resume is attached for your review. I have a PhD in Business Administration, but since then I have spent years working as an independent consultant for technology companies, research institutes and government organizations all over the world. My experience includes management of large projects requiring strategic thinking and creative problem solving skills; liaising with high-level personnel; advising on budgeting; effective team leadership; project management from start-up through completion including contract negotiation and execution; strong interpersonal skills which enable me to work successfully with all levels of staff from executives to interns. In

Research Scientist Sample 8

I am interested in the Research Scientist position advertised on your website and would like to inquire about the status of the position. I believe I am a strong candidate for this role with my extensive research experience and expertise in ____. My resume is attached, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like to set up an interview.

Research Scientist Sample 9

I am writing to inquire about the Research Scientist position. I have a PhD in Biochemistry and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from XYZ University, as well as experience conducting research on a variety of topic areas. I am confident that my education and experience qualify me for this position.

Research Scientist Sample 10

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a Research Scientist position with ABC Corporation. I am very interested in the position and think my extensive experience with XYZ company qualifies me for this position.

I have over 10 years of experience working as a research scientist with both small and large companies. I’m confident that my skills would be an asset to your company, so I wanted to apply for this job. Thank you for considering me!

Research Scientist Sample 11

I am writing to express my interest in the research scientist position you have vacant. I have a PhD degree in molecular biology and four years of experience working as a research scientist for an environmental consulting firm. I would be happy to provide any additional information you require, and thank you for your consideration of my application.

Research Scientist Sample 12

I am a Research Scientist with a Masters degree in Biochemistry and extensive experience in performing experiments. I have a proven track record of working collaboratively with teams to complete project timelines. My goal is to find a position that can leverage my skills and experiences, so I am interested in the Research Scientist position you posted on your website.

Research Scientist Sample 13

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a Research Scientist position. I am an experienced biomedical scientist who has substantial research experience in the fields of pulmonary biology and immunology. My recent work has focused on stem cell differentiation, with particular interest in neurogenesis and the study of how organ systems communicate with one another. I believe that my extensive knowledge would be an asset to your laboratory team.

I am writing in response to your advertisement for a Research Scientist position. My background is primarily in virology, specifically influenza A virus, but I have also studied rabies virus, HIV-1 virus, coronavirus 229E and 230P2, and rabbit parainfluenza 3 virus

Research Scientist Sample 14

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in being considered for a Research Scientist position at ABC Corporation. I have an extensive background in research and data analysis and am confident that I would be a perfect fit for this position. In addition to my experience, I have a strong work ethic and drive that will help me contribute to the team’s success. Thank you for your consideration of my application.

Research Scientist Sample 15

City, ST Zip Code  Dear Sir or Madam,  I am a recent graduate from the University of California Santa Cruz with a degree in Biology. I have extensive experience in biological research and have had my work published in multiple scientific journals. I would like to apply for the Research Scientist position at your company. If you need any further information please contact me at (phone number). Thank you for your consideration, Yours truly

Recruiters and hiring managers receive hundreds of applications for each job opening.

Use the above professionally written Research Scientist cover letter samples to learn how to write a cover letter that will catch their attention and customize it for your specific situation.

Related Careers:

• 15 Web Designer Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Healthcare Administrator Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Editor Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Esthetician Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Research Assistant Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Radiologic Technologist Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Event Manager Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Accounting Intern Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Retail Pharmacist Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)
• 15 Kennel Assistant Cover Letters That Will Get Hired (NOW)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Research Scientist Cover Letter Examples (Template & 20+ Tips)

Create a standout research scientist cover letter with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.

Are you looking to stand out from the competition and land that dream job as a Research Scientist? Our Research Scientist Cover Letter Guide is here to help you do just that. Get tips on how to write a compelling cover letter, key elements to include and important considerations for advancing your career.

We will cover:

• How to write a cover letter, no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a cover letter to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a cover letter fast with our professional Cover Letter Builder .
• What a cover letter template is, and why you should use it.

Related Cover Letter Examples

• Backend Developer Cover Letter Sample
• Energy Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• Engineering Assistant Cover Letter Sample
• Energy Consultant Cover Letter Sample
• Chemist Cover Letter Sample
• Embedded Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• Stationary Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• CAD Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• Automation Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• Asic Verification Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• Helicopter Pilot Cover Letter Sample
• Implementation Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• Equipment Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• Analytical Scientist Cover Letter Sample
• Biologist Cover Letter Sample
• Energy Analyst Cover Letter Sample
• Principal Electrical Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• Lead Software Engineer Cover Letter Sample
• Industrial Electrician Cover Letter Sample
• QA Software Tester Cover Letter Sample

Research Scientist Cover Letter Sample

Dear Dr. Smith, I am writing to apply for the Research Scientist position at ABC Company as advertised in the Times newspaper. With my strong background in scientific research, I am confident that I would be a great fit for your team.

I am currently employed as a Research Scientist at XYZ Company, where I have gained extensive experience in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. During my time at XYZ Company, I developed a number of innovative solutions to complex research problems, and I am proud to say that my research has been published in several leading scientific journals. Additionally, I have presented my findings at several international conferences and have won a number of awards for my research.

In addition to my scientific research experience, I am also highly skilled in the areas of data analysis, statistical modeling, and laboratory techniques. I have a deep understanding of the principles of scientific research and I am always looking for ways to further develop my skills. I am also highly organized and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, which are essential for working in a research team.

I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be a great addition to ABC Company as a Research Scientist. I am excited at the prospect of joining your team and contributing to the success of your research projects.

If you would like to discuss my application further, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Why Do you Need a Research Scientist Cover Letter?

A Research Scientist cover letter is an important tool for any job seeker looking to break into the field of research. Here are some reasons why you need a Research Scientist cover letter:

• It is an excellent way to introduce yourself to potential employers and showcase your qualifications for the position.
• It can help to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field of research.
• It can help to demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the field of research.
• It can help to showcase your communication and interpersonal skills.
• It can help to demonstrate your ability to think critically and solve problems.
• It can help to highlight any awards or recognition you have received.
• It can help to draw attention to any publications or presentations you have given.
• It can help to demonstrate your commitment to the field of research.

A Few Important Rules To Keep In Mind

• Keep your cover letter short and concise. Generally, research scientist cover letters should be no more than one page.
• Start the cover letter with a strong introduction that outlines your qualifications and expertise.
• Include your contact information in the header of the cover letter.
• Provide a brief overview of the research experience you have that is relevant to the research scientist position.
• Highlight your impressive qualifications and achievements in research, such as awards or publications.
• Explain why you are the best candidate for the research scientist position and how your skills and experience will benefit the organization.
• End the cover letter by reiterating your interest in the research scientist position and expressing appreciation for the hiring manager’s time.
• Proofread the cover letter to ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors.

What's The Best Structure For Research Scientist Cover Letters?

After creating an impressive Research Scientist resume , the next step is crafting a compelling cover letter to accompany your job applications. It's essential to remember that your cover letter should maintain a formal tone and follow a recommended structure. But what exactly does this structure entail, and what key elements should be included in a Research Scientist cover letter? Let's explore the guidelines and components that will make your cover letter stand out.

Key Components For Research Scientist Cover Letters:

• Your contact information, including the date of writing
• The recipient's details, such as the company's name and the name of the addressee
• A professional greeting or salutation, like "Dear Mr. Levi,"
• An attention-grabbing opening statement to captivate the reader's interest
• A concise paragraph explaining why you are an excellent fit for the role
• Another paragraph highlighting why the position aligns with your career goals and aspirations
• A closing statement that reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role
• A complimentary closing, such as "Regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your name
• An optional postscript (P.S.) to add a brief, impactful note or mention any additional relevant information.

Cover Letter Header

A header in a cover letter should typically include the following information:

• Your Full Name: Begin with your first and last name, written in a clear and legible format.
• Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your mailing address. Providing multiple methods of contact ensures that the hiring manager can reach you easily.
• Date: Add the date on which you are writing the cover letter. This helps establish the timeline of your application.

It's important to place the header at the top of the cover letter, aligning it to the left or center of the page. This ensures that the reader can quickly identify your contact details and know when the cover letter was written.

Cover Letter Greeting / Salutation

A greeting in a cover letter should contain the following elements:

• Personalized Salutation: Address the hiring manager or the specific recipient of the cover letter by their name. If the name is not mentioned in the job posting or you are unsure about the recipient's name, it's acceptable to use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."
• Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the greeting. Avoid using overly casual language or informal expressions.
• Correct Spelling and Title: Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and ensure that you use the appropriate title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr., or Professor) if applicable. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.

For example, a suitable greeting could be "Dear Ms. Johnson," or "Dear Hiring Manager," depending on the information available. It's important to tailor the greeting to the specific recipient to create a personalized and professional tone for your cover letter.

Cover Letter Introduction

An introduction for a cover letter should capture the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of your background and interest in the position. Here's how an effective introduction should look:

• Opening Statement: Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Consider mentioning your enthusiasm for the job opportunity or any specific aspect of the company or organization that sparked your interest.
• Brief Introduction: Provide a concise introduction of yourself and mention the specific position you are applying for. Include any relevant background information, such as your current role, educational background, or notable achievements that are directly related to the position.
• Connection to the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company or organization and establish a connection between your skills and experiences with their mission, values, or industry. Showcasing your understanding and alignment with their goals helps to emphasize your fit for the role.
• Engaging Hook: Consider including a compelling sentence or two that highlights your unique selling points or key qualifications that make you stand out from other candidates. This can be a specific accomplishment, a relevant skill, or an experience that demonstrates your value as a potential employee.
• Transition to the Body: Conclude the introduction by smoothly transitioning to the main body of the cover letter, where you will provide more detailed information about your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the requirements of the position.

By following these guidelines, your cover letter introduction will make a strong first impression and set the stage for the rest of your application.

Cover Letter Body

Dear [Name],

I am writing to apply for the Research Scientist position you have advertised. I am confident that my qualifications and experience make me an ideal candidate for this role.

I have a Doctorate in [Subject] and over [Number] years of experience in scientific research. I have published several papers in renowned scientific journals and regularly attend conferences to stay up to date with the latest developments in the field. I have also been involved in developing innovative methods and approaches to solve complex problems. I have extensive experience in laboratory work and am highly skilled in the use of analytical instruments and software.

In my current role as a Research Scientist at [Company], I have been responsible for developing and validating new methods for testing and analysing data. I have also been involved in designing and conducting experiments, managing projects, and writing technical reports. I have a proven record of success in delivering results and developing new ideas.

I am a self-motivated and creative thinker who works well independently and collaboratively. I am highly organised and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills that enable me to build good working relationships with colleagues. I am also comfortable working with tight deadlines and under pressure.

I am confident that I would make a valuable contribution to your team and I look forward to discussing my candidacy further. Please find enclosed my CV and I am happy to provide any additional information you may need.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Complimentary Close

The conclusion and signature of a cover letter provide a final opportunity to leave a positive impression and invite further action. Here's how the conclusion and signature of a cover letter should look:

• Summary of Interest: In the conclusion paragraph, summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization or school. Emphasize the value you can bring to the role and briefly mention your key qualifications or unique selling points.
• Appreciation and Gratitude: Express appreciation for the reader's time and consideration in reviewing your application. Thank them for the opportunity to be considered for the position and acknowledge any additional materials or documents you have included, such as references or a portfolio.
• Call to Action: Conclude the cover letter with a clear call to action. Indicate your availability for an interview or express your interest in discussing the opportunity further. Encourage the reader to contact you to schedule a meeting or provide any additional information they may require.
• Complimentary Closing: Choose a professional and appropriate complimentary closing to end your cover letter, such as "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or "Thank you." Ensure the closing reflects the overall tone and formality of the letter.
• Signature: Below the complimentary closing, leave space for your handwritten signature. Sign your name in ink using a legible and professional style. If you are submitting a digital or typed cover letter, you can simply type your full name.
• Typed Name: Beneath your signature, type your full name in a clear and readable font. This allows for easy identification and ensures clarity in case the handwritten signature is not clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Research Scientist Cover Letter

When crafting a cover letter, it's essential to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder your chances of making a strong impression. By being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding them, you can ensure that your cover letter effectively highlights your qualifications and stands out from the competition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you create a compelling and impactful introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, understanding these mistakes will greatly enhance your chances of success in the job application process. So, let's dive in and discover how to steer clear of these common missteps and create a standout cover letter that gets you noticed by potential employers.

• Not addressing the letter to a specific person.
• Not customizing the letter to the specific position.
• Using overly generic language and not specifically highlighting relevant skills or research.
• Lengthy cover letters that don't get to the point.
• Being overly negative about past experiences.
• Not proofreading for spelling and grammar errors.
• Not including contact information at the end.
• Failing to follow directions.

Key Takeaways For a Research Scientist Cover Letter

• Demonstrate your understanding of the research scientist role and the company
• Highlight your research accomplishments and relevant experience
• Showcase any awards, publications, and patents you have earned
• Emphasize your knowledge of the industry, trends, and technologies
• Communicate your passion for research and development
• Describe your ability to collaborate in a research environment
• Express your enthusiasm for the position and the organization
• Proofread your letter and use proper grammar and spelling

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions
• Cover Letter

Research Scientist   Cover Letter

Research scientist cover letter (with examples).

While resumes are necessary for any complete job application, they only tell part of the story for many of us.

On the other hand, cover letters share more about who you are as a person and why you would be a good fit for the job . They also allow you to speak directly to the hiring manager long before an interview.

The perfect cover letter may seem like something out of your reach, especially if you are prone to imposter syndrome or simply dislike talking about yourself. But, you’re in luck, since there are numerous templates available for you to use; nearly every word processor has templates, including Microsoft Word and Google Docs .

