The letter, part by part
Erik Austin (PhD candidate in Immunology (thesis submitted)) is applying to be a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Host-Pathogen Immunology at Southbank Institute for Infection Research. Here is what each paragraph does.
- The hook
- The proof
- The fit
- The close
Dear Dr Moss,
Your group's recent paper on tissue-resident memory T cells in the lung changed how I interpreted half of my own thesis data, so seeing a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position open at the Southbank Institute for Infection Research felt like a rare opportunity. I would love to extend that line of work, particularly your planned studies on reinfection after influenza.
My PhD at a Melbourne university examined T-cell responses to respiratory viruses in mouse models. I have three first-author papers, two published and one under review, and have co-authored four more. I secured A$18,000 in competitive travel and project funding, optimised a 24-colour flow cytometry panel now used by three labs in my department, and supervised two Honours students who both achieved first-class results.
Your advertisement emphasises high-parameter flow cytometry, in vivo infection models and independent project management. I am experienced in spectral flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis in R, and murine infection work under institutional animal ethics approval. Just as importantly, I enjoy collaborative science: I organised our department's fortnightly journal club for two years and value open, careful data sharing.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss a possible project plan and how my skills could strengthen your group. I am available to start from February and happy to meet in person or by video at a time that suits you. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Erik Austin
Skills to mention
Employers hiring a postdoctoral researcher often look for these. Name the ones you really have, with an example.
Phrases you can borrow
Change the details to your own, then copy them into your letter.
I am keen to build on my doctoral work while developing new, independent questions within your group's research programme.
I enjoy designing experiments that answer one clear question well rather than many questions poorly.
I share data and protocols openly, because I believe good science depends on reproducibility.
I find supervising students rewarding and see mentoring as a core part of a research career.
Tips for a postdoctoral researcher cover letter
- Refer specifically to the lab's recent work and explain how your research connects to it.
- Summarise publications, grants and awards briefly; your CV holds the full list.
- Match your techniques to those in the advertisement, using the same terminology.
- Show independence, such as leading a project, securing funding or supervising students.
- State your availability, including thesis submission or conferral dates.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending a generic letter that does not mention the lab's research focus.
- Repeating your whole publication list instead of highlighting the most relevant work.
- Forgetting to state when your PhD will be conferred or when you can start.