How to Write a Cover Letter for a Scientist Job

Research facilities, laboratories and university science programs hire people with a scientific background. As with other career fields, open positions attract a lot of attention from potential candidates. You will need to provide a cover letter as part of your application. While you may not be the most highly qualified scientist in the job-candidate pack, the goal of your cover letter should be to convince the employer that you fit well and you have the requisite background to be an asset.

Instructions

1. Research the facility or laboratory to which you are applying. Discover who the lead researchers or scientists are and what their qualifications are. Read any publications or articles written by members of the facility.

2. Choose two or three key points about the facility that draws you to it. Think critically about what you can offer the lab and how you would fit into the company.

3. Address the letter to the head scientist or professor. Begin the letter by explaining how you heard about the open position and what you like about the faculty or lab. Discuss why you would be an asset. For instance, if you wrote your thesis on string theory and the laboratory focuses heavily on quantum physics, play up your knowledge and experience with the relevant topic.

4. Flesh out your qualifications in the body of the letter. Resumagic suggests using bullet points to highlight specific achievements and accomplishments. Whichever skills or qualifications you choose to include in the letter, be sure to explain how they relate to the job for which you are applying.

5. Close the letter by thanking the reader for her time and expressing your interest in speaking to her personally. Sign the letter.

References

• The Chronicle of Higher Education: The Basics of Cover Letter Writing
• Resumagic: Scientist Cover Letter Example