Looking for a job? These position are hiring now near you:

• Research Scientist
• Associate Research Scientist
• Research Associate
• Associate Scientist

Parts of a Research Scientist Cover Lette

It doesn’t matter what job you’re applying to; the main structure of the letter will remain the same.

Cover letters begin with an opening. These openings follow tradition, meaning they start with an address and a formal greeting, as if you were sending the letter by mail.

Then, in the body of the letter , you will explain some of your experience, emphasize some of your greatest achievements, and talk a bit about yourself and why you would be a good fit for the position. You can also show off your writing and communication skills in this section while you’re at it.

Finally, you’ll end the letter with a few concluding words and a farewell.

Splitting the letter up into these three sections makes it a bit easier to handle, preventing you from becoming overwhelmed by the task itself.

Cover Letter Opening

As we said, the opening of the letter will include information you would find on a mailed letter.

To begin, in the header of your document, include your full name, phone number, email address, and any other information you’d like the hiring manager to have easy access to.

Start your document by checking your font. It should be 12pt Times New Roman, single-spaced.

The first line of the document should be the date that you’re submitting your application, written as Month Day, Year.

March 23, 2021

Next, you are going to include the information of the hiring manager. Sometimes their name will be included with the job listing, but if you cannot find it there, try doing some preliminary research on the company . Check out their LinkedIn and other social media pages to see if you can find someone with a title like “hiring manager.”

Once you’ve found it, consider how to address the person. If the company seems to have a more formal or traditional attitude, consider using a prefix such as Mr. or Ms. before the person’s name. If they seem more casual, use their full name.

Also, use their full name with no prefix if you are unsure of which prefix they would use -- say, they have a gender-neutral name such as Jessie or Pat.

If you cannot find the name of the person , simply addressing them as “Hiring Manager” is fine.

After this, you’re going to include information about the company, including their main address, which can most likely be found through a quick internet search or a scan of their website.

Then, start a new paragraph, and address the hiring manager. Using “Dear So-and-So” is an acceptable format.

Once you’ve gathered this information, your letter should look something like this:

Mr. John Smith Hiring Manager ABC Company 123 Main St. Anywhere, USA 12345 Dear Mr. John Smith,

Search For Research Scientist Jobs

Research scientist cover letter body.

This is probably the most challenging section of a cover letter to write, simply because it is the most personalized. That being said, feel free to play around with several drafts before deciding on which one best represents you.

Though this section is tailor-made to each individual, there is still a main outline you can follow.

First, you will state what the purpose of this letter is: to apply to a specific position. Hiring managers have to read through dozens of cover letters, and they may be hiring for several positions at once.

Because of this, it’s best not to beat around the bush. “I am writing to you to…” is a great way to begin, but don’t feel married to this sentence starter . You can also use this first sentence to explain what drew you to the position. For example, “As a long-time admirer of your firm and your work, I am excited to submit my application …”

You should mention the title of the position you are applying to and make sure the hiring manager is considering you for the correct position. You should also let them know where you found the job listing. This gives hiring managers valuable information as to which of their job listings are producing the most results.

With these things in mind, your opening sentence should look a bit like this:

As a long-time admirer of your firm, I am excited to submit my application for the Research Scientist position, as posted at Zippia .com.

Now that you have stated your intent, you will explain why you are an ideal candidate for this position. To begin, the easiest thing to do is to return to the job listing itself. Take a look at what they say they are looking for and note what qualifications you have that they want. This becomes your list of things to mention.

When describing your skill set, use language similar to the language used in the job listing . For example, if the job listing asks for someone familiar with research team management, you can say, “I have experience managing a research team.”

You can also list off your more technical skills in bullet points, since they tend not to require much explanation. Try to keep this short -- around four or five bullet points. For example,

I believe I would make a great addition to your team, as I have: Five years experience working in the field Manage research teams of 15+ Conducted dozens of varied experiments Planned and written funding requests valued at over $100,000 total

In this section of the letter, you can also take a few lines to describe your career journey so far. Talk about your education, your certificates, and past experiences. Make sure to remain positive when speaking about these. Talk about your past responsibilities and what you have learned at your last job that will help you in this one. For example:

I graduated from State University, earning my master’s degree in 2012, and I have since worked with many firms across the country. My experience working in a lab environment made me particularly aware of the importance of a properly run experiment and gave me the skills needed to summarize data for corporate consumption.

This section is also a chance for you to underline some of your accomplishments, whether that be a project you’re proud of or an obstacle you overcame. Try using data to back up your claims, as using data makes your claims more credible and helps the hiring manager understand the scale of your achievements.

It is more impactful to say, “I managed a research team of twenty members,” rather than “I managed a large research team.”

This section can be the hardest to write, but this is your time to shine. You deserve to have your hard work recognized. Don’t be afraid to brag a little, as this is the time and place to do it.

Research Scientist Cover Letter Closing Lines

Now that the hard part is over, and you’ve portrayed yourself in the best light possible, it’s time to wrap up your letter with a proper conclusion and farewell.

Start by reiterating your interest in the position .

I would like to discuss opportunities with ABC Company, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Include your contact information one more time. Thank them formally , and end with a professional signature.

You can reach me at (555) 555-5555 or at [email protected] . Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, FirstName LastName

“Regards” and “Yours” can also be appropriate closings.

Example of a Research Scientist Cover Letter

Once you’ve completed your letter, it should look something like this:

March 23, 2021 Mr. John Smith Hiring Manager ABC Company 123 Main St. Anywhere, USA 12345 Dear Mr. John Smith, As a long-time admirer of your firm, I am excited to submit my application for the Research Scientist position, as posted at Zippia.com. I believe I would make a great addition to your team, as I have: Five years experience working in the field Manage research teams of 15% Conducted dozens of varied experiments Planned and written funding requests valued at over $100,000 total You can reach me at (555) 555-5555 or at [email protected] . Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, FirstName LastName

Final Thoughts

Though it can be scary for all of us, writing a cover letter does not need to be complicated. It actually can make good practice, as writing a cover letter allows you to pitch yourself to someone who doesn’t know you, which is an essential skill in any interview.

Cover letters are what set you apart from the competition, especially since you will be far more likely to catch the eye of the hiring manager and possibly land a highly coveted interview. Luckily, there is no shortage of resources out there that make writing a cover letter as easy as possible.

• Zippia Careers
• Life, Physical, and Social Science Industry

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs

2 Research Scientist Cover Letter Examples

Research Scientists meticulously dissect complex problems, seeking innovative solutions and contributing to the advancement of knowledge. Similarly, your cover letter is a platform to dissect your professional journey, highlighting your innovative contributions, problem-solving skills, and dedication to scientific discovery. In this guide, we'll delve into the best cover letter examples for Research Scientists, helping you craft a narrative that showcases your scientific prowess and passion for research.

Cover Letter Examples

Cover letter guidelines, research scientist cover letter example, research analyst cover letter example, how to format a research scientist cover letter, cover letter header, what to focus on with your cover letter header:, cover letter header examples for research scientist, cover letter greeting, get your cover letter greeting right:, cover letter greeting examples for research scientist, cover letter introduction, what to focus on with your cover letter intro:, cover letter intro examples for research scientist, cover letter body, what to focus on with your cover letter body:, cover letter body examples for research scientist, cover letter closing, what to focus on with your cover letter closing:, cover letter closing paragraph examples for research scientist, pair your cover letter with a foundational resume, cover letter writing tips for research scientists, highlight your research niche and expertise, emphasize collaborative experiences, discuss your publication and grant successes, articulate your long-term research goals, personalize your letter for the institution, cover letter mistakes to avoid as a research scientist, lack of customization, overemphasis on academic credentials, excessive technical jargon, ignoring the cover letter's structure, failure to address potential concerns, cover letter faqs for research scientists.

The best way to start a Research Scientist cover letter is with a strong opening that captures the reader's attention. Begin by addressing the hiring manager by name, if possible, to establish a personal connection. Then, succinctly state your interest in the position and highlight a key achievement or relevant expertise that aligns with the job requirements. For example: "Dear Dr. Smith, I am excited to apply for the Research Scientist position at XYZ Corp, where I can contribute to groundbreaking oncology research. My recent publication on targeted gene therapy in 'Nature Genetics' has prepared me to bring innovative solutions to your team." This approach demonstrates your enthusiasm, relevance, and potential impact, setting a professional and engaging tone for the rest of your letter.

Research Scientists should end a cover letter by summarizing their interest in the position and their belief in their ability to contribute significantly to the role. They should reiterate their key skills, achievements, or experiences that make them a strong candidate. It's also important to express enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization's research goals. For example: "I am excited about the opportunity to bring my unique blend of skills and experience to your esteemed organization and contribute to your ongoing research projects. I am confident that my background in [specific field] and my proven track record in [specific achievement or skill] will make a significant impact on your team. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my application with you further." Finally, they should thank the reader for considering their application, and express their eagerness for a follow-up conversation.

A Research Scientist's cover letter should ideally be one page long. This length is sufficient to introduce yourself, explain your interest in the position, highlight your most relevant skills or achievements, and conclude with a call to action. It's important to keep it concise and focused, as hiring managers often have many applications to review and may not spend a lot of time on each individual cover letter. However, the content of the cover letter should be tailored to the specific job posting and should clearly demonstrate how your research experience and skills align with the job requirements.

Writing a cover letter with no experience as a Research Scientist can seem challenging, but it's important to remember that everyone starts somewhere. Here are some steps to help you craft a compelling cover letter: 1. Start with a Strong Introduction: Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you're applying for. You can also mention where you saw the job posting. This sets the stage for the rest of your letter. 2. Highlight Relevant Skills and Education: Even if you don't have direct experience as a Research Scientist, you likely have relevant skills or education. This could be a degree in a related field, coursework, or projects you've completed. Highlight these in your cover letter, focusing on how they've prepared you for the role. For example, if you've conducted research for a thesis or project, you can discuss the methods you used, the data you analyzed, and the results you found. 3. Show Enthusiasm for the Field: Passion can often compensate for lack of experience. Show your enthusiasm for the field of research science and the specific area you're interested in. This could be through discussing relevant books you've read, seminars you've attended, or thought leaders you follow. 4. Discuss Transferable Skills: If you've worked in other roles or industries, you likely have transferable skills that could be valuable in a research science role. This could be problem-solving, data analysis, project management, or communication skills. Discuss these in your cover letter, providing examples of how you've used these skills in the past. 5. Show You've Done Your Homework: Research the company or institution you're applying to and mention specifics in your cover letter. This could be their mission, current projects, or recent publications. This shows you're serious about the role and have taken the time to understand their work. 6. Close with a Strong Conclusion: In your conclusion, reiterate your interest in the role and your eagerness to contribute to their research efforts. Thank them for considering your application and express your hope for further discussion. Remember, your cover letter should be concise, professional, and free of errors. It's your chance to make a strong first impression, so take the time to craft it carefully.

Related Cover Letters for Research Scientists

Research and development manager cover letter.

Data Scientist Cover Letter

Machine Learning Scientist Cover Letter

Director of Data Science Cover Letter

AI Researcher Cover Letter

Chief Information Officer Cover Letter

Research Scientist Cover Letter

Research Analyst Cover Letter

Related resumes for research scientists, research scientist resume example.

Try our AI-Powered Resume Builder

Research Scientist Cover Letter

Introduction:

A research scientist cover letter is a crucial component of your job application as it allows you to showcase your skills, qualifications, and experiences that make you a suitable candidate for the position. Just like a resume , a cover letter is an opportunity for you to make a strong first impression and set yourself apart from other applicants.

In this blog post, we will provide you with two examples of research scientist cover letters, answer some frequently asked questions, and offer tips to help you write an effective cover letter that gets noticed by employers.

Cover Letter Example 1: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Today’s Date]

[Employer’s Name] [Company/Organization Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Research Scientist position at [Company/Organization Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a strong background in scientific research and a passion for advancing knowledge in the field, I believe that my skills and experiences align perfectly with the requirements of this position.

I have recently completed my Ph.D. in [Field of Study] from [University/Institution]. Throughout my graduate studies, I have gained extensive hands-on experience in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results. My expertise includes [mention specific techniques or methods relevant to the job]. I have also published several peer-reviewed articles in reputable scientific journals, which demonstrates my ability to contribute to the scientific community.

During my time as a research assistant at [University/Institution], I collaborated with a team of scientists on various research projects. This experience has honed my organizational skills, ability to work in a team, and attention to detail. I am also proficient in using various software and tools for data analysis and visualization, such as [mention specific software or tools relevant to the job].

I am impressed by [Company/Organization Name]’s commitment to innovative research and cutting-edge technologies. Being part of a dynamic and collaborative team at [Company/Organization Name] would provide me an excellent platform to further my research interests, contribute to groundbreaking discoveries, and make a tangible impact in the field.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review, and I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences make me a strong candidate for the Research Scientist position. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Cover Letter Example 2: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Today’s Date]

I am excited to apply for the Research Scientist position at [Company/Organization Name]. I am a highly motivated and detail-oriented scientist with a strong background in [Field of Study]. I believe that my expertise and passion for research make me an excellent fit for this role.

With a Ph.D. in [Field of Study] from [University/Institution], I have acquired a comprehensive knowledge base and practical experience in scientific research. My doctoral research focused on [describe your research topic or focus area]. Through this project, I gained expertise in [mention specific techniques or methods relevant to the job]. I also developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which enabled me to successfully interpret complex data sets and draw meaningful conclusions.

I am particularly impressed by [Company/Organization Name]’s reputation for innovation and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration. Being part of a dynamic team at [Company/Organization Name] would not only allow me to contribute to groundbreaking research but also provide opportunities for professional growth and development.

In addition to my research skills, I have strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for collaborating with fellow scientists, presenting research findings, and building productive relationships. I am also proficient in using various software and tools for data analysis and visualization.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review, and I am available for an interview at your convenience. I am excited about the possibility of joining [Company/Organization Name], and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to its mission and make a meaningful impact in the field of scientific research.

FAQs about Research Scientist Cover Letters:

1. Do I need to include a cover letter with my research scientist resume? It is highly recommended to include a cover letter with your research scientist resume as it allows you to provide additional context and information about your qualifications and experiences.

2. How long should my research scientist cover letter be? Ideally, a research scientist cover letter should be no longer than one page. Keep it concise and focused on highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences.

3. Should I address my cover letter to a specific person? Whenever possible, address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or the head of the research department. This shows that you have taken the time to research and personalize your application.

4. How should I format my research scientist cover letter? Use a professional and clean format for your cover letter. Include your contact information, a salutation, an introduction paragraph, one or two body paragraphs highlighting your qualifications and experiences, a closing paragraph, and a professional sign-off.

5. What information should I include in the introduction paragraph? In the introduction paragraph, briefly introduce yourself, state the position you are applying for, and mention how you found out about the job opening.

6. How should I highlight my research experience and achievements? In the body paragraphs, focus on your research experience, including the specific techniques, methodologies, and tools you have used. Highlight any research projects, publications, or patents that demonstrate your expertise and contributions to the field.

7. Is it important to mention why I am interested in the company? Yes, it is important to mention why you are interested in the company or organization you are applying to. This shows that you have done your research and are genuinely enthusiastic about joining their team.

8. Should I provide references in my research scientist cover letter? It is not necessary to provide references in your cover letter. Instead, mention that references are available upon request.

9. Is it okay to use a template for my research scientist cover letter? Using a template as a starting point is acceptable, but make sure to customize it according to the specific job requirements and your own experiences and qualifications. Avoid using generic or overused templates.

10. Should I follow up after submitting my research scientist cover letter? It is a good practice to follow up with the employer after submitting your cover letter and resume. This shows your interest in the position and allows you to inquire about the status of your application.

Conclusion:

A research scientist cover letter is an essential document that can help you stand out from the competition and showcase your qualifications and experiences. Take the time to tailor your cover letter to the specific job requirements and highlight your research skills, achievements, and passion for scientific exploration. With a well-written cover letter, you can increase your chances of securing a job interview and ultimately landing your dream research scientist position.

Introducing John Smith: Your Expert Resume Writer, Cover Letter Specialist, and Career Coach. Meet John Smith, your dedicated partner in crafting the perfect resume, compelling cover letter, and charting your career path to success. With a passion for helping individuals reach their professional aspirations, John brings a wealth of expertise to the table as a resume writer, cover letter specialist, and career coach.

Related Posts

Elevate Your Prospects: Accountant Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2023 – Download Now

Administrative Assistant Cover Letter Examples and Templates for 2023

A Comprehensive Guide to Writing an Amazing Accounting and Finance Cover Letter

Crafting a Standout Actor Cover Letter: Examples and Tips

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Research Scientist Cover Letter Examples

A great research scientist cover letter can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific requirements listed in the job description, and highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications. The following research scientist cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

or download as PDF

Cover Letter Example (Text)

Tyanna Cregar

(642) 759-0954

[email protected]

Dear Chan Tambone,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the Research Scientist position at Genentech. With five years of dedicated experience in pharmaceutical research at Merck, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the innovative projects at Genentech, a company renowned for its commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge science.

During my tenure at Merck, I have honed my skills in drug discovery and development, with a focus on oncology and immunology. My role involved designing and executing complex experiments, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive projects from conception to completion. I have a proven track record of success, as evidenced by my contributions to several peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences.

My commitment to excellence in research is matched by my ability to adapt to the dynamic nature of the field and to continuously expand my expertise. I am particularly drawn to Genentech's approach to personalized healthcare solutions and the integration of novel technologies in the research process. I am eager to bring my background in molecular biology and my experience with advanced analytical techniques to your esteemed team.

I am confident that my experience, coupled with my passion for scientific discovery, makes me a strong candidate for the Research Scientist role at Genentech. I am looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the goals of your research team.

Thank you for considering my application. I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to the groundbreaking work at Genentech and hope to discuss my candidacy with you further.

Warm regards,

Related Cover Letter Examples

• Research and Development Engineer
• Forensic Scientist
• Formulation Scientist
• Analytical Scientist
• Associate Scientist

• Extremes and Natural Hazards
• Adaptation Science
• Earth Data Across Scales
• Earth Data Science Education
• Earth Analytics
• Landscape Dynamics
• Partnerships
• Earth Analytics Professional Certificate
• Environmental Data Science Seminar Series
• Post Docs and Graduate Students
• Earth Data Science Corps
• How to Engage
• Learning Portal

How to Write a Good Cover Letter for a Research Position

Writing a cover letter can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be!

Some people believe cover letters are a science. Others seem to think they are more akin to black magic. Regardless of how you feel about cover letters, they are one of the most important parts of the job application process. Your resume or CV may get you an interview, but a good cover letter is what ensures that the hiring manager reads your resume in the first place.

Writing a cover letter for any job is important, but the art of writing a good cover letter for a research position can make or break your application. While writing a cover letter for a research position, you have to walk a fine line of proving your expertise and passion while limiting jargon and dense language.

In this post, we will explain cover letter writing basics, and then dive into how to write a research specific cover letter with examples of both good and bad practices.

What Is A Cover Letter and Why Do Cover Letters Matter?

A cover letter is your opportunity to tell a story and connect the dots of your resume. Resumes and curriculum vitae (CVs) are often cold and static—they don’t show any sort of character that will give companies a hint about if you will fit in with their culture. 

Your cover letter gives you the chance to demonstrate that you are an interesting, qualified, and intelligent person. Without proving that you are worth the time to interview, a company or research organization will set your application in the rejection pile without giving it a second look. 

So, what is a cover letter, exactly? It is an explanation (written out in paragraph form) of what you can bring to the company that goes beyond the information in your resume. Cover letters give a company a glimpse into the qualities that will make you the ideal candidate for their opening. 

Note that a cover letter is not the same as a letter of intent. A cover letter is written for a specific job opening. For example, if I got an email saying that the University of Colorado was looking for a tenure track faculty member to teach GEO 1001, and I chose to apply, I would write a cover letter. 

A letter of intent, however, is written regardless of the job opening. It is intended to express an interest in working at a particular company or with a particular group. The goal of a letter of intent is to demonstrate your interest in the company (or whatever type of group you are appealing to) and illustrate that you are willing to work with them in whatever capacity they feel is best. 

For example, if I loved the clothing company, Patagonia and wanted to work there, I could write a letter of intent. They may have an opening for a sales floor associate, but after reading my application and letter of intent, decide I would be better suited to a design position. Or, they may not have any positions open at all, but choose to keep my resume on hand for the next time they do. 

Most organizations want a cover letter, not a letter of intent, so it is important to make sure your cover letter caters to the specifics of the job posting. A cover letter should also demonstrate why you want to work at the company, but it should be primarily focused on why you can do the job better than any of the other applicants.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter: The Basics 

Writing a cover letter isn’t hard. Writing a good cover letter, a cover letter that will encourage a hiring manager to look at your application and schedule an interview, is more difficult (but certainly not impossible). Below, we will go over each of the important parts of a cover letter: the salutation, introduction, body, and conclusion, as well as some other best practices.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter Salutation

Don’t start with “Dear Sir/Ma’am” (or any iteration of a vague greeting, including “to whom it may concern”). Avoiding vague greetings is the oldest trick in the book, but it still holds a lot of weight. Starting a cover letter with the above phrase is pretty much stamping “I didn’t bother to research this company at all because I am sending out a million generic cover letters” across your application. It doesn’t look good. 

The best practice is to do your research and use your connections to find a name. “Dear Joe McGlinchy” means a lot more than “Dear Hiring Manager.” LinkedIn is a great tool for this—you can look up the company, then look through the employees until you find someone that seems like they hire for the relevant department. 

The most important thing about the salutation is to address a real human. By selecting someone in the company, you’ve demonstrated that you’ve done some research and are actually interested in this company specifically. Generic greetings aren’t eye-catching and don’t do well.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter Introduction

Once you’ve addressed your cover letter to a real human being, you need a powerful introduction to prove that this cover letter is worth the time it will take to read. This means that you need a hook. 

Your first sentence needs to be a strong starter, something to encourage the hiring manager not only to continue reading the cover letter, but to look at your application as well. If you have a contact in the company, you should mention them in the first sentence. Something along the lines of “my friend, Amanda Rice (UX/UI manager), suggested I apply for the natural language processing expert position after we worked together on a highly successful independent project.” 

The example above uses a few techniques. The name drop is good, but that only works if you actually have a connection in the company. Beyond that, this example has two strengths. First, it states the name of the position. This is important because hiring managers can be hiring for several different positions at a time, and by immediately clarifying which position you are applying for, you make their job a little bit easier.  Next, this sentence introduces concrete skills that apply to the job. That is a good way to start because it begins leading into the body, where you will go into depth about how exactly your experience and skills make you perfect for the job. 

Another technique for a strong lead-in to a cover letter is to begin with an applicable personal experience or anecdote. This attracts more attention than stereotypical intros (like the example above), but you have to be careful to get to the point quickly. Give yourself one or two sentences to tell the story and prove your point before you dive into your skills and the main body of the cover letter.

A more standard technique for introductions is simply expressing excitement. No matter how you choose to start, you want to demonstrate that you are eager about the position, and there is no easier way to do that than just saying it. This could take the form of “When I saw the description for X job on LinkedIn, I was thrilled: it is the perfect job for my Y skills and Z experience.” This option is simple and to-the-point, which can be refreshing for time-crunched hiring managers. 

Since we’ve provided a few good examples, we will offer a bad example, so you can compare and contrast. Don’t write anything along the line of: “My name is John Doe, and I am writing to express my interest in the open position at your company.” 

There are a few issues here. First, they can probably figure out your name. You don’t need that to be in the first sentence (or any of the sentences—the closing is an obvious enough spot). Next, “the open position” and “your company” are too generic. That sounds like the same cover letter you sent to every single employer in a hundred mile radius. Give the specifics! Finally, try to start with a little more spice. Add in some personality, something to keep the hiring manager reading. If you bore them to death in the first line, they aren’t going to look over your resume and application with the attention they deserve. 

How to Write a Good Cover Letter Body

So, you’ve addressed a real human being, and you’ve snagged their attention with a killer opening line. What next? Well, you have to hold on to that attention by writing an engaging and informative cover letter body. 

The body of a cover letter is the core of the important information you want to transmit. The introduction’s job was to snag the attention of the hiring manager. The body’s job is to sell them on your skills.  There are a few formatting things to be aware of before we start talking about what content belongs in the body of the cover letter. First, keep the company culture and standards in mind when picking a format. For example, if I want to work for a tech startup that is known for its wit and company culture, I can probably get away with using a bulleted list or another informal format. However, if I am applying to a respected research institution, using a standard five paragraph format is best. 

In addition, the cover letter should not be longer than a page. Hiring managers are busy people. They may have hundreds of resumes to read, so they don’t need a three page essay per person. A full page is plenty, and many hiring managers report finding three hundred words or less to be the idea length. Just to put that into context, the text from here to the “How to Write a Good Cover Letter Body” header below is about perfect, length-wise. 

Now, on to the more important part: the content. A cover letter should work in tandem with a resume. If you have a list of job experiences on your resume, don’t list them again in the cover letter. Use the valuable space in the cover letter to give examples about how you have applied your skills and experience. 

For example, if I have worked as a barista, I wouldn’t just say “I have worked as a barista at Generic Cafe.” The hiring manager could learn that from my resume. Instead, I could say “Working as a barista at Generic Cafe taught me to operate under pressure without feeling flustered. Once…” I would go on to recount a short story that illustrated my ability to work well under pressure. It is important that the stories and details you choose to include are directly related to the specific job. Don’t ramble or add anything that isn’t obviously connected. Use the job description as a tool—if it mentions a certain skill a few times, make sure to include it!

If you can match the voice and tone of your cover letter to the voice of the company, that usually earns you extra points. If, in their communications, they use wit, feel free to include it in your letter as well. If they are dry, to the point, and serious, cracking jokes is not the best technique.

A Few Don’ts of Writing a Cover Letter Body   

There are a few simple “don’ts” in cover letter writing. Do not: 

• Bad: I am smart, dedicated, determined, and funny.
• Better: When I was working at Tech Company, I designed and created an entirely new workflow that cut the product delivery time in half. 
• Bad: When I was seven, I really loved the monkeys at the zoo. This demonstrates my fun-loving nature. 
• Better: While working for This Company, I realized I was far more productive if I was light-hearted. I became known as the person to turn to in my unit when my coworkers needed a boost, and as my team adopted my ideology, we exceeded our sales goals by 200%. 
• Bad: I would love this job because it would propel me to the next stage of my career.
• Better: With my decade of industry experience communicating with engineers and clients, I am the right person to manage X team. 
• Bad: I know I’m not the most qualified candidate for this job, but…
• Better: I can apply my years of experience as an X to this position, using my skills in Y and Z to… 
• Bad: I am a thirty year old white woman from Denver…
• Better: I have extensive experience managing diverse international teams, as illustrated by the time I…  

The most important part of the cover letter is the body. Sell your skills by telling stories, but walk the razor’s edge between saying too much and not enough. When in doubt, lean towards not enough—it is better for the hiring manager to call you in for an interview to learn more than to bore them.

How to Write a Good Cover Letter Conclusion

 The last lines of a cover letter are extremely important. Until you can meet in-person for an interview, the conclusion of your cover letter will greatly affect the impression the hiring manager has of you. A good technique for concluding your cover letter is to summarize, in a sentence, what value you can bring to the company and why you are perfect for the position. Sum up the most important points from your cover letter in a short, concise manner. 

Write with confidence, but not arrogance. This can be a delicate balance. While some people have gotten away (and sometimes gotten a job) with remarks like, “I’ll be expecting the job offer soon,” most do not. Closing with a courteous statement that showcases your capability and skills is far more effective than arrogance. Try to avoid trite or generic statements in the closing sentence as well. This includes the template, “I am very excited to work for XYZ Company.” Give the hiring manager something to remember and close with what you can offer the company. 

The final step in any cover letter is to edit. Re-read your cover letter. Then, set it aside for a few hours (or days, time permitting) and read it again. Give it to a friend to read. Read it aloud. This may seem excessive, but there is nothing more off-putting than a spelling or grammar error in the first few lines of a cover letter. The hiring manager may power through and ignore it, but it will certainly taint their impression. 

Once the cover letter is as flawless and compelling as it can be, send it out! If you are super stuck on how to get started, working within a template may help. Microsoft Word has many free templates that are aesthetically appealing and can give you a hint to the length and content. A few good online options live here (free options are at the bottom—there is no reason to pay for a resume template).

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Research Position

Writing a cover letter for a research position is the same as writing any other cover letter. There are, however, a few considerations and additions that are worth pointing out. A job description may not directly ask for a cover letter, but it is good practice to send one unless they specifically say not to. This means that even if a cover letter isn’t mentioned, you should send one—it is best practice and gives you an opportunity to expand on your skills and research in a valuable way.

Format and Writing Style for a Research Position Cover Letter

Research and academics tend to appreciate formality more than start-ups or tech companies, so using the traditional five paragraph format is typically a good idea. The five paragraph format usually includes an introduction, three short examples of skills, and a concluding paragraph. This isn’t set in stone—if you’d rather write two paragraphs about the skills and experience you bring to the company, that is fine. 

Keep in mind that concise and to-the-point writing is extremely valuable in research. Anyone who has ever written a project proposal under 300 words knows that every term needs to add value. Proving that you are a skilled writer, starting in your cover letter, will earn you a lot of points. This means that cover letters in research and academia, though you may have more to say, should actually be shorter than others. Think of the hiring manager—they are plowing through a massive stack of verbose, technical, and complex cover letters and CVs. It is refreshing to find an easy to read, short cover letter. 

On the “easy to read” point, remember that the hiring manager may not be an expert in your field. Even if they are, you cannot assume that they have the exact same linguistic and educational background as you. For example, if you have dedicated the last five years of your life to studying a certain species of bacteria that lives on Red-Eyed Tree Frogs, all of those technical terms you have learned (and maybe even coined) have no place in your cover letter. Keep jargon to an absolute minimum. Consider using a tool like the Hemingway Editor to identify and eliminate jargon. While you want to reduce jargon, it is still important to prove that you’ve researched their research. Passion about the research topic is one of the most valuable attributes that a new hire can offer. 

Use your cover letter to prove that you have done your homework, know exactly what the institution or group is doing, and want to join them. If you have questions about the research or want to learn more, it isn’t a bad idea to get in touch with one of the researchers. You can often use LinkedIn or the group’s staff site to learn who is working on the project and reach out.

What Research Information Should be Included in a Cover Letter

A research position cover letter is not the place for your academic history, dissertation, or publications. While it may be tempting to go into detail about the amazing research you did for your thesis, that belongs in your CV. Details like this will make your cover letter too long. While these are valuable accomplishments, don’t include them unless there is something  that pertains to the group’s research, and your CV doesn’t cover it in depth. 

If you do choose to write about your research, write about concrete details and skills that aren’t in your CV. For example, if you have spent the last few years working on identifying the effects of a certain gene sequence in bird migration, include information about the lab techniques you used. Also, try to put emphasis on the aspects of your resume and CV that make you stand out from other candidates. It is likely that you will be competing with many similarly qualified candidates, so if you have a unique skill or experience, make sure it doesn’t get lost in the chaos—a cover letter is the perfect place to highlight these sorts of skills. 

Industry experience is a great differentiator. If you have relevant industry experience, make sure to include it in your cover letter because it will almost certainly set you apart. Another valuable differentiator is a deep and established research network. If you have been working on research teams for years and have deep connections with other scientists, don’t be afraid to include this information. This makes you a very valuable acquisition for the company because you come with an extensive network

Include Soft Skills in Your Cover Letter

Scientific skills aren’t the only consideration for hiring managers. Experience working with and leading teams is incredibly valuable in the research industry. Even if the job description doesn’t mention teamwork, add a story or description of a time you worked with (or, even better, lead) a successful team. Soft skills like management, customer service, writing, and clear communication are important in research positions. Highlight these abilities and experiences in your cover letter in addition to the hard skills and research-based information. 

If you are struggling to edit and polish your letter, give it to both someone within your field and someone who is completely unfamiliar with your research (or, at least, the technical side of it). Once both of those people say that the letter makes sense and is compelling, you should feel confident submitting it.

Cover letters are intended to give hiring managers information beyond what your resume and CV are able to display. Write with a natural but appropriately formal voice, do your research on the position, and cater to the job description. A good cover letter can go a long way to getting you an interview, and with these tips, your cover letters will certainly stand out of the pile.

Related Articles

The midwest big data innovations hub & data for good for education.

Casey Jenson

Writing Engaging Science Blogs

How is earth lab using chatgpt.

Nathan A. Quarderer

Elsa Culler

Erick Verleye

Certificate Form

• Create a Cover Letter Now
• Create a Resume Now
• My Documents
• Examples of cover letters /

Research Scientist

Research Scientist Cover Letter

You have the skills and we have tricks on how to find amazing jobs. Get cover letters for over 900 professions.

• Valeriia Kozarezova - Editor-in-chief, Career Expert

How to create a good cover letter for a research scientist: free tips and tricks

Looking for a research scientist cover letter example? Then our platform is the right place to be. We’ve created a small list of the do's and don’ts to guide you through the process of creating your presentation. Whether you’re an entry-level applicant or a seasoned veteran, our advice will help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and put you in the best position to succeed.

Start strong with highlighting your academic performance. This position requires a good degree combined with postgraduate training. Make sure you include all relevant data about your qualifications into your copy.

On the contrary, going straight to your expectations without mentioning your scientific accomplishments is very likely to leave a bad impression on the employers. Save them for the end of the presentation.

Among the best choices for personal skills would be patience, determination, attention to detail and an analytical mind. Also, you should be able to work as part of a team and have great communication abilities.

Awkward writing paired with grammar and punctuation mistakes is a big no-no for all applicants, but for a scientist, it's pretty much a death sentence. Use an online spell check service to make sure that your document has no technical flaws.

Finish on a high note by showing your genuine love of science. Once you enter the laboratory, curiosity and passion become your best friends. Your enthusiasm is also going to positively affect your colleagues creating the perfect working atmosphere for the entire group.

Don’t rely heavily on long scientific terms. Surely, you’d want to elaborate on your specialty, but in the end, you’re writing to a recruiter who may not be as knowledgeable in the field you’re talking about. On the other hand, being too generic won’t help your case either.

Sample cover letter for a research scientist position

The most effective way to digest the tips is to see their practical application. We have used all the important tips of the above units into a single a research scientist cover letter sample to demonstrate a winning document that can be created in GetCoverLetter editor.

Luis Cordoba Research Scientist 36 Milton Avenue 8165-476-937 / [email protected] Kelly James Recruiter “Future Labs”

Dear Kelly, Since I’d heard that you’re one of the most highly-regarded research facilities in the country, I immediately started monitoring vacant spots in your company.

In 2011, I received a PhD in cellular microbiology, with stem cells being my specialty. Simultaneously, I was studying technology, namely the latest offerings in implants, which is an extremely fascinating and relevant subject in the 21st century.

I’d like to continue my research in the aforementioned fields, while offering a professional approach and consulting services on any other topic. What I bring to the table is dedication, accuracy, independent views and sharp analytical tools which guarantee positive results. My scientific work speaks for itself, while every team I’ve ever been a part of have praised my efforts as a leader and efficient communicator. All the necessary documents and approvals can be provided on demand.

Given my thirst for discovery and a vast experience in multiple areas, I believe that I’m going to be a valuable candidate for the role of research scientist.

Sincerely, Luis.

This example is not commercial and has a demonstrative function only. If you need unique Cover Letter please proceed to our editor.

Our constructor is almost like a magic wand! Use it to increase the chances of getting the best job.

How to save time on creating your cover letter for a research scientist

Our Get Cover Letter editor will help you make the process easy and fast. How it works:

Fill in a simple questionnaire to provide the needed information about yourself.

Choose the design of your cover letter.

Print, email, or download your cover letter in PDF format.

Why the Get Cover Letter is the best solution

The GetCoverLetter editor is open to any goals of applicants. Whether it be a presentation of a craft professional with a great list of achievements or even a research scientist without experience. Rest assured, the opportunities are equal for all the candidates.

We keep your document short, sweet and to the point.

We choose the appropriate format and writing style so you can be sure not to see any informal expressions in your ready-made document.

We can compose the copy without information about the previous employers.

Our constructor will launch with one click and the process of creating an ideal self-presentation will begin.

Templates of the best a research scientist cover letter designs

Any example of the document for a research scientist has a precise design per the requirements of the company or the general rules of business correspondence. In any case, the selection of templates in our editor will meet any expectations.

Or choose any other template from our template gallery

Overall rating 4.5

Overall rating 4.3

Get Cover Letter customer’s reviews

“Thanks to GetCoverLetter I impressed not one, but three recruiters. All interviews went successfully and now I have the luxury to choose whatever I want.”

“I’m not an IT specialist, but I can tell a good thing when I see it. This site does its job extremely well, creating amazing papers to accompany your resume. Give it a go!”

“I recommend this platform to anyone who values their time and money. It’s got everything you’d want from this type of online service, from simple descriptions and clean layout to an array of useful options and support from various experts.”

Frequently Asked Questions

The more unique the knowledge you get, the more space for new questions. Do not be affraid to miss some aspects of creating your excellent cover letter. Here we took into account the most popular doubts to save your time and arm you with basic information.

• What should my a research scientist cover letter contain? The main purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself, mention the job you’re applying for, show that your skills and experience match the needed skills and experience for the job.
• How to properly introduce yourself in a cover letter? Greet the correct person to which your cover is intended for. Introduce yourself with enthusiasm.
• How many pages should my cover letter be? Your cover letter should only be a half a page to one full page. Your cover letter should be divided into three or four short paragraphs.
• Don't focus on yourself too much
• Don't share all the details of every job you've had
• Don't write a novel

Spend minimum time and get maximum efficiency with our editor!

Other cover letters from this industry

Now you know the secrets behind a proper document for your profession. Why not try other job suggestions? Follow the links below to find out more about each application.

• Research Analyst

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

Science Research Associate Cover Letter Sample

Level up your cover letter by adapting this Science Research Associate cover letter sample. This cover letter helped someone secure their position at SADC Research Centre. That person let us share their cover letter with you. Make a copy of this cover letter example free of charge or try to redesign it using our HR-approved cover letter builder.

Related resume guides and samples

How to build a professional agricultural science resume

How to craft an optimized chemist resume

Five essential steps to creating a formal scientist resume

Your guide to writing the perfect historian resume

How to write a great humanities scientist resume in 5 steps?

The ultimate guide to writing a medical researcher resume

How to write a compelling natural scientist resume

How to build a professional nature scientist resume

How to write a job-winning social scientist resume

Science Research Associate Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Thali toledo.

With this letter and attached resume, I would like to express my sincere interest in the vacancy for Field Researchers that was recently advertised. As a candidate with knowledge and skills in various social science fields, I possess a wide range of experience in social science research,  which will allow me to contribute toward the success of your organization. 

I am a dedicated, hardworking, organized, reliable professional who would be able to fulfill your set out responsibilities of the ability to, conduct interviews, collect and analyze qualitative data, and facilitate the focus group discussions effectively and objectively while having the ability to communicate with multiple South African official languages. 

Attached is my resume, which includes more details about my background and relevant work experience, and how they add value to this position. I have worked independently and as a team during my researcher position at the Cape Higher Education Consortium where we successfully produced the report on Trends in Climate Change, Sustainability and Green Economy at CHEC Institutions. Amongst many other research duties at CHEC as was able to take part in the coordination of the project, writing proposals and fulfilling some administration duties.

In support of the substantial knowledge I have in writing, I am experienced in conducting transdisciplinary research and familiar with the methods and approaches used in social science research and teaching settings. The support of my experience in transdisciplinary research can be seen in the forthcoming article I co-authored for the Development Southern Africa Journal Special  Issue on “Universities, Place-making and Development” titled Towards science with society: reflections on transdisciplinary research in Stellenbosch’s rector mayor forum. 

I am confident that I would be an asset to the SADC Research Centre team, and I look forward to speaking with you about how I can help your team achieve its goals.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. 

Edit this sample using our resume builder.

Don’t struggle with your cover letter. artificial intelligence can write it for you..

Similar job positions

Historian Medical Researcher / Scientist Nature Scientist Chemist Social Scientist Natural Scientist Humanities Scientist Agricultural Scientist Formal Scientist

Related science resume samples

Related science cover letter samples

Let your resume do the work.

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.