what is cover letter for postdoc

How to Write a Great Postdoc Cover Letter

While a good cover letter makes an explicit connection between how your past experience will help you succeed in the postdoc position, a great cover letter sparks the PI’s interest and ensures they read your CV. Here are some tips to make sure your cover letter is a great one.

Before you start writing, learn as much as you can about the position and the lab. Do some research on the department’s website and talk to your mentors about the group. It’s also a good idea to take a look at their recent papers to familiarize yourself with the kind of work they do. Once you have a good understanding of the position and group, you can determine which of your qualifications would be most applicable. Be sure to emphasize them in your cover letter.

The Cover Letter Format

A cover letter starts like a formal letter with the date at the top followed by the name and work address of the job poster. This is followed by the salutation. For a postdoc position, you will often be addressing your letter to the PI. However, if it is not clear from the advertisement who the job poster is, you can always address the letter to “members of the search committee).

The Introduction

The opening paragraph should explain why you are writing this letter. Indicate the specific position you are applying for and where you saw it advertised. If another professor at the university or someone the PI knows suggested that you apply for the position, mention it here. Follow it up with a short description of yourself that will allow the reader to place you academically. This could be something like “I am in the final year of my PhD in (field) at (name of university) and will be graduating/defending/finishing in (month). My dissertation is titled (title) and is supervised by Professor (name)”.

The Body Paragraphs

The bulk of your cover letter will be spent demonstrating how you are the right candidate for this postdoc by highlighting your qualifications and showing how they will benefit this specific project. One of the biggest mistakes you make is not tailoring this section to each position you apply for.

In a postdoc cover letter, it is common to dedicate one paragraph to your dissertation or current research project. Summarize your research topic, your key findings or arguments and why they matter to the field.

Now, this next step is important: you must translate your dissertation and previous research to the postdoc project. What expertise will you bring to the project by virtue of your past research that no one else can? Give specific examples that show you understand the proposed projects. Work in reference to you major awards and accomplishments while doing so. Depending on the requirements of the position, it might also be relevant to discuss your teaching experience here. Remember, the theme throughout the body paragraphs should be how your research experience will make this postdoc project successful.

The Final Paragraph

This last paragraph covers some job applicant formalities. In it, you should write that you have attached your CV and other necessary documents in your application. Mention that you look forward to hearing from them and are available to discuss the position further in an interview. Finally, thank them for their consideration before signing off.

Get Feedback

Once you have written your postdoc cover letter, ask your supervisor or a mentor to review it for you. They are likely to have had some experience hiring and will be able to make valuable suggestions from the other side of the table. They can also check that your cover letter is formatted according to the conventions of your field.

Discover related jobs

Discover similar employers

Accelerate your academic career

10 Questions to Ask During a Postdoc Interview

Not sure what to ask during your postdoc interview? Make sure you get th...

Keep Calm and Ace Your Interview

These tips to help manage your nerves before, during, and after the inte...

Why Academics Should Use Twitter

Twitter has a lot of value for academics as a professional social networ...

PhD, Professor, and Postdoc Salaries in the United States

Here’s a breakdown of the most common American job titles and their asso...

Overcoming Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is a nagging feeling of self-doubt and unworthiness th...

PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in the Netherlands

Interested in working in the Netherlands? Here's how much PhD students, ...

Jobs by field

• Electrical Engineering 163
• Machine Learning 161
• Artificial Intelligence 158
• Programming Languages 136
• Molecular Biology 125
• Mechanical Engineering 108
• Cell Biology 106
• Materials Chemistry 104
• Electronics 101
• Materials Engineering 97

Jobs by type

• Postdoc 308
• Assistant / Associate Professor 161
• Professor 132
• Researcher 127
• Research assistant 93
• Lecturer / Senior Lecturer 74
• Management / Leadership 55
• Engineer 54
• Tenure Track 43

Jobs by country

• Belgium 265
• Netherlands 171
• Switzerland 117
• Morocco 102
• Luxembourg 56

Jobs by employer

• KU Leuven 108
• Mohammed VI Polytechnic Unive... 102
• Ghent University 65
• ETH Zürich 64
• KTH Royal Institute of Techno... 61
• University of Luxembourg 54
• Eindhoven University of Techn... 54
• University of Twente 44
• Manchester Metropolitan Unive... 35
• Karolinska Institutet 32

This website uses cookies

How to write a killer cover letter for a postdoctoral application

Many graduate students applying for their first postdoctoral positions underestimate the importance of the cover letter. While it may be true that your awesomeness is beautifully outlined on your curriculum vitae, your cover letter often will dictate whether the busy principal investigator puts your application at the top of the heaping pile or into triage.

First impressions are everything for some people, so leave nothing to chance. If you provide only your CV, you aren’t being very personable, and you lose a precious opportunity to highlight some things that make you stand out. On the other hand, a cover letter is also an opportunity to shoot yourself in the foot, so here are a few do’s and don’ts.

A few do's

Start off right. Address your potential future PI properly, as “Dr. (insert surname here).” If you begin your letter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern,” your application could be dismissed as generic and untailored for the position. A letter that appears to come off an assembly line is likely to ride directly into the trash bin. If you do not invest the time to learn about the PI and his or her research, then the PI is not likely to invest the time to read your application.

After the salutation, the first statement should be a formality that states why you are writing to the PI. It is important to respect how hectic a day in the life of a PI can be, so get right to the point — something like, “I am applying for the postdoctoral position available in your laboratory that was recently advertised (where).”

The second sentence should specify your current position, place of work and mentor. If you are not immediately available for hire, it is useful to mention when you will be able to start. End the first paragraph with just one or two concise sentences that hint at why you are the ideal candidate for the position — you will expand on these points next.

In the second paragraph, elaborate on why you should be considered for the postdoc — not just any postdoc, mind you, but this particular postdoc in this particular lab. Yes, it is infinitely easier to use the same cover letter for the dozens of postdoctoral positions for which you are applying, but that is not going to cut it. These uniform letters are easy to detect and usually dismissed as lazy and insincere. If you fail to convince the PI that you are taking the postdoc search seriously, then the PI is not likely to take you seriously. It is essential that you customize your letter, emphasizing how your background is aligned to the PI’s studies and the specifics called for in the advertisement. Consider this the first demonstration to your future PI that you are resourceful and thoughtful — if you fail to do your homework, it does not build confidence that you will be diligent with your project. Equally important to convincing the PI that you have the right stuff is conveying your excitement for learning something special that is studied by his or her lab. Strive to balance what you would give to the lab and what you would gain from it.

In paragraph three, it is time to brag about a few key achievements, such as your most important paper or two, a grant or fellowship, or other notable honors (an award-winning presentation at a conference, for example). You also can briefly mention that you have experience training more junior people if that is the case. But don’t give a laundry list of every minor award — that is why you submit a CV. The cover letter is the trailer, and your CV is the movie.

End your cover letter with the same professionalism you used at the opening. Thank the PI for his or her time and consideration. Be sure to provide your contact information and state that you look forward to hearing from him or her. Everything discussed above should fit onto a single page — 1 ½ pages at most.  

A few don'ts

There are a number of important don’ts that apply to cover letters. Things that might seem trivial to you actually can be turnoffs. Use plain email stationary free of distracting backgrounds or pictures. Choose a font that is not too big, not too small, not in color, definitely not comic sans and NOT IN CAPS. A plain, boring font like 12-point Arial or Helvetica is easy on the sore eyes of a PI struggling to read the 87th postdoc application. At midnight. After struggling with an online manuscript submission. I can hear the chorus of nonconformists arguing that unconventional fonts and graphics make their applications stand out. Of course it does, but I contend that it is a gamble to present yourself in this manner. If you have the goods, you don’t need the glam.

Some applicants waste valuable sentences describing how they “deeply admire” the “esteemed” laboratory or how they always dreamed about working with the PI. When the cover letter is heavy on flattery, the applicant usually is light on talent or productivity. If your cover letter contains significant blocks of text copied straight from the advertisement, you may be construed as someone with poor language skills or unable to paraphrase. It should go without saying that spelling and grammatical mistakes are inexcusable and often taken as a sign of laziness and carelessness — two of the worst attributes a scientist could possess. Finally, avoid slang and attempts at humor, and do not end your sentences with an exclamation point!

I hope these tips help you land that perfect postdoctoral position.

Enjoy reading ASBMB Today?

Become a member to receive the print edition monthly and the digital edition weekly.

Bill Sullivan is a professor at Indiana University School of Medicine and the author of several books.

Related articles

Featured jobs.

from the ASBMB career center

Get the latest from ASBMB Today

Enter your email address, and we’ll send you a weekly email with recent articles, interviews and more.

Latest in Careers

Careers highlights or most popular articles.

Consider an undergraduate summer research internship in government

Our careers columnist offers a rundown of agencies that can provide you with a couple of months of lab experience.

Upcoming opportunities

Putting ASBMB conferences on your radar! Plus: Award nominations are due Friday.

Retiring a research lab

Careers columnist Courtney Chandler talks to Art Spector, a former principal investigator, about making a graceful exit from the bench.

Calendar of events, awards and opportunities

Nominate colleagues for the ASBMB annual awards and your favorite molecule for our inaugural contest!

Industry partnership opportunities

The deadline for these is May 31.

Let’s make ASBMB awardees look more like BMB scientists

Think about nominating someone outside your immediate network.

Postdoc Cover Letter Example

Written by Mark DeGrasso

May 4, 2023.

A postdoctoral position is an excellent opportunity for early-career scientists to develop their research skills and make significant contributions to their chosen field. However, before securing a postdoc position, you must write a compelling postdoc cover letter that captures the attention of potential employers. In this article, we will discuss the essential components of an effective postdoc cover letter, common mistakes to avoid, and provide an example to guide you in crafting a cover letter that will help you stand out in the fierce competition.

What Employers Look for In A Postdoc Cover Letter

Postdoctoral positions are highly competitive, and employers receive numerous applications from qualified candidates. A well-written postdoc cover letter can make a significant difference in your chances of getting selected. Employers use postdoc cover letters to assess your qualifications and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the position. To increase your chances of getting selected, it’s essential to identify the needs of your potential employer and tailor your cover letter accordingly.

One of the critical factors that employers look out for in postdoc cover letters is relevant research experience. Employers seek postdocs who are skilled in conducting research and have experience in the field. Highlighting your research experience and how it aligns with the position you are applying for can make you a desirable candidate.

Another essential factor that employers consider is publications. Having one or more scholarly publications to your name is a valuable asset. It shows that you have a track record of producing high-quality research that has been peer-reviewed and published in reputable journals. If you have publications, be sure to mention them in your cover letter and highlight their relevance to the position.

Collaboration is an essential aspect of postdoc research. Employers look for candidates who can work effectively in a team and collaborate with others. Highlighting your ability and experience in collaboration can make you a desirable candidate. Provide examples of collaborative projects you have undertaken and how you contributed to their success.

Finally, employers also look for unique qualifications. Emphasizing your unique skills and experience relevant to the postdoc position can distinguish you from other candidates. If you have specialized skills or experience that aligns with the position, be sure to highlight them in your cover letter.

In conclusion, keeping these factors in mind as you write your postdoc cover letter ensures that you capture your potential employer’s attention and improves your chances of success. Remember to tailor your cover letter to the specific position and employer, highlighting your qualifications and how they align with the job requirements. Good luck!

A postdoctoral position is an exciting opportunity to further your research career and gain valuable experience. As such, it is essential to craft a cover letter that showcases your skills and experiences in a clear and concise manner. In the header section of your cover letter, include your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Additionally, add the date of writing the cover letter to show that you are timely and organized. When addressing your cover letter, it is crucial to avoid using a generic ‘Dear Sir/Madam.’ Instead, research the name of the person who will be reviewing your application, and address them directly. This personal touch shows that you have put in effort and are genuinely interested in the position. In the introduction section, introduce yourself and state the postdoctoral position you are applying for. Keep this section brief, as the body of your cover letter will provide more detail about your qualifications. The body of your cover letter should address the essential components of the postdoc position. For example, if the position requires experience in a specific research technique, highlight your experience in that area. Additionally, highlight any publications, presentations, or awards that demonstrate your research skills. Be sure to connect your skills and experiences to the requirements of the position. In the conclusion section, summarize your main points and express your enthusiasm for the position. This section is your final opportunity to make a strong impression on the hiring committee, so make it count. Finally, end your cover letter with a professional sign-off and your name. Ensure that your formatting is appropriate and that your letter does not exceed two pages. These factors demonstrate your attention to detail and professionalism, which can set you apart from other applicants. In conclusion, crafting a well-organized and professional postdoc cover letter can increase your chances of being selected for an interview. Highlight your skills and experiences, connect them to the requirements of the position, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Good luck!When it comes to applying for a postdoc position, the cover letter is one of the most important documents you’ll submit. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and passion for the field. However, there are several common mistakes that applicants make that can hurt their chances of getting the job.One of the most common mistakes is not following the instructions provided in the job advertisement. Employers often provide specific guidelines on what they want to see in a cover letter, such as the skills and experiences they’re looking for. If you don’t follow these instructions, you risk coming across as unprofessional or not paying attention to detail.Another mistake is forgetting to address the cover letter to the potential employer. Using a generic salutation such as “To Whom It May Concern” can give the impression that you didn’t take the time to research the company or the person who will be reading your cover letter. It’s important to personalize the letter and make a connection with the reader.Failing to demonstrate compatibility with the postdoc position advertised is another common mistake. Your cover letter should show that you have the skills and experience needed to excel in the position. It’s important to highlight your relevant accomplishments and explain how they make you a good fit for the job.Using too much technical jargon and acronyms is also a mistake that can make your cover letter difficult to read and understand. While it’s important to showcase your knowledge and expertise, it’s equally important to communicate clearly and concisely. Always define technical terms if necessary.Lastly, including information that is not relevant to the postdoc position that you’re applying for is a mistake that can make your cover letter seem unfocused and unprofessional. Stick to the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job and explain how they make you a good fit for the position.By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your cover letter stands out and gains the attention of your potential employer. Remember to personalize the letter, highlight your relevant accomplishments, and communicate clearly and concisely. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream postdoc position.

Final Steps On Writing Your Postdoc Cover Letter

Writing a postdoc cover letter can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. As you near the end of the writing process, there are a few final steps you should take to ensure your cover letter is as strong as possible.

First and foremost, it’s important to proofread your cover letter thoroughly. This means checking for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and formatting issues. Even the smallest typo can detract from the overall quality of your letter, so it’s worth taking the time to go over it with a fine-tooth comb.

Once you’ve proofread your cover letter, it’s a good idea to have someone else read it as well. This could be an academic mentor, a colleague, or a career development officer. Getting an outside perspective can help you identify any areas that may need improvement, and can give you valuable feedback on how to make your cover letter even stronger.

When you receive feedback on your cover letter, it’s important to take it seriously and make any necessary changes. This may involve rewording certain sentences, expanding on certain points, or reorganizing the overall structure of your letter. Remember, the goal of your cover letter is to convey your suitability for the postdoc position you’re applying for, so every word and sentence counts.

Finally, before you hit send on your cover letter, take a moment to review the job posting one last time. Make sure you’ve addressed all of the key requirements and qualifications mentioned in the posting, and that you’ve highlighted your relevant skills and experience. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of standing out from the competition and landing the postdoc position you’ve been dreaming of.

Example Postdoc Cover Letter

Here’s an example postdoc cover letter to help you write your cover letter.

Overall, I believe that my research experience, teaching and mentoring skills, and collaborative nature make me a strong candidate for this position. I am excited about the opportunity to work with your team and contribute to the ongoing research projects in your department. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Postdoc Cover Letter FAQ

Are you looking to apply for a postdoc position? Do you want to make your application stand out from the rest? Here are some frequently asked questions about a postdoc cover letter to help you get started:

What is the purpose of a postdoc cover letter?

A postdoc cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself to your potential employer and showcase your skills and qualifications. It is a critical component of your application that can help you stand out from other candidates. Your cover letter should highlight your achievements, research experience, and your passion for the field.

How long should a postdoc cover letter be?

A postdoc cover letter should be concise and not exceed more than two pages. It is essential to keep your cover letter brief and to the point while still providing enough information to convince the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the position.

When writing your cover letter, ensure that you use a simple font and spacing to give your cover letter an organized appearance. The hiring manager should be able to read your letter easily without any distractions.

Should I follow up after submitting a postdoc cover letter?

Yes, it’s ok to follow up with an email to check the status of your application. Following up shows that you’re interested and keeps your application at the top of the hiring manager’s mind. However, avoid making multiple follow-up attempts, which can seem pushy and harm your chances.

When following up, make sure to be polite and professional. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration and express your continued interest in the position. This gesture can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the postdoc position.

Can I use the same cover letter for different postdoc positions?

While it may be tempting to use the same cover letter for different postdoc positions, it’s best to tailor your cover letter to the specific job that you are applying for. Employers appreciate when applicants take the time to customize their cover letters to the job advertisement.

Make sure to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the requirements of the position you are seeking. This approach shows the hiring manager that you have taken the time to research the position and that you are genuinely interested in the job.

In conclusion, writing an effective postdoc cover letter requires understanding the essential components, crafting it to fit the job advertisement, and proofreading it to eliminate errors. Follow our recommendations, avoid common mistakes and use our example to guide you in writing an excellent cover letter. With these tips, you can improve your postdoc application and increase your chances of securing the postdoc position you seek in your field.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to make a great first impression. Take the time to craft a compelling letter that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for the field. Good luck with your postdoc application!

Table of Contents

• Your Job Search
• Developing Application Materials
• Academic Job Market

Academic Cover Letters

The cover letter is a single spaced, two-page introductory document that creates a narrative for your application package. It introduces the search committee to your:

• Enthusiasm for the position and your expected availability (e.g., expected defense date)
• Teaching and teaching assistantships
• Other relevant experience (internships, previous professional experience, etc.)
• Fit (why you are the right person for the position, understanding of campus culture and values, etc.)

Because no cover letter can convey all this information appropriately in only two pages, you will need to tailor your letter depending on the department, the university, the requirements specified in the job call, your application package, etc.

Keep in mind, the cover letter should not directly lift content from other supporting material. For example, if a job call also asks for a Teaching Statement or Philosophy, you should not feel pressure to condense all of that content into a paragraph. Rather use the cover letter to illustrate how your teaching fits into your scholarly identity. Consider how it is informed by your research, commitment to equity and inclusion, etc.

• How the job call is written, which responsibilities are presented and in what order – is teaching prioritized over research?
• What application documents are requested – is there something not requested that you could elaborate on in the cover letter?
• What student populations would you engage with as a faculty member in the department – undergraduate? graduate? both?
• Is the institution mission-driven – how does that impact your professional narrative?

The cover letter could include a combination of the following paragraphs:

Opening Paragraph

Just like articles and dissertations have a central “thesis” or research question, this paragraph gives the letter’s thesis statement, clarifying how your mix of experience makes you the best candidate for the job. This paragraph lists the basics of the cover letter:

• Introduce yourself
• Explain your interest in the position and institution
• Basic rundown of who you are as a scholar in relation to the role

Body Paragraphs

This content could address your research project(s), areas of interest, methodological training, and future research agendas. Think about how you would fit into the department and the expertise you would provide. If you are applying to a research institution, your research paragraphs should come first.

You will want to include some of the following points:

• Your current research project (dissertation)
• Potential future projects (dissertation to book, next research project, etc.)
• Impact of your project(s) (publications, conference or poster presentations, public lectures, etc.)
• Other achievements (grants and funding won, awards earned, public-facing work, etc.)
• Potential collaborations within the department and/or across the institution, depending on the interdisciplinary nature of the position.

This content discusses your teaching experience, whether as an instructor of record or a TA, your pedagogical training, and any mentoring/advising. If the job is teaching-focused, this should be where you start. Use this space to introduce how your teaching is a part of who you are as a scholar.

• Your approach to teaching
• Other ways you have engaged with and/or mentored students (office hours, summer research opportunities, etc.)
• Expertise in relation to courses you are prepared to teach

This content communicates how you contribute to the collegial nature of the institution or department to which you are applying. It might range from a full paragraph to a few sentences supplementing your research or teaching paragraphs.

You can pull from:

• Graduate Assistantships or other service you have done within your department (e.g., serving on committees), the institution, or professional organizations
• Conference volunteering and service
• Search committee participation
• Other volunteer work and community involvement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

This content discusses how your current and future experiences consider diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility. Commitment to DEI can be shown through:

• Research areas, pedagogical applications, or service in and outside of institutions
• Where you align with the mission statement of the institution and/or department
• How you can contribute to the student population or wider community

These considerations are communicated most seamlessly not as stand-alone paragraphs, but woven into your document as a whole.

Closing Paragraph

Think back to your thesis statement and reinforce your excitement about the role. Keep it short and to the point – thank them for their time and consideration, ending with a professional sign off and full name.

General Tips Before Submission

• Prior to submitting, double check that the cover letter is signed and saved as a PDF (preferably on Northwestern letterhead).
• As with all application documents, make sure to have multiple eyes on the content before submitting it to the hiring committee.
• Take advantage of the support Northwestern provides from the Graduate Writing Place and Northwestern Career Advancement.
• Postdocs can make appointments for individualized feedback with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• Euro Store View
• British Pound Sterling Store View
• or Register

• Loading controls
• Neuronal & Glial Markers
• Agonists & activators
• Antagonists & inhibitors
• Antibiotics
• Ion indicators, ionophores
• Dyes, labels & stains
• Neuropeptides
• Antimicrobial peptides
• Photopharmacology
• Pharmacological disease models
• ECL Substrate Kits
• CRISPR & gene editing
• NEW PRODUCTS
• G protein coupled receptors
• Ionotropic receptors
• Ion channels
• Nuclear Receptors
• Transporters
• Antimicrobials
• T-cell Related
• Apoptosis & cell cycle
• Cell Signaling
• Ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)
• Oxidative Phosphorylation
• Cell stains, viability & proliferation
• Cell stains
• Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix
• DNA, RNA & protein synthesis
• Immunology & Inflammation
• Proliferation
• Calcium signaling
• Cell imaging
• Epigenetics
• GABA receptors
• Genome editing; CRISPR / CAS9
• Glutamate receptors
• Enzyme inhibitors & activators
• Neuroscience research tools
• Stem cells & small molecules
• ValidAbs™ - data-rich antibodies
• Buying FAQs
• Distributors
• Quality guarantee
• Technical help & FAQs
• Financial help - grants & awards
• Support for scientists
• Protocols, Product Guides & Reviews
• Life Scientists' Guides
• FAQs - antibodies
• FAQs - biochemicals
• FAQs - fluorescent tools
• FAQs - peptides
• Molarity calculator
• Dilution Calculator
• Life science guides
• Scientists interviews
• News, updates & offers
• Science events & awards
• Fun science!
• Who are we?
• Quality - the HelloBio Promise
• Our price pledge
• Scientific Advisory Board
• What are customers saying?

The Life Scientists’ Guide to Applying for Postdocs

So you’ve nearly submitted your PhD dissertation, but what next? If you’re looking to apply for a postdoc position, there’s a lot to consider. You’ll need to network for opportunities, choose the right lab, put in an application that stands out from the rest, and impress your potential new PI during the interview process.

We’ve reached out to our online community of life scientists to ask their advice on the postdoc application process, and they’ve shared some of their own stories of transition from a PhD to a postdoc role too. We’ve gathered their very best tips to create The Life Scientists’ Guide to Applying for Postdocs, containing everything you’ll need to help you take that next step on your life science journey:

Why pursue a postdoc?

What should you look for in a postdoc role?

Be clear on your career plan

Where to look for postdoc positions

When should you start applying?

Standing out in a competitive field

Making the move abroad

Surviving the interview process

A postdoc is a temporary working position which many consider to be the natural next step after completing a PhD. It allows a researcher to continue their training while gaining new skills and experience that will benefit their long-term academic career. A postdoc position will also prepare a researcher to take on future mentoring roles and senior responsibilities as their career progresses.

A postdoc researcher will usually work under a PI or mentor as part of a larger group, and will often carry out research either on a specific project set by the lab, or on a project of their own design.

The average duration of a postdoc is 2 to 3 years, with many researchers taking on more than one postdoc position before applying for a faculty role. Postdocs can be funded via a salary from the university or institution in question, or through grants, fellowships or scholarships in the form of a stipend.

Be 100% sure that a postdoc is the right move for you

A postdoc isn’t for everyone, and it’s important to be certain that it’s definitely what you want to do before committing yourself to 2 or 3 years of further research. It may feel like the obvious next step for your career progression, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right move for you and your current situation.

Brittany Berdy , a project manager at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard recommends looking at your long-term career goals when deciding whether or not to pursue a postdoc. She said: “I’ve seen a number of people apply for postdocs because that’s what they felt was the next step, even though it really wasn’t necessary for where they ended up in their career or where they wanted to go. I think a postdoc is an amazing experience and I highly recommend it; but I think it’s critical that you know you want it and you decide ahead of time exactly what it is you’re hoping to get from the experience.”

Keeping alternative options in mind when applying for a postdoc can help with the decision-making process. Brittany added: “I would encourage anyone who is applying for postdocs to look into alternative options. It can be common for people to feel that this is their only option after graduate school when in fact there are a lot of other options out there. If you’re going into a postdoc it should be because it’s definitely what you want to do and you’re confident in that. And this will make finding the right postdoc position easier because you’ll really know what it is you’re looking for.”

There’s so much to consider when looking for a postdoc role and it’s important to seek a position that will broaden your scientific horizons, teach you new skills and allow you to make new contacts. You should consider not only whether the research work is the right fit for your career, but if you are the right fit for the team you are hoping to work with.

You’ll also need to think about location and whether you want to stay at the same institute you’ve been working at, in the same area or even in the same country. It might be that personal or family commitments mean that your options are restricted, or that financially a move away might not be viable for you.

Do your research

Be sure to do as much research as possible into the institute, lab or PI that you are interested in working with to make sure you would be a good fit for each other.

Gagandeep Kaur , a postdoctoral research associate at the College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, stresses the importance of finding the right team. She told us: “It’s crucial to find the right people to work with. Reaching out to current and past lab members is a smart step. They can provide an insight into a lab’s environment and working style. Do not ignore any red flags.”

Bronwen Martin of the University of Antwerp adds that it’s important to find a PI who is going to be supportive of your career. She said: “When visiting a potential postdoc lab, talk to people in the lab to find out if they enjoy working there and if they feel supported by the PI and other lab members. Choose a lab based on the PI and not necessarily on the actual research project. Having a supportive PI will make a world of difference to your career and will open many academic doors.

Consider what is important to you

Be sure to think hard about what is important to you, not just professionally but from a personal perspective too. Choosing a postdoc at a prestigious institution might look impressive on your CV, but be aware of the sacrifices you might be making in order to accept such a position. A move abroad may be tempting, but if being away from your family or learning a new language doesn’t appeal to you, then it’s important to prioritise what does.

Gagandeep Kaur told us: “It’s important to be clear about your research interests when shortlisting labs, but be sure to go over all the other criteria which are important to you, eg. demographic preferences, weather or climate considerations, family or personal preferences.”

Dr James Quinn of the Alzheimer's Clinical & Translational Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, USA, knew he was keen on a move abroad but was looking for something specific in a potential role and also in a supervisor. He told us: “I was looking for a postdoc in another country, and specifically a postdoc that would be more translational than my PhD which was focused on the cell biology of Alzheimer's disease. I was also looking for the right fit in my supervisor. I knew I wanted someone who would push me but also give me lots of positive encouragement that I was doing well."

T hink outside the box

When you’ve spent the last few years learning all there is to know about your PhD subject, applying for a postdoc in the same field would seem like an obvious move. However, there is much to be said for looking a little further afield, stepping out of your comfort zone and considering a postdoc in a new area of study.

Adviti Naik , a postdoctoral researcher at the Qatar Biomedical Research Institute decided to follow a different path when it came to applying for her postdoc. She told us: “When looking out for postdoc positions, try not to restrict yourself to topics or projects you’re already familiar with. Postdocs are opportunities to gain complementary skills and expand your toolbox. My PhD project was mainly computational and although this was exciting for me to learn coming from a molecular biology background, I terribly missed bench work in the lab. So I knew that when it was time for me to look for a postdoc, I wanted a more lab-based project while doing some computational work on the side. Keeping your interest at the forefront rather than the pressure of following a marked path helps increase work satisfaction in the long run.”

Brittany Berdy explained how attending a talk on honeybees led to a postdoc application on a completely new topic. She said: “I did my PhD in microbial ecology, primarily cultivation based approaches, however, my postdoc was on the honeybee microbiome and the impact of pesticides. I knew NOTHING about insects, but I happened to attend a talk by someone who was looking for a postdoc microbiology to study bees and I thought “this is fascinating!” so I began a conversation with this PI and decided to apply for the position.”

Having a clear idea of your career trajectory will make shortlisting potential positions easier. If you are able to demonstrate in your application how a particular role might fit well into your long-term career plans it will put you in a stronger position for consideration.

Dr Matthew Lloyd of the University of Bath says: “Having a career plan will make it much more likely that you will have a ‘good’ postdoc experience and will enhance your desirability to employers."

Keep your research profile updated and get published

When it comes to preparing applications, be sure to update your profile and CV regularly. Ensure that any information in the public domain, eg. your Researchgate or LinkedIn profile, your ORCID ID or Google Scholar information is accurate, and where possible, publish your papers ASAP.

Heema Vyas , a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney recommends having first-author papers published: “Many fellowships will ask about your publications. Having papers published, or at the very least submitted prior to or whilst you apply for postdoc positions is important. Moreover, first-author papers will further embolden and strengthen your position as a candidate for the postdoc you are applying for.”

Be proactive when enhancing your profile. Getting involved with helping to plan events, conferences or symposiums demonstrates good organisation skills and will look great on your CV. Involvement with committees, such as university student councils or equality/diversity/inclusivity committees may also give you an advantage over other candidates. Engaging in scicomm by writing blog pieces, producing podcasts or giving interviews about your research is also a great way to express your passion and commitment to your career.

Discuss your intentions with your supervisor

Keep your colleagues, and in particular your supervisor informed of your progress as you begin to think about postdoc positions. Their wealth of experience and potential contacts within the scientific community can be invaluable when it comes to finding the right position for you.

Heema Vyas stresses the importance of keeping your supervisor in the loop as you begin to make decisions about your future. She told us: “Your supervisor can be a useful resource and source of support. They can assist you with applications, interview prep, and can keep an eye out for potential postdoc positions that may become available.”

So you’ve decided that a postdoc is the next step for you, but where do you start to look for available positions? The three most common ways to find a postdoc role are through publicly advertised positions, making ‘cold contact’ with labs or PIs of interest, and good old-fashioned networking.

Check regularly for advertised positions

You will find postdoc positions advertised on websites, in journals and even on social media, so it’s important to get into the habit of checking the most popular sites and publications regularly to see which new vacancies have become available. Search for specific hashtags on social media and follow the social channels of labs similar to those that you are interested in.

Some websites that advertise postdocs include:

• postdocjobs.com
• sciencecareers.org
• sciencemag.org

If you see a position advertised that you’d like to apply for, it’s important to read the criteria thoroughly to ensure your skills and qualifications are a good match. Matthew Lloyd gives some useful tips on applying for suitable post doc roles: “My colleague and I advertised a postdoc many years ago in synthetic, medicinal chemistry. We got over 200 applications, of which maybe 15 of the candidates were qualified. Most of the other applications were from candidates who had good qualifications, but not what was required for the job. These applications didn’t make it through the first cut. If you are not sure what the position requires, ask the PI a specific question about what they’re looking for before making an application.”

He also added a note of caution when applying for roles through university application systems. He said: “Something which is obvious but is often forgotten, is that if you need to apply through a university’s online system, then make sure you do exactly that. If you send your CV or resumé direct to the PI it will not be considered because it must go through the proper channels. When applying, be sure to include a cover letter saying which postdoc you are applying for and include the reference number. It is not unknown for applications to be misfiled by the HR department if you don’t say which position it is you are applying for. If your application ends up in a pile for the wrong job it will be rejected."

R each out, but be wary of cold contact

If you’ve thoroughly researched a particular lab and made connections through previous networking opportunities, you might feel confident enough to send a speculative application to express your interest in working there. This is a common approach, and even if that particular lab has no vacancies currently, it could put you ‘on their radar’, meaning they may keep your details on file for future opportunities as they arise.

Gagandeep Kaur agrees that an expression of interest can go a long way. She says: “Reach out to the lab PI or the scientists who interest you. Check out their websites for open positions. It is always appreciated by PIs if you email them to explain why you are excited to work with them. If they have immediate openings, they can hire you quickly depending upon the interactions.”

However, be wary that this approach can have a low success rate. With the more popular labs and PIs receiving many such applications on a daily basis, your expression of interest will really have to stand out in order to have an impact.

Matthew Lloyd explains how being targeted is the key to success. He says: “PIs who are well-known in their fields will get 10 or more speculative postdoc applications every single day, many of which will be unfocussed and not of interest. The key is to be very targeted, and only apply if you know a job will be available at the right time. You can find this out through word of mouth or asking the PI if they have any positions coming up when meeting them at a conference. It is good to target PIs who have taken previous PhD graduates from your current lab as postdocs. If the postdoc has gone on to get several papers or secure a job in science afterwards, it is likely that the PI will at least consider your application.”

He goes on to add: “As you would for an advertised job, be sure to provide a cover letter explaining your skills and experience. Also detail what type of postdoc you want, the skills you want to build and any new knowledge you want to acquire. The advantage of this approach is that you may not have much competition from other candidates if the post has not been advertised."

Network, network, network!

Networking is perhaps one of the most important things you can do to further your career in academia. Making connections, either virtually or in-person at conferences or symposiums, is vital for not only learning about possible openings but for making a name for yourself. Expressing your interest in a particular area and connecting with the leading scientists in those fields is the best way to put yourself forward for possible opportunities.

It can feel uncomfortable, and ‘putting yourself out there’ isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but it can really pay off in the long run. Bronwen Martin told us: “Be proactive and start building your scientific network early on. Jobs are often found through contacts you make at conferences or scientific meetings and during collaborations.”

Brittany Berdy told us how attending a particular seminar led to a job opening for her. She said: “Networking was key for me. I did not apply for any other postdoc positions... but I applied for this one entirely because someone on my committee recommended I go to a seminar to meet a particular PI. So I definitely wouldn’t have gotten the job without networking! I’d say networking is key across the board!”

Social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn can be a useful way to join conversations and connect with people, not just locally, but nationally and internationally too. James Quinn told us: “I never actually "applied" for a postdoc, all of my offers came from conversations at conferences, on Twitter or through my network. For my current postdoc, I actually was approached about 4 months after finishing my PhD. This led to an interview and my subsequent move to the US, so you never know what might happen. Be sure to keep all of your avenues open.”

Once you’re sure that a postdoc is what you want to pursue, it’s important to start applying for positions as soon as possible. The sooner you start to put feelers out, the better chance you will give yourself of making the right connections and finding the right postdoc for you.

It’s not uncommon for researchers to start making approaches a year or even two prior to finishing their PhD. Caitlin Aamodt , a postdoc researcher at the University of California San Diego, told us: “Reach out early. About a year in advance of when the applicant wants to start is best, but earlier is also okay. This gives plenty of time for potential labs to plan their budget accordingly.”

Heema Vyas explained why she gave herself 18 months to apply for her postdoc, and warns how lengthy some funding application processes can be: “I decided a postdoc was what I wanted to pursue 1.5 years prior to finishing my PhD. I also decided that I wanted an immediate start after completing my PhD, so on this basis, I would recommend starting this process early as it gives you ample time to consider all your options. Also, you should be aware that some fellowships can require lengthy application processes that span several months to an entire year before a decision is even made.”

If you’re planning a move abroad it’s also advised to give yourself as much time as possible to start thinking about accommodation and to make applications for specific funding. Bronwen Martin told us: “Start applying for postdoc positions early! For positions abroad, apply approximately a year in advance. This then gives you ample time to sort out funding, a work visa and living arrangements.”

James Quinn added: “I had started to contact researchers in other countries about postdocs approximately 18 months prior to finishing my PhD. This is especially important if you need to identify funding, and it gives you appropriate time to apply for grants.”

Consider different funding options

When it comes to funding your postdoc position, there may be a number of different options available to you. Sometimes the university or institute in question will already have made a salary available to fund the role. For other positions you may need to apply for a grant, fellowship or scholarship in order to fund the placement.

Brittany Berdy shared her thoughts on funding. She told us: “I was very fortunate in that there was already funding for my position and I didn’t need to apply for anything prior to starting. However, I did apply later for some funding that was specific to my project, but getting the job was not contingent on securing that funding. I would highly suggest that people apply for funding whenever they can, as grant writing is an important skill in any scientific position. Applying for funding is great practice whenever possible, and it always looks good on your CV if you are successful!”

Competition for postdoc roles can be tough, so how do you ensure that you stand out from a crowd of equally keen and qualified applicants?

James Quinn believes that preparation is the key to success, and that doing thorough research is essential. He says: “You are a fantastic scientist, never forget it... do not sacrifice your mental and physical health trying to stand out. Make sure you join a lab who wants you to join for who you are as a person and not just to be another cog in their wheel to generate data! I had only two published reviews by the time I started my postdoc, but what made me stand out was my experimental knowledge, my passion for research, public engagement, science communication, my vision for the research project and my career goals. Do your research… I think I read every paper that our lab had published before applying for my postdoc.”

Good references

Collecting some great references is an important part of the application process. Consider approaching not just your supervisor, but other senior colleagues you have worked alongside during your PhD, particularly those who know your skills and capabilities best. Brittany Berdy said: “I provided three references in support of my postdoc application. I chose the senior scientist in the lab who trained me in microbiology, the lab manager who I had worked very closely with, and my third reference was from someone who I had designed online courses with and had been teaching with for four years. I thought the latter reference provided a good alternative perspective, different from the benchwork perspective that someone from my lab could provide."

The importance of a good cover letter

Your postdoc application should be accompanied by a strong and eye-catching cover letter. A cover letter is your first chance to make a good impression, showcase your qualities, and express your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a great way to show your personality and give the reader an immediate idea of the sort of person you are. Caitlyn Aamodt explains why a personal approach to your cover letter is important: “It’s good to really personalise your cover letters. Take some time to describe how your experience fits with the lab, and consider giving examples of the kinds of ideas you might have for potential projects.”

Matthew Lloyd adds: “Explain how and why you meet the essential and desirable criteria in your cover letter. If there are over 200 applications for a postdoc position, those from candidates who are not obviously qualified will be immediately rejected. Using the cover letter to highlight how and why you are qualified means that your application will go in the pile to be looked at in more detail.”

Selling your skills

It goes without saying that you will need to include a list of your qualifications and relevant experience with any application, but it’s important to remember to highlight your transferable skills too. ‘Soft skills’ can be just as important to many PIs when considering applications, so think hard about any practical skills you could bring from another position that may have been in a different field, but might be just what that particular team is looking for.

James Quinn told us: “Transferable skills are extremely important. You pick up so many relevant skills during your PhD that are very helpful for starting a postdoc. I'd say one of the most useful skills I’ve learned has been knowing when to ask for help. I am surrounded by so many brilliant scientists who have all been so willing and able to help me out.”

Matthew Lloyd agrees that qualifications are not the be all and end all when it comes to postdoc applications. He said: “Do remember to sell your skills and not just your very specific experience. It is very rare that a candidate will have all the required experience and skills required for a role, but a motivated candidate with an ability to problem-solve and a clear plan of how to develop the experience and skills they already have will be in a strong position.”

Even listing your hobbies outside of academia can be of interest to a potential PI, and might just show a different side of you that appeals to a particular team. Being flexible and an all-round team player can be more important than academic prizes. Heema Vyas told us: “Your CV is more than just your qualifications, academic awards, published papers, or PhD lab experience. Whether you are applying for a Fellowship or an advertised postdoc position, they are almost always looking for well-rounded researchers.”

So you’ve found your perfect postdoc position... but it’s on the other side of the world. This will sound like a dream opportunity for many, but a stressful and daunting prospect for others. There’s no denying that a move overseas will pose a number of additional challenges, but it can also offer some unique ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities that will be hard to turn down.

James Quinn and Adviti Naik both accepted postdoc position overseas, and we asked them about the pros and cons of making the move abroad - here’s what they came up with:

James added: “Moving abroad and organizing visas were the most difficult things at the start, but now the biggest issue for me is COVID-19 and not being able to return home to the UK because of travel restrictions. However, my team has been extremely supportive and understanding, I couldn't ask for more!”

Adviti told us of her experiences abroad: “There is so much to learn and absorb with every move (in the lab and outside), building new networks and gaining additional mentors. It’s also a great way to showcase adaptability on your resume. I’m currently located in the fifth country that I’ve moved to for science and I absolutely cherish the cultural and scientific learning experience gained through this nomadic life.”

Matthew Lloyd notes that there may be additional challenges when applying for positions abroad. He explains: “If you do decide to apply for a job in another country, be mindful that the PI is going to have to justify why they are employing you and not someone from their host country. Science tends to be highly specialised so it can be quite easy to justify based on your specific experience, but it will depend on the general level of demand for postdocs and economic conditions in the host country. Be aware that there may be specific eligibility requirements you’ll need to satisfy in order to allow you to work in the host country.”

If all goes well and your application is successful, you’ll be invited to interview for the position. The postdoc interview process often has multiple parts and can span more than one day. You’ll be expected to present your research ideas, tour the campus, meet and spend time with not just the PI but the other lab members too, and of course face a thorough interview in which you will discuss your PhD research in detail and explain why this role is the right one for you.

Stuart Maudsley , Odysseus Professor of Receptor Pharmacology at the University of Antwerp explains just how draining the process can be: “The postdoc interviewing event is a marathon… you'll be presenting in the morning and then taken around to interview with all of the other affiliated researchers in the destination lab. This is gruelling... you will be mentally and physically exhausted at the end of the day.”

As with any job interview, it’s important to be as prepared as you can, and be sure to come armed with questions for the PI about their expectations of you if you were to be successful. It’s always polite too to follow up the next day with an email or telephone call to thank the PI for their time and to ask for any feedback they might have at this stage.

P reparation and positivity will bring success

At every stage of the postdoc application, preparation and thorough research are vital for success. Being as prepared as you can from an early stage will give you a headstart over the competition. Research prospective labs and PIs thoroughly to give yourself the best possible opportunity to impress them if you reach the all-important interview stage.

Have a positive mindset

Building resilience and having a positive mindset can be invaluable when working through a process like this, and if you’re not successful, remember to use the experience as a learning opportunity rather than dwelling on any mistakes you might feel you have made. Take a moment to read through our excellent resources on building resilience and coping with rejection on the Hello Bio blog.

And finally… enjoy your postdoc success!

It’s a long and gruelling process but when you finally receive that postdoc offer, it’s time to celebrate! As with any great career opportunity, take as much from it as you can and be sure to appreciate the exciting new position you find yourself in. As Stuart Maudsley says: “When you get the excellent job offer you wanted then grab it with both hands and work your socks off for 2-3 years, it's worth it!”

________________________________

An especially big thank you to all of the wonderful contributors who kindly shared their experiences with us to help put this guide together: Caitlin Aamodt , Brittany Berdy , Gagandeep Kaur , Matthew Lloyd , Bronwen Martin , Stuart Maudsley , Adviti Naik , James Quinn and Heema Vyas .

What are your experiences of the postdoc application process? How did you find the right postdoc position for you? What advice would you give to someone just starting the process?

Send us a message on Twitter @hello_bio or email [email protected] . We’d love to hear from you!

If you enjoyed this article, why not check out the other resources available on our blog. We are passionate about supporting life scientists including early career life scientists and PhD students - with really low-priced reagents and biochemicals , early career scientist grants , and resources to help with both personal and professional development. We know how tough it is - so we hope you find these helpful!

More General Support for Life Scientists

For advice on writing papers, dissertations, presenting at conferences, wellbeing, PhD support, networking and lots more, we have a huge range of articles to help - just click below:

Save up to 50% on our high purity reagents ...

When you get to the stage of planning your experiments, don't forget that we offer a range of low-cost, high-purity agonists, antagonists, inhibitors, activators, antibodies and fluorescent tools ( yes - they really are around half the price of other suppliers ! ) You can use our Quick Multi-Search Tool to search for lots of products in one go, and the range includes:

• Enzyme inhibitors and activators
• Chemogenetic ligands
• Ion channel modulators
• GPCR & ionotropic receptor ligands
• Cell biology reagents & biochemicals

Technical resources

Try our Molarity Calculator : a quick and easy way to calculate the mass, volume or concentration required for making a solution.

And finally, don't forget to check back in with our blog regularly for the latest content! If there’s something you’d love to contribute to the community, whether that’s an interview or article, drop us a line at [email protected]

• Life Scientists' Guides (20)
• Support for Scientists (115)
• Early Career Scientist Grants (42)
• Travel Grants (39)
• Scientist Interviews (177)
• News, Updates & Offers (32)
• Science Events & Awards (90)
• Guest Posts (89)
• Fun Science! (34)

Recent posts

Recent comments.

• Apply for our travel awards - it's easy! You can find out more about how to apply for any available Hello Bio grants here:... Hello Bio Loading...
• Ten of Our Favourite Science Memes i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee these but its kinda shorttttt nightmarebeforechristmasfan12345 Loading...
• Apply for our travel awards - it's easy! I really appreciate the efforts taken by hellobio team in regards to travel awards, as actually... Sakshi Poddar Loading...
• Apply for our travel awards - it's easy! Hi Josita, to answer your question, we offer Early Career Scientist grants. Check out the link... Hello Bio Loading...
• Failure, Resiliency and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome I'm afraid we can't give you any degree advice, but there lots of resources on our blog that may be... Hello Bio Loading...

Clinical psychology

• Anxiety disorders
• Feeding and eating disorders
• Mood disorders
• Neuro-developmental disorders
• Personality disorders
• Affirmations
• Cover Letters
• Relationships
• Resignation & Leave letters

Psychotherapy

Personality.

Table of Contents

Cover letter for a postdoc (5 samples)

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter.  The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.

This blog post will show samples of “cover letters for a postdoc.”

Samples of postdoc cover letters

To get a postdoc position, you need a well-written cover letter that showcases your passion for and dedication to the industry. When writing a postdoc cover letter, these are some of the essential things to include in your letter:

• Address the employer with a formal salutation. For example, “Dear/Hello (name of the recipient or hiring manager).”
• The next step is to state the position you are applying for and how you found the opening. 
• Write a short sentence about why you’re interested in the position.
• State your skills and work experience; ensure they are similar to the job position. When stating your skills, provide the accomplishment you have achieved. 
• Conclude your letter with a forward-looking statement. For example, “I look forward to discussing the position further.”

“01/06/2021

Dr. Harold Bergman

Enteny University

113 Sunnyside Circle

Enteny, Illinois, 60002

Dear Dr. Bergman,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in Enteny University’s open postdoc laboratory position. I would love to pursue my postdoctoral studies as a member of your team. I am a recent graduate of Bertrum University where I gave my presentation on hydrogen fuel cell viability. You may remember Juan Sosa mentioning my interest in your laboratory at the end of the last school year.

In my research, I focused on developing hydrogen fuel cell delivery and storage solutions focusing specifically on portable applications for military use. In my doctoral studies, I worked to develop charging and backup systems for portable electronic devices (PEDs). Current military operations cannot effectively use fuel alternatives because emergency and frequent charging solutions remain unavailable. Most of my work has revolved around alternative energy-harnessing systems and long-lasting batteries. In my work, I produced fuel cells less susceptible to environmental degradation factors and extreme temperatures. I look forward to continuing my research and working toward miniaturizing fuel cells to improve their PED compatibility as a member of your research team.

I would appreciate the opportunity to continue my research in your laboratory and pursue a long-term future with Enteny University. I believe the nature of my research relates to your lab because, as the leading institution in fuel cell research, my chosen field of study is extremely relevant to your efforts. I think my knowledge and experience surrounding PEDs and battery longevity could aid in your research.

I am a self-motivated, independent researcher with eight years of experience. As a detail-oriented, qualified and creative candidate, I feel my fuel-cell research, grant proposal writing and tutoring experience could be a major asset to your laboratory. I’ve attached my CV and would be very interested in setting up a time to further discuss my skills and qualifications with you. Please let me know if you have questions and I look forward to hearing from you.

Harriet Browne”

“[Today’s Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]

[123 Company Address]

[Company City, State xxxxx]

[(xxx)-xxx-xxxx]

[[email protected]]

Dear [Dr./Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Hiring Manager’s Last Name],

I am writing to express my interest in a postdoctoral position in your lab. I am a PhD Candidate in the Andrew Dwyer lab at James Hill University expecting to graduate in June 2022. My graduate work, published in Science this year, investigated the RNA virome in various aquatic environments using metagenomic analysis. My future research goals are to apply my computational skills and develop my skills working with non-human primate models to better understand and design therapeutics against pathogenic viruses. I believe my strong background in virus biology, library preparation, and next-generation sequencing analysis make me an ideal candidate to study respiratory disease viruses in your lab.

In my thesis lab, we use viral evolution to find trends that unite eukaryotic disease viruses. However, our current picture of RNA virus taxonomy is still incomplete, with the five-clade organization largely informed by human and agricultural animal and plant studies.

Therefore, to refine and complete our understanding of the global RNA virome, I sampled multiple complex aquatic environments and performed metagenome analysis. Confirming that the five-phyla classification based on RdRP sequence comparisons holds true, my analysis nearly tripled the number of currently known RNA viruses.

Host assignments proved to be tricky during my thesis. But I tackled this problem through various methods, including developing machine learning algorithms and comparing RNA viruses to size-separated microbial preparations subjected to DNA and RNA sequencing. I am continuing to characterize the novel and more highly divergent RdRPs discovered by our sampling. Also I mentor one graduate and one undergraduate student with their independent projects drawn from my work.

While I have focused primarily on RNA virus ecology and evolution during my graduate work, I am comfortable extending my research to studying RNA viruses in human disease. I collaborated with Dr. Henry Fields on a publication, currently under review at Frontiers in Immunology, studying rhesus macaque responses to MERS-CoV. The skills I learned through our collaboration, as well as from electives and literature search in immunology and human virology, have prepared me well to transition from studying viruses to studying virus-host interactions. Additionally, I look forward to applying my computational skills toward single-cell sequencing analysis examining the effects of age, diet fat content, and viral strain on primate responses to SARS-CoV-2 challenges, building on the methods and results in your recent Cell Reports Medicