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• v.19(3); 2021 Jul

Scientific Publishing in Biomedicine: How to Write a Cover Letter?

Zahra bahadoran.

1 Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Parvin Mirmiran

Khosrow kashfi.

2 Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, School of Medicine, City University of New York, New York, USA

Asghar Ghasemi

3 Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

A cover (covering) letter is a brief business letter introducing the scientific work alongside the submission process of a manuscript and is required by most scientific peer-review journals. A typical cover letter includes the name of the editor and the journal, date of submission, the characteristics of the manuscript, the importance of the work and its relevance to prospective audiences, declarations such as author agreements, conflicts of interest statement, funding source (s), and ethical statements. The letter also includes the contact information of the corresponding author (s) and may also include suggestions of potential reviewers. Spending enough time to draft an informative, comprehensive, and concise cover letter is quite worthwhile; a poorly drafted one would not persuade the editor that the submitted work is fit for publication and may lead to immediate rejection. Here, we provide a practical guide to draft a well-written, concise, and professional cover letter for a scientific medical paper.

The Cambridge dictionary defines a cover letter as “a letter that contains information about the thing it is sent with”. The cover letter is commonly known as a motivation letter submitted along with the curriculum vitae (CV) or a job application for employment ( 1 ) or academic position ( 2 ), and it is not clear why and how it was introduced into the scientific field ( 3 ). In scientific writing and publishing, a cover/covering letter is a letter to the editor’s target journal ( 4 ).

Providing a cover letter alongside the submission process is now required by most scientific journals. In fact, some high-quality and prestigious journals pay specific attention to the cover letter ( 3 ). Amongst the different steps of the publication process, the cover letter is the last step and is often overlooked ( 5 ). One of the most common complaints voiced by editors regarding submitted manuscripts is that the authors neglect to write a well-written cover letter, including a statement justifying the importance of their work ( 6 ). Missing this opportunity may have unintentional consequences, rejection without further consideration instead of being sent for external peer-review ( 5 , 6 ). Contrary to this view, some believe that the cover letter’s content overlaps with the manuscript’s abstract and gives mostly redundant information already found within the online submission system ( 3 ). The cover letter may also be a “misleading commercial advertisement” where it would not represent the content of the manuscript ( 3 ).

Although many editors may not read or seriously consider the cover letters of the submitted manuscripts ( 3 , 4 ), neglecting the importance of the cover letter may be a risk for the authors. Therefore, spending an adequate amount of time to write a coherent and persuasive cover letter is worth it. Following our previous publication on choosing a journal in a new series entitled Scientific Publishing in Biomedicine ( 7 ), here, we provided a practical guide to draft a well-written, professional, and concise cover letter needed to be accompanied by an original scientific paper, either with the initial submission or subsequently at revision/resubmitting stage. Since there are subtle differences in writing a cover letter for an original research paper versus a review article or an opinion, some points for drafting a cover letter for such papers are also discussed.

2. The Function of the Cover Letter

A cover letter is “a brief business letter”, which introduces the submitted manuscript to a prospective editor (s) ( 8 ). There are essentially two types of letters; the first is the one that is initially submitted with the manuscript (cover letter), and the second is when a revision is being submitted (revised letter). The first letter introduces the work at the initial manuscript submission ( 9 ), while the second one is needed following an invitation to revise and resubmit the manuscript. Here, the authors respond to the suggestions/criticisms of the reviewers ( 10 ). In this paper, “cover letter” and “second letter” refer to the first/submit letter and the revised letter, respectively.

A well-written cover letter is an effective tool for authors to sell their work to the journal editor and make a “good first impression”. A cover letter is a summary that highlights the main points, emphasizes the novelty, and communicates the potential implications of the submitted work ( 3 ). A cover letter allows the authors to persuade the editors regarding the novelty/originality and significance of the research in a less formal manner than in the manuscript itself ( 6 ). A well-written and informative cover letter helps the journal’s editor to be informed about the work and its significance. Regardless of the novelty and significance of the submitted manuscript, editors may miss those points without providing insights in a cover letter ( 5 ).

3. The Content of a Cover Letter

3.1. first cover letter (submit letter).

One point of view is that the cover letter’s content should be covered in the manuscript’s abstract ( 3 ). A typical cover letter includes the name of editor (s) and the journal, date of submission, the characteristics of the manuscript (i.e., title, type of the manuscript, e.g., review, original, case report), the importance of the work and its relevance to the readership of the journal, verification of the originality of the work, the authors’ confirmation that the manuscript is currently submitted only to this journal, declarations and ethical statements, suggested potential reviewers, and contact information of the corresponding author of the submitted work ( 5 , 6 ). Other manuscript characteristics, including the length and number of tables and figures, can also be indicated. If the manuscript belongs to a special issue or is being submitted upon an official invitation from the journal’s editorial office, it should also be addressed. The main contents of the first cover letter are described in Table 1 .

The most critical element of a cover letter is a “statement of novelty/significance/implication.” The authors are advised to carefully write a brief and concise description of their work’s impact toward communicating its significance ( 6 ). The authors are strongly advised not to copy the abstract into the cover letter and instead explain in their own words the significance of the work and the reason for submitting it to the journal ( 11 ). If this information is lacking, the editors may rely on the reviewers who may not appreciate the significance of the work and just focus on the technical issues rather than the scientific value of the work ( 5 ). Providing a clear and robust statement of novelty and significance would be more critical for editors and potential reviewers with diverse and interdisciplinary backgrounds ( 6 ).

The statements are expected to answer the following questions: (1) why is the work important? (e.g., emphasizing a new measurement, a new diagnostic method or criterion, a newly discovered biological process); and (2) how does the work advance current knowledge in the field? The best approach to answer this question is by describing the current state of knowledge in the field and clarifying how the work provides an added value by answering a previously unanswered question, finding the solution to a problem, or improving existing methods ( 5 ). Checking the recently published papers on similar topics in the journal provides new insights for the authors to clarify in the cover letter as to how the manuscript follows the publication trends of the journal and will add something new that would be relevant to the trend ( 12 ).

The cover letter is also expected to emphasize why the manuscript will attract the journal’s readers ( 5 ). The authors also need to consider the journal’s Aims and Scope to underscore how the manuscript would fit within the journal’s scope and attract potential readers ( 13 ). Instead of stating simply that the manuscript is “of interest to the field” or “novel,” the authors should address specific aspects of the journal’s Aims and Scope statement, e.g., “We believe that this manuscript is appropriate for publication by [journal name] since it… [reference to the journal’s aims and scope] ( 11 ).

For a review, opinion, or a trends paper, emphasizing the timeline and novelty is needed, as stated by Sacristán, the editor of trends in molecular medicine: “The synthesis and conceptual advance should be particularly stated in terms of what is new and has been trending in the field for the last one to five years”. She also recommends that the authors need to provide a future perspective beyond the main take-home message of the manuscript for a trends paper and take a strong and novel stance on a hypothesis or idea for a cover letter of an opinion manuscript ( 14 ).

The cover letter must contain some predefined statements, including the “author agreement” statement ( 13 ). An “author agreement” is a statement to confirm that “all authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript being submitted” ( 8 ). Furthermore, “the authors warrant that the manuscript is their original work, has not received prior publication and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere” ( 8 ). Some journals may request the corresponding author to confirm that he/she will take responsibility for informing co-authors of editorial decisions, reviews received, and any changes or revisions made; additionally, the editor (s) should be informed about any closely related manuscript (s) simultaneously submitted for consideration to the same or another journal ( 15 ). The authors also should declare if any part of the submitted work has been previously published elsewhere, even as an abstract ( 16 ); e.g., “there is some overlap in the content of the introduction section, which we have noted in the text”.

Depending on the journal’s policy, other statements, including “conflict of interest statement”, “funding source declarations”, and “permission note”, may also be required to be included in the cover letter ( 8 , 11 ). As indicated by Elsevier, a conflict of interest statement, known as a disclosure statement, is a declaration from the author that “there is no financial/personal interest or belief that could affect their objectivity”. The publisher emphasizes that the authors should declare and state the potential conflict’s source and nature in cases where a conflict of interest exists. A funding source declaration is defined by the publisher as “a declaration of any funding or research grants (and their sources) received in the course of study, research or assembly of the manuscript”. Elsevier also defines the permission note as a statement that declares that “permission has been received to use any material in the manuscript such as a figure, which is not original content” ( 8 , 17 ). Other statements like “Statement of English native editing” may also be added.

Furthermore, informing the editor (s) regarding any information that will support the submission (e.g., original or confirmatory data, supplementary materials, relevance, topicality) can be helpful ( 8 ). Other operational information, typically provided within checkboxes of the journal’s submission system, is not required to be included in the cover letter ( 5 ).

3.2. Second Cover Letter

The second cover letter, which accompanies the revised version of the manuscript, must be a model of clarity and must address every issue posed by the editor and reviewers ( 10 ). If the revised manuscript is sent for the second round of peer-review, the reviewer (s) will see the letter. The content of the header and footer sections of the revised letter is similar to that of the submitted cover letter. The letter should be directed to the editor as addressed in the first letter unless the authors are informed that a new editor will process the revised version ( 10 ). The first paragraph should start with an “expression of polite gratitude”, e.g., “we would like to thank you for the opportunity to revise and resubmit our manuscript.” The “manuscript ID” or “identification number,” usually assigned by the journal in the first submission, should be addressed in the first paragraph ( 10 ).

The second paragraph usually “signals attention to the reviewers’ comments” by providing an explicit reference to the comments made by the reviewers and the editor. Furthermore, it may contain a positive statement regarding the results, methodology, conclusions, etc., in which case the authors need to acknowledge reviews’ insights ( 10 , 18 ). For example, “We sincerely appreciate all the valuable comments and suggestions made, which helped us improve the revised version of our manuscript” or “we found the reviewers’ comments helpful in guiding us to revise the manuscript.” Such statements will help the authors in creating a polite, formal tone throughout the letter. The paragraph should be followed by providing the editor with a roadmap or a summary of the revisions, addressing “the response to comments attachment.” A point-by-point response to the specific comments of the reviewers must be provided. If the authors disagree with a point raised by a reviewer, a rebuttal or counterstatement may be in order. A scientific and polite approach should spell out why the authors disagree, never losing sight of the reviewer’s opinion ( 19 ).

The footer section (closing salutation) of the letter returns to polite formalities, using statements like “we hope that the revised version of our manuscript is now acceptable to the reviewers, and suitable for publication in the [name of journal], we look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience” ( 10 ).

4. Organization

Although it is not a rule, the cover letter’s content can be organized within a cover letter header (opening salutation), three main paragraphs (the body of cover letter), and a cover letter footer (closing salutation), as described in Table 1 .

The cover letter should be initiated by addressing the editor (s) and the target journal; however, the author’s affiliation and contact information may also be included at the top of page ( 4 ). The name of the editor (s) can be easily found on the journal’s information page. If it is known, the authors must address the editor who will receive the manuscript and handle the peer-review process ( 13 ). If there are several co-editors, the person the author feels has the most appropriate background, and specialty of the topic should be addressed. In cases where such information is lacking, authors can mention all editors by name or address the letter to “dear editors” ( 12 ); however, it has been recommended to avoid writing “dear editor” ( 16 ). Also, the submission date and the journal’s name where the manuscript will be submitted are required ( 13 ).

In the first paragraph of the cover letter body, to introduce the submitted work, the title and the type of manuscript, authors’ name, journal name, and manuscript length are presented ( 4 ). In addition, it is mentioned that whether the manuscript is submitted upon an invitation or belongs to a special issue. The importance of the study, including novelty, potential implications, and its take-home message, are addressed in the second paragraph of the cover letter body. In addition, it is explained why the work would be attractive for journal readers. The third paragraph of the cover letter body includes some statements including authorship agreement, conflicts of interest, funding source, and ethical considerations. If required, potential reviewers are also suggested here.

Within the closing salutation, the authors can appreciate the editor for taking the time to read the cover letter and considering the submitted work for potential publication.

5. Some Practical Tips: The Length, and Dos and Don’ts

The authors need to spend plenty of time crafting their cover letters. They are advised to avoid too many details and keep it within one page (less than 200 words), like an introduction or a brief overview ( 4 , 11 ). The authors should check the guide for authors and cover letter suggestions provided by the journal, including all the requirements, e.g., specific disclosures, statements, and potential reviewers. Some publishers (e.g., Springer, https://www.springer.com/gp/authors-editors/journal-author/cover-letters/1398, Taylor & Francis, https://authorservices.taylorandfrancis.com/publishing-your-research/making-your submission/writing-a-journal-article-cover-letter/) provide sample cover letters that the authors can use. Figure 1 provides a sample for a cover letter.

If the authors address previously published papers in the cover letter, then appropriate citation should be considered. The authors should carefully check the letter for any spelling and grammatical errors ( 11 , 20 ). They should make sure that they correctly spell the name of the journal’s editor (s) ( 4 ). Being careless regarding the editor’s name or the change of a journal’s name in a cover letter of a resubmitted manuscript, can be embarrassing and make a bad impression ( 4 ). It is suggested that the cover letter be written on the authors’ institutional letterhead to display professionalism and reliability ( 20 , 21 ).

5.2. Don’ts

When authors suggest a number of potential reviewers, they should avoid suggesting their friends and colleagues, as this would be viewed as a conflict of interest. Collaborators whom the authors have published with in the past five years should not be suggested either; an editor may easily be informed of such associations by a quick search of PubMed or other databases ( 22 ). The authors should avoid using complex sentence structures, jargon, and acronyms and keep the text straightforward and easy to read ( 11 , 20 ). The authors should also avoid including unrelated personal information or glorifying their past research papers or any of their academic accolades ( 20 ). They must not be rude towards the editors or complement the editor’s accomplishments ( 4 ). The novelty statement should not exaggerate or overstate the findings of the work; furthermore, any conclusion stated should be completely supported by the data provided in the manuscript ( 23 ). Finally, authors are recommended not to write a generic cover letter that could be used for any manuscript and could be sent to any journal ( 21 ).

6. Conclusion

In summary, a cover letter should highlight the novelty, importance, take-home message, and goodness-of-fit of the manuscript to the journal. These are critical information that can persuade an editor that the submitted work merits publication consideration in the journal. The cover letter should not be general but should be custom-written for the target journal. Although the submitted manuscript may usually pass through the peer-review process and get published regardless of the cover letter, a well-written, informative, and concise cover letter increases the chance of gaining acceptance.

Authors' Contribution: Study concept and design, Zahra Bahadoran and Asghar Ghasemi; Drafting of the manuscript, Zahra Bahadoran, Parvin Mirmiran, and Asghar Ghasemi; Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content, Khosrow Kashfi and Parvin Mirmiran.

Conflict of Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest.

Funding/Support: This study was supported by the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (grant number 28127).

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A cover letter that includes the following information, as well as any additional information requested in the instructions for your specific article type (see main manuscript section above):

• An explanation of why your manuscript should be published in Cell & Bioscience
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• A declaration of any potential competing interests
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• Confirmation that the content of the manuscript has not been published, or submitted for publication elsewhere (see our Duplicate publication policy )
• If you are submitting a manuscript to a particular special issue, please refer to its specific name in your covering letter

Peer reviewers

You may suggest potential peer reviewers for your manuscript. If you wish to do so, please provide institutional email addresses where possible, or information which will help the Editor to verify the identity of the reviewer (for example an ORCID or Scopus ID). Intentionally falsifying information, for example, suggesting reviewers with a false name or email address, will result in rejection of your manuscript and may lead to further investigation in line with our misconduct policy.

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Cover letters

A good cover letter will help "sell" your manuscript to the journal editor. it is not enough to send a manuscript to a journal editor like this:.

Dear Editor-in-Chief,

I am sending you our manuscript entitled "Large Scale Analysis of Cell Cycle Regulators in bladder cancer" by Researcher et al. We would like to have the manuscript considered for publication in Pathobiology.

Please let me know of your decision at your earliest convenience.

With my best regards,

Sincerely yours,

A Researcher, PhD

Instead, check to see whether the journal's Instructions for Authors have any cover letter requirements (e.g., disclosures, statements, potential reviewers).

Then, write a letter that explains why the Editor would want to publish your manuscript:

Common phrases:

• Please find enclosed our manuscript, "[manuscript title]" by [first author's name] et al., which we would like to submit for publication as a [publication type] in [name of the journal].
• To our knowledge, this is the first report showing...
• We believe our findings would appeal to the readership of [journal name].
• Please address all correspondence to:
• We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

All cover letters should contain these sentences:

• We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal.
• All authors have approved the manuscript and agree with its submission to [insert the name of the target journal].

Submission checklist Before submitting your manuscript, thoroughly check its quality one more time. Evaluate it critically-could anything be done better?

Be sure that:

• The manuscript follows the submission guidelines
• All files are in the correct file format and of the appropriate resolution or size
• The spelling and grammar are correct
• You have contact information for all authors
• You have completed online registration for the submission process for your target journal
• You have written a persuasive cover letter

5 Molecular Biologist Cover Letter Examples

Molecular biologist cover letter examples.

