creative writing

cover letter format research scientist

Skip to main content

Skip to main menu
Skip to user menu

Filter News

How to Write an Effective Cover Letter for a Research Scientist Job

Published: Oct 04, 2022 By Katharine Hansen, Ph.D.

effective cover letter for Scientist job

Research scientists are a critical component of the life science industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , medical scientists earn a median annual salary of $84,810 and typically have a doctoral or professional degree.

Some may have an M.D. but conduct research in addition to, or instead of, practicing as a physician. The BLS projects job growth for medical scientists at a faster-than-average 8% up to 2028.

Various structures are possible for cover letters, and hiring decision-makers don ’ t offer a consensus on the best structure. But if you ’ re inexperienced with cover letters, the following offers a basic roadmap for getting started.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Research Scientist Job

One thing that ’ s changed in recent years since many professionals first started writing about cover letters is people's attention spans.

Hiring professionals used to recommend a maximum of four paragraphs – and some people can still get away with four. Three, however, is a safer limit these days, and the full letter should never be more than a page. Some experts say hiring managers scan the whole letter in about 10 seconds.

Here ’ s a structure for your cover letter, including an optional paragraph:

Opening Paragraph

Do not waste the opening paragraph of your cover letter. It is essential that the first paragraph sparks the employer ’ s interest, provides information about the benefits the employer will receive from you, and helps you stand out from all the other job seekers. Right from the get-go, identify one or two benefits you can offer the employer and tell how you can make a difference for the organization.

Weak opening paragraph: I am writing today to apply for the research scientist position you have posted on BioSpace.

Better opening paragraph: My Ph.D. in molecular biology and five years as a postdoctoral fellow in the U.S. and in Switzerland, along with my leadership skills and ability to contribute collaboratively, will enable me to enhance your lab ’ s success in a research scientist capacity, per your current job posting on BioSpace.

Optional Next Paragraph

Provide more detail about your professional and academic qualifications to make it an effective cover letter. Include more information about how you can provide the benefits you mention in the first paragraph. Expand on specific items from your resume that are relevant to the job you are seeking. Use solid action verbs to describe your accomplishments and achievements. If responding to a job posting or job ad, be sure to tailor this paragraph to the needs described in the ad.

Sample Paragraph

I offer proficiency in cell biology, techniques in molecular biology in general, and RNA methodologies in particular, encompassing various techniques of DNA and RNA isolation, linear RNA amplification for microarray hybridization, RNA microinjection, RT-PCR and quantitative RealTime PCR (TaqMan), in-situ hybridization, as well as a wide variety of lab techniques and computer skills, as outlined in my CV.

Second or Third Paragraph

Relate yourself to the company, giving details on why you should be considered for the position. Continue expanding on your qualifications while showing your knowledge of the company. Be sure you ’ ve done your homework. To make an effective cover letter, show that you know something about the organization.

Sample Paragraph :

My current experience as a postdoctoral research associate in the Molecular Biology Group at Novartis Pharmaceuticals AG in Basel, Switzerland, translates well to the requirements of your research-scientist position. These past three years at a leading international pharmaceutical company, along with two years of postdoctoral research at the Center for Developmental Biology, University of Texas, have bolstered an eclectic combination of skills that gives me a solid foundation upon which to make an immediate and meaningful contribution at your lab.

Closing Paragraph

The final paragraph of an effective cover letter must be proactive – and a call to action. You must ask for the job interview (or a meeting) in this paragraph. You must express your confidence that you are a perfect fit for the job. You must also put the employer on notice that you plan to follow up within a specified time.

Don ’ t leave the ball in the employer ’ s court. Too many cover letters end with a line like this: “ If you are interested in my qualifications, please call me.” Proactive cover letters, in which the job seeker requests an interview and promises to follow up with a phone call, are far more effective.

Weak closing paragraph: I hope you will review my resume, and if you agree with what I have stated here, consider me for the position. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Better closing paragraph: I am eager to help advance the success of your company, and I am confident that we should arrange a time to meet. I will call your office in the next week to schedule an appointment.

Tips and Tricks

Employer focus. Avoid telling the employer what the company can do for you instead of what you can do for the company. This rookie mistake is particularly common among new college graduates and other inexperienced job seekers. In most cases, employers are in business to make a profit. They want to know what you can do for their bottom line, not what they can do to fulfill your career dreams. Keep it concise and edit. Your letter should be not only fairly short, but also concise and pithy. Edit your letter mercilessly. Follow the journalist ’ s credo: Write tight! Cut out all unnecessary words and jargon. Then go back and do it again.

Proofread. If your timeframe will allow it, put your cover letter down, and then pick it up a day or two later as though you were the prospective employer. Does it grab and hold your attention? Is it concise? Is it free of typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors? Is it interesting? Is it looking like an effective cover letter? If you were the employer, would you know what this job seeker wants to do and why he or she is the best person to do it?

If you would not invite a job seeker with your cover letter for an interview, consider rewriting it to give yourself the best possible chance of securing the job.

Related links

Research Scientist Cover Letter Examples

Research Scientists study and investigate specimens and scientific processes related to the goals of the company for whom they work. Research Scientists record, analyze and interpret data and use that data to provide evidence that supports their conclusions. Research Scientists specialize in the advancement of technology, the creation of new commercial applications, processes or products, and the increase of scientific understanding.

The cover letter is one of the most important aspects of the application process because it is the first point of contact between you and your future boss. You need to convey as succinctly as possible in your cover letter why you are the ideal candidate for the position.

Not exactly what you are looking for? Check our complete library of over 1000 cover letter examples .

Rate This Template:

Featured in:

Also, be sure to check out our extensive Research Scientist Resumes .

A good cover letter can make you stand out from the rest. Learn how to create one in our Cover Letter guide .

Include These Research Scientist Skills

An example cover letter of a Research Scientist which is an effective example of a candidate’s collection of skills and experience relevant to the position appears below.

Dear Ms. Guadalupe Reid:

As a highly innovative and accomplished Research Scientist with a strong background in Microbiology and Biochemistry, I am currently seeking to use my highly transferable skills in medical technology and laboratory science. With extensive experience in biological research, documentation, teaching/instruction, and clinical laboratory environments, I feel confident in my ability to generate superior results for your organization.

Some of my key accomplishments include:

Cloned and expressed several proteins of interest for functional studies.

Taught undergraduate students the disciplines of Cell Biology and Microbiology with lab. Created lesson and curriculum plans. Coached students on proper lab techniques.

Trained Ph.D. colleagues in a specific curation technique to collect names and synonyms of proteins in order to retrieve relevant literature.

I possess extensive writing experience, analysis, and proofreading skills. I am a performance driven individual with a passion for learning. I can quickly adapt and achieve goals in any environment. For a more detailed presentation of my skills and background, please review the enclosed resume. I look forward to speaking with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your consideration.

Lloyd Barrett, Ph.D.

A professional cover letter is the first step toward your new job!

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.

hands typing on blank google doc

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:

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

Diversity, equity, justice & inclusion in the earth observation sector.

cover letter format research scientist

Earth Data Science And The Open Education Movement

cover letter format research scientist

cover letter format research scientist

Nathan A. Quarderer

Acing Your Earth Data Science Job Interview

Get in touch, certificate form.

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.

These cookies allow us to provide you with better functionality and personalization. They may be set up by us or by third party providers whose services we’ve added to our pages.

The purpose of these cookies is to give you a more personalized experience, based on your previous visits and choices. If you don’t wish to allow these cookies, these services may not work.

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.

Science Research Associate Cover Letter Sample

Related resume guides and samples

How to build a professional agricultural science resume

The chemist’s guide to writing 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)

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..

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

Similar job positions

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

Related science resume samples

Environmental Research Assistant Resume Sample

Related science cover letter samples

Assistant Professor Statistics Cover Letter Example

Let your resume do the work.

Join 2,000,000+ job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

Learn to write a great resume that will get you invited to more job interviews.

Professional Researcher Cover Letter Example for 2023

Read for inspiration or use it as a base to improve your own Researcher cover letter. Just replace personal information, company application data and achievements with your own.

Have a researcher cover letter that tells your story

Would a good cover letter increase your chances of landing an interview? Yes.

Do we have any specific tips for Researcher applications? Yes.

Are cover letters the same as resumes, but longer? Definitely not!

So what are cover letters?

Well, great cover letters give you the opportunity to tell a personal story, while making the right impression and proving you’re the best candidate at the same time.

Need more details? Let’s dive deep.

researcher coverletter.png

So what’s the difference between a cover letter and a resume?

In short – the resume showcases your achievements and skills, while the cover letter focuses more on your personality and motivations.

Of course, you should mention some of your relevant skills in the cover letter as well. But make sure you’re not repeating your resume word by word.

Now let's move on to the things that make every cover letter great!

Address your cover letter to the right person and make your introduction strong

Choosing the right salutation for your cover letter is crucial – after all, it’s the first thing the hiring manager will read.

For this reason, we’ve gathered several classic salutations. Note that some of them could be used even if you don't know the hiring manager's name.

The introduction of your Researcher cover letter is without a doubt crucial for the first impression you’ll make as an applicant. But is there a way to make sure your opening line is good enough?

Yes, there is. You can start by sharing your enthusiasm for the job or the field (or why not both!). You could also share your reasons to find the company exciting.

Try to be original. Don’t go for phrases like “I want to apply for the position that I saw advertised on platform X”. They're outdated and sound like you’ve got nothing better to say

Emphasize your Researcher soft skills and mention your hard skills

So what skills do you need to include? Well, unfortunately, there’s no one answer to this. It all depends on the job description and the skills you’ve currently got.

According to experts, what recruiters look for in cover letters is how you can link your soft skills to particular achievements and goals. So, try to figure out what has helped you on the way to success.

However, don’t forget about hard skills. Even if they’re not the focus of your happy story, you need to include at least the ones that were mentioned as part of the requirements section of the job posting. This will help you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen applicant documents for certain keywords and phrases.

Show that you know the company and its problems well

Proving that you’re familiar with the company is a great way to win the recruiter’s heart. It shows that you’ve taken some time for research and that you’re attentive to detail.

What’s more, it will also help you find out the issues at hand. This way, you can link your own skills and qualifications to some potential challenges the company might have to deal with in the future.

End on a positive note

While the introduction is the best way to make a good impression, using the right words to end your cover letter can help you get a callback.

Our advice is to make sure that your closing line matches the company culture. However, “Looking forward to hearing from you” and other traditional phrases are always a safe choice.

Researcher cover letter

Cover letter examples by industry

Cover letters helped people get noticed

Updated for today’s recruitment standards

Worried your cover letter design is past the expiration date? We’ll help you craft a new one that leaves an impression and beats luck.

Daniel Pietersen's photo

Daniel Pietersen

Senior customer support engineer.

" Enhancv gave me a sense of relief and a feeling of confidence when passing it along to a potential employer. "

Daniel Pietersen on using Enhancv

Check out more winning cover letter examples for inspiration

Learn from people who have succeeded in their job hunt.

related resume

Become the center of attention with a matching Researcher resume

Pairing your strong cover letter with a great resume can never be a bad idea. In fact, that’s one of the best ways to show you’re the ideal candidate for the position.

Tell your story with confidence with a job-winning Researcher resume template.

Still not sure what your cover letter should look like? Hire an expert to help you!

Joey's dating resume trending on BuzzFeed

24 Important Soft Skills And How The Employers Like To See Them Оn Your Resume

What Questions Can an Employer Ask You About Your Health

Contact Information on Resume: What To Add To Your Contact Info (5+ Examples)

How To Answer: "What's Your Biggest Weakness" In An Interview

What Are You Passionate About: Best Interview Answers

© 2023 . All rights reserved.

Made with love by people who care.

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

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:

Put in some information about yourself.

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

Choose the design of your cover letter.

Choose the design of your cover letter.

Get your cover letter and use it to apply for your new job!

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.

a research scientist cover letter sample

Or choose any other template from our template gallery

Overall rating 4.5

image of a cover letter for a research scientist

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.”

cover letter format research scientist

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.

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

You control your data

We use cookies to tailor the experience of creating resumes and cover letters. For these reasons, we may share your usage data with third parties. You can find more information about how we use cookies on our Cookies Policy . If you would like to set your cookies preferences, click the Settings button below. To accept all cookies, click Accept.

Cookie settings

Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Choose type of cookies to accept

These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.

These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.

These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.

These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.

To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .

This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy

Science Cover Letter: Examples & Writing Guide for a Scientist

Science Cover Letter: Examples & Writing Guide for a Scientist

Whether you’re a psychologist, environmental scientist, biochemist, or epidemiologist, you need a science cover letter that shows you can get the job done. See how, below.

Tom Gerencer, CPRW

If you want to work at Boston Scientific or Eli Lily, your science cover letter must do one thing: show the team your past accomplishments fit the job like a theorem from Euclid. Oh—and you’ve got to do it fast. Your goal? To make them read your resume like it’s got a giant funding grant inside.

Below, you’ll see a sample cover letter for scientist jobs that lands interviews, with a clear process to fit it to your career.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from 20+ professional cover letter templates that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

science resume and cover letter set

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter samples and create your cover letter here .

Tom Gerencer, CPRW

Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!

Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox

Similar articles

Cold Call / Unsolicited Cover Letter Sample

Cold Call / Unsolicited Cover Letter Sample

Most positions aren’t advertised and you’re left fighting for the few that are. Work smarter by writing a cold cover letter that will get you the job no one else knows about.

Dear Hiring Manager Cover Letter Example & Guide

Dear Hiring Manager Cover Letter Example & Guide

This might burst your bubble, but “Dear Hiring Manager” isn’t the new black. Learn when to use “Dear Hiring Manager” in a cover letter and when you need to tailor your greeting.

The Perfect Cover Letter for Any Job (Example & Guide)

The Perfect Cover Letter for Any Job (Example & Guide)

They say that nothing’s perfect. Challenge that by writing the perfect cover letter to get the perfect job.

Project Administrator Medical Director Neurologist Theatre Nurse Photographer Taper Real Estate Agent Cashier Store Manager Assistant Professor View All

cover letter format research scientist

Stock Associate Production Worker Casual Mailhandler Service Coordinators Behavior Specialist Program Assistant View All

cover letter format research scientist

Research Scientist Cover Letter Example

Writing a Research Scientist cover letter is your introduction to the hiring manager. In order to stand out companies want you to present your relevant work history and skills according to the job you are applying for. Whether you're seeking an entry-level position or have been in your career for a few years, exposing your relevant achievements in your cover letter can allow you to stand out and get that job interview.

Our cover letter examples are written by certified cover letter writers and is a great representation of what hiring managers are looking for in a Research Scientist cover letter resume. Use this example for reference as you create your own cover letter or use this easy cover letter builder that will guide you through every step of your building your resume in just a few minutes.

Here is the Research Scientist Cover Letter example:

A colleague of mine mentioned to me that you have a current opening at your facility for a Research Scientist. I would appreciate being considered for this position and have attached my resume for your perusal. You will see when you look it over that I am more than qualified for the position and that I would be an asset to your facility.

I have graduated from Medical School and have completed my internship and residency as a full physician. I am more interested in the research end of the profession which is why I spent four years working in the field and taking more advanced courses. With my background and experience, I am fully confident that I can bring the attention to detail and research abilities to your programs.

For any organization to be successful it must have a dedicated team that is enthusiastic about their work. I know that I would be a vital member of the team and that I would be an asset to your company and those who the research is benefitting.

If you would care to speak to me in greater detail on my past research, you can call me at (555)-555-5555 and we can discuss a time to meet. I look forward to hearing from you.

Resume Attached as MS Word Document

Most Popular Cover Letters

cover letter format research scientist

A professional cover letter is the first step toward your new job!

IMAGES

Research Officer Cover Letter Template
Research Scientist Cover Letter
Cover Letter Scientist Examples
Environmental Scientist Cover Letter Database
Data Scientist Cover Letter Example
Data Scientist Cover Letter Sample & Tips

VIDEO

Writing for Publication for Students and University Staff
Simple and EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER
Blink Book by Malcolm Gladwell
How to Write a Cover Letter
What is a Cover Letter? (and How to Write a GREAT One + TEMPLATE)
How To Write A Killer Cover Letter For European Tech Market

COMMENTS

How to Write the Best Cover Letter for a Research Scientist Job
Relate yourself to the company, giving details on why you should be considered for the position. Continue expanding on your qualifications while
Scientist Cover Letter Examples and Templates
I'm grateful for this opportunity. I'm looking forward to learning more details about the Scientist position and the River Tech corporate family
Research Scientist Cover Letter Examples
I am a performance driven individual with a passion for learning. I can quickly adapt and achieve goals in any environment. For a more detailed presentation of
Research Scientist Cover Letter (With Examples)
Example of a Research Scientist Cover Letter ... 123 Main St. ... Dear Mr. John Smith,. As a long-time admirer of your firm, I am excited to submit my application
How to Write a Good 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
Science Research Associate Cover Letter Sample
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
Real Researcher Cover Letter Example for 2023
With an unquenchable curiosity for new experiences and fresh challenges, I am excited at the prospect of working with engineering researchers to address complex
Research Scientist Cover Letter Example & Writing Tips Free 2023
What I bring to the table is dedication, accuracy, independent views and sharp analytical tools which guarantee positive results. My scientific work speaks for
Science Cover Letter: Examples & Writing Guide for a Scientist
Science Cover Letter Template · 1. Use a proven science cover letter format and layout · 2. Write a clean-looking science cover letter header · 3.
Research Scientist Cover Letter Example
I am more interested in the research end of the profession which is why I spent four years working in the field and taking more advanced courses. With my