A well-tailored cover letter can make a significant difference in a molecular biologist's job application. In a competitive job market, where numerous qualified candidates are vying for limited positions, a compelling cover letter can help your application stand out and increase your chances of securing an interview.

A cover letter serves as your introduction to potential employers and allows you to showcase your skills, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the role. It provides an opportunity to highlight relevant experience and accomplishments that may not be evident in your resume alone. By customizing your cover letter to align with the specific requirements of each position you apply for, you can demonstrate your knowledge of the field and your suitability for the role.

In this article, we will provide you with several examples of effective cover letters for molecular biologists. These examples will highlight different approaches and styles, giving you a better understanding of how to craft a compelling cover letter that makes an impact. By analyzing these examples, you will gain insights into the key elements that make a cover letter successful and learn how to avoid common mistakes. Let's dive in and explore these examples to enhance your cover letter writing skills.

Example 1: Research Scientist Cover Letter

Key takeaways.

Emily's cover letter effectively positions her as a strong candidate for the Research Scientist position at Genentech.

It's important to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the company's mission and values. This demonstrates your potential to contribute to their scientific advancements and goals.

She emphasizes her key achievement of identifying a potential biomarker for early detection of Alzheimer's disease, showcasing her ability to make significant contributions to scientific research.

Highlighting specific achievements and their potential impact in your cover letter helps to demonstrate your expertise and the value you can bring to the organization.

Emily could have further highlighted her specific qualifications and technical expertise in the field of research, such as her educational background or any relevant certifications.

Don't forget to mention your educational qualifications, certifications, or any specialized training that is relevant to the research scientist role. This helps to establish your credibility and expertise in the field.

Example 2: Clinical Molecular Biologist Cover Letter

Daniel's cover letter effectively showcases his expertise and experience in the field of clinical molecular biology, making him a strong candidate for the position at Mayo Clinic.

When applying for a highly specialized role like clinical molecular biologist, it's important to highlight your specific technical skills and experience in the field. This demonstrates your ability to contribute immediately and effectively to the organization.

Daniel emphasizes his experience in clinical laboratory settings, highlighting his ability to conduct molecular tests, analyze results, and report findings to physicians. This showcases his proficiency in the key responsibilities of a clinical molecular biologist.

Emphasize your practical experience in conducting molecular tests and analyzing results. This highlights your ability to perform the essential duties of a clinical molecular biologist and demonstrates your familiarity with the laboratory environment.

Additionally, Daniel mentions his leadership experience in developing a novel diagnostic assay for detecting genetic mutations. This demonstrates his ability to drive innovation and collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.

Highlight any leadership or project management experience you have in the field of molecular biology. This showcases your ability to lead and contribute to cutting-edge research projects, making you a valuable asset to the team.

While Daniel's cover letter effectively highlights his technical skills and experience, he could further tailor his application to Mayo Clinic by mentioning specific research areas or projects that align with the institution's focus.

Research the specific areas of molecular biology that Mayo Clinic is known for and mention any relevant experience or interest you have in those areas. This shows your alignment with the institution's research goals and strengthens your candidacy.

Example 3: Biotechnology Cover Letter Example

Sarah's cover letter effectively highlights her relevant experience and aligns her skills with Amgen's focus on advancing science and improving patient lives.

When applying for a biotechnology position, it is crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the company's mission and values. This shows your genuine interest in their work and your potential to contribute to their scientific advancements.

By showcasing her experience in biotechnology research, Sarah establishes her credibility and expertise. She specifically mentions her contributions to the development of a novel drug delivery system and a groundbreaking gene therapy.

Emphasize your key achievements and their impact on the field of biotechnology. This demonstrates your ability to drive innovation and make significant contributions to scientific advancements.

Sarah could further strengthen her cover letter by mentioning any specific technical skills or certifications relevant to the biotechnology field.

Highlight any specialized laboratory techniques, molecular biology skills, or certifications you possess. This demonstrates your technical proficiency and makes you a more competitive candidate in the biotechnology industry.

Example 4: Pharmaceutical Research Cover Letter

Michael's cover letter effectively showcases his experience and expertise in the field of pharmaceutical research, positioning him as a strong candidate for the position at Johnson & Johnson.

When applying for a pharmaceutical research position, it is crucial to highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments in the field. This demonstrates your ability to contribute to the research and development efforts of the company.

He highlights specific achievements from his previous roles, such as his involvement in the development of a new drug formulation and a novel drug delivery system. These examples clearly demonstrate his ability to contribute to innovative research projects and his impact on the advancement of pharmaceutical science.

Including specific examples of your contributions and achievements in pharmaceutical research can help set you apart from other candidates. Highlight projects that showcase your problem-solving skills, scientific knowledge, and ability to drive innovation.

Michael also mentions his current role as a Pharmaceutical Research Scientist at AbbVie Inc., where he is leading a team in the development of innovative therapies. This demonstrates his leadership skills and his ability to manage complex research projects.

If you have experience in leading research teams or managing projects, be sure to mention it in your cover letter. This shows your ability to take on responsibilities and effectively collaborate with others in a research environment.

Overall, Michael's cover letter effectively communicates his passion for scientific innovation and his ability to contribute to the groundbreaking research efforts of Johnson & Johnson.

Example 5: Genetics Cover Letter Example

Jessica's cover letter effectively highlights her experience and expertise in the field of genetics, positioning her as a strong candidate for the Genetics position at Illumina.

When applying for a niche role like genetics, it's crucial to showcase your specific skills and experience in the field. This demonstrates your understanding of the industry and your ability to contribute to cutting-edge research.

She emphasizes her experience in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results, showcasing her ability to generate meaningful insights from complex genetic data.

Highlight your analytical skills and your ability to derive insights from genetic data. This demonstrates your ability to contribute to the research process and make valuable contributions to the field.

Jessica also mentions her experience in operating and maintaining DNA sequencing equipment, along with her ability to troubleshoot technical issues. This demonstrates her technical expertise and ability to ensure that research projects run smoothly.

Showcase your technical skills and experience with DNA sequencing equipment. This highlights your ability to handle the practical aspects of genetics research and contribute to the success of projects.

Overall, Jessica's cover letter effectively conveys her passion for genetics and her alignment with Illumina's commitment to advancing genetics research.

Demonstrate your passion for genetics and align it with the company's mission and values. This shows your genuine interest in the role and your potential to contribute to the organization's goals.

Skills To Highlight

As a molecular biologist, your cover letter should highlight the unique skills that make you a strong candidate for the role. These key skills include:

Experimental Design : As a molecular biologist, you will be designing and conducting experiments to investigate biological processes and analyze data. Showcasing your experience in experimental design demonstrates your ability to develop and implement effective research strategies.

Data Analysis : Molecular biologists often work with large datasets and use statistical analysis to interpret the results of their experiments. Highlight your proficiency in data analysis techniques, such as statistical software packages like R or Python, as well as your ability to draw meaningful conclusions from complex data.

Molecular Cloning : Molecular cloning is a fundamental technique in molecular biology, used to create copies of specific DNA sequences. Emphasize your experience with molecular cloning techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and DNA sequencing.

Genetic Engineering : Genetic engineering plays a crucial role in molecular biology, allowing scientists to modify DNA sequences to study gene function or develop new biotechnological products. Highlight your expertise in genetic engineering techniques, such as gene knockout, gene overexpression, or gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9.

Proficiency in Laboratory Techniques : Molecular biologists spend a significant amount of time conducting experiments in the laboratory. Showcase your proficiency in a wide range of laboratory techniques, including DNA and RNA isolation, protein purification, cell culture, microscopy, and various molecular biology assays.

Knowledge of Molecular Biology Methods : Molecular biologists should possess a deep understanding of molecular biology methods and techniques. Discuss your knowledge of techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, or next-generation sequencing. This demonstrates your familiarity with the tools and methods commonly used in the field.

Biosafety and Laboratory Regulations : Molecular biologists work with potentially hazardous biological materials and must adhere to strict biosafety protocols and laboratory regulations. Highlight your knowledge and experience in following safety guidelines, maintaining laboratory cleanliness, and accurately documenting experimental procedures.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving : Molecular biologists often encounter complex scientific problems that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Discuss your ability to analyze experimental results, troubleshoot issues, and propose innovative solutions to scientific challenges.

Communication Skills : Effective communication skills are essential for molecular biologists to present their research findings, collaborate with colleagues, and write scientific papers. Highlight your ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

Attention to Detail : Molecular biology experiments require precise measurements, accurate record-keeping, and attention to detail. Emphasize your ability to work meticulously and maintain high-quality standards in laboratory procedures and data analysis.

Remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific job requirements and highlight the skills that align with the position you are applying for. By showcasing your expertise in these key skills, you can demonstrate your suitability for a molecular biology role and increase your chances of landing an interview.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When crafting your cover letter as a molecular biologist, it's important to avoid these common mistakes:

Lack of Research : One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your cover letter is not showcasing your specific research experience. As a molecular biologist, employers are looking for candidates who have a strong background in molecular biology and related fields. Make sure to highlight your research projects, publications, and any specialized techniques or methodologies you have experience with. This will demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out as a qualified candidate.

Lack of Enthusiasm : Another common mistake is failing to convey your enthusiasm for the field of molecular biology. Employers want to see that you are passionate about your work and excited about the opportunity to contribute to their scientific goals. Use your cover letter to express your excitement for the field, highlight any relevant achievements or awards, and explain why you are interested in the specific company or research area. This will show employers that you are motivated and dedicated to your work.

Failure to Highlight Relevant Expertise : It's important to highlight how your expertise as a molecular biologist can contribute to the company's scientific goals. Many candidates make the mistake of simply listing their qualifications without explaining how they can be applied to the specific role or company. Take the time to carefully review the job description and research the company to understand their needs and priorities. Then, tailor your cover letter to address these specific areas and explain how your skills and experience align with their requirements. This will demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of the role and are a good fit for the company.

Ignoring the Importance of Communication Skills : While technical expertise is crucial for a molecular biologist, it's also important to highlight your communication skills. Employers are looking for candidates who can effectively communicate their research findings and collaborate with colleagues. Make sure to mention any experience you have with presenting at conferences, writing scientific papers, or working in a team-based environment. This will show that you not only have the technical skills required for the role, but also the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your cover letter as a molecular biologist stands out and effectively showcases your skills and qualifications for the role.

In conclusion, the cover letter is an essential tool for a molecular biologist in their job search. It provides an opportunity to showcase their skills, experience, and passion for the field. By following the examples and tips provided in this article, applicants can create a compelling cover letter that stands out to employers.

Remember to tailor the cover letter to each specific job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Use a professional and concise writing style, and make sure to address the hiring manager by name if possible. Additionally, be sure to proofread the cover letter carefully for any errors or typos.

A well-crafted cover letter can greatly enhance a molecular biologist's chances of landing a rewarding position in this competitive field. It allows applicants to make a strong first impression, demonstrate their qualifications, and showcase their enthusiasm for molecular biology. By putting in the time and effort to create a compelling cover letter, applicants can set themselves apart from the competition and increase their chances of securing their dream job.

So, take the time to carefully craft your cover letter, using the examples and tips provided in this article. With a well-written cover letter, you can confidently apply for molecular biologist positions and increase your chances of success. Good luck!

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• Published: 27 April 2023

What’s in your cover letter?

Nature Cancer volume  4 ,  pages 437–438 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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What are the dos and don’ts of cover letters and how can authors maximize their value?

Accompanying a submitted manuscript with a cover letter is not mandatory at this journal, meaning that a Nature Cancer editor would not reject a study because of a missing cover letter, but including one is customary and in some cases it is essential. Considered more generally, a cover letter is an additional tool at the author’s disposal to enhance communication with the editor and provide important information about the submission. From an editorial perspective, a well-written, informative cover letter can be a useful add-on when assessing a manuscript.

A cover letter is essential when important information must be conveyed directly to the editor in a confidential manner. For instance, if the authors have related manuscripts under consideration or in press elsewhere, they are required by our policy to disclose this in the cover letter and provide these studies for the editor’s perusal (and, if deemed essential, also for the perusal of the referees). This does not apply to preprints of the submitted manuscript, but authors are welcome to state in the cover letter whether they have deposited a preprint ( a practice we encourage ).

Also essential to raise in the cover letter are cases of manuscripts co-submitted to our journal, explaining the arguments for their co-publication. Although at Nature Cancer each submission is evaluated on its own merits for its potential to be published as a standalone study, we always strive for editorial consistency in our decisions and consider ways in which to enhance a paper’s message and visibility. Co-publication of two individually strong, independently confirmatory or conceptually complementary studies can be a powerful argument for further editorial consideration.

If an author opts into double-anonymous peer review , the mechanism that allows reciprocal anonymity between authors and referees, the cover letter is where authors should include the full author names, order and affiliations, and the mandatory acknowledgements section, author contributions statement and competing interests declaration, for the submission record. This information can be moved to the manuscript after successful completion of the peer review, while the study is being prepared for publication.

Filed under essential, but sometimes overlooked by authors: cover letters are the place to raise editor-confidential issues of a more sensitive nature. Chief among these are situations of direct and active competition in the form of similar manuscripts by other groups that are in preparation or under consideration elsewhere. The cover letter is where authors should mention any such cases and relevant specifics, to enable the editor to successfully navigate the competitor landscape facing the manuscript and direct the peer-review process speedily.

The cover letter is also a place to summarize information that could be collected in other parts of the manuscript submission form, to simplify editorial handling of the study. For example, authors can state any prior interactions with Nature Cancer editors in the cover letter. In addition, at this journal we permit up to three referee exclusions, and the cover letter is a good place to note which researchers the authors would prefer were not contacted as referees. It is also a good place to list referee suggestions. Even though the editor is not bound by them (after all, referee selection is a critical part of an editor’s job and involves careful vetting for expertise and potential conflicts of interest, among other things), we always welcome suggestions for potential experts in different fields, as we continuously aim to expand our pool of reviewers.

Beyond these practical uses, a cover letter becomes particularly valuable when authors use it as a written substitute for an in-person interaction with the editor through which to give a high-level pitch of the study and share their enthusiasm about it. Editors are scientists, even if we have left the lab. Beyond identifying the papers we consider suitable for our journal on the basis of their scientific merits, their level of advance in light of the published literature, their depth of experimental and analytical development and broad interest and relevance to the cancer field, our job involves sharing in the excitement of scientific discovery and championing the papers we peer review and publish. Through the cover letter, authors can communicate directly to us why their study is exciting, why it is important for the field and why it should be published in our journal and no other. This should not be done by reiterating the information included in the abstract — the editor will read not only the abstract but also the full manuscript, in detail — or through platitudes and vague statements about research that is paradigm-shifting. All work published in Nature Cancer aims to further knowledge and cures for this family of diseases, be it through fundamental scientific discovery, preclinical investigations, or translational or clinical work. Stating in the cover letter that a manuscript contributes to the field in this broad manner amounts to a truism as far as this journal is concerned. Editorially, we are more interested in the ‘how’. How is this study furthering the understanding and treatment of cancer in an important, impactful way that will advance or alter the way the field thinks?

Thus, the cover letter is the author’s opportunity to share not only the salient points of their work — its main message and key findings — but also their candid perspective on the major points of advance and importance. It goes without saying that this information should be presented in detail in the manuscript itself and that ultimately the editor will determine which aspects might weigh for further consideration of the paper at this journal. However, a cover letter with the authors’ clear point of view — a snapshot that zooms into the essentials — can aid the maturation of the editorial perspective on the study. In the cancer field, papers can be interdisciplinary, with multiple threads that come together into one complex story. Do the authors consider the key advance to be foundational, translational or clinical, or is there a technical point of major interest? Is the study answering an important open question or going against long-held ideas? Is the take-home message a much-needed cancer drug, model or method, or a new layer of fundamental knowledge? Focusing on specifics, mentioning key literature and highlighting implications for the field, while flagging limitations and steering clear of hype, are important for getting across the authors’ view on the implications of their work. Although not mandatory, if not already present in the manuscript figures, a graphical abstract can be included in the cover letter to summarize the key findings in a visual manner.

In outlining this information, it is important to be succinct. The editor will assess the full manuscript in depth, so lengthy repetition in the cover letter is not helpful. Ideally the cover letter should be about a page long.

To summarize: do include a cover letter with your submission. Do not rehash the abstract. Focus on the key findings. Do not forget to include limitations and challenges. Convey the importance of your work — do not underplay it, but also avoid overhyping. Include information for the editor’s eyes only. Flag prior interactions with editors. Keep it short and to the point.

We hope these pointers are helpful and look forward to reading your submitted manuscripts and their accompanying cover letters!

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What’s in your cover letter?. Nat Cancer 4 , 437–438 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43018-023-00559-2

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Published : 27 April 2023

Issue Date : April 2023

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s43018-023-00559-2

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How can I make my cover letter more effective? [VIDEO]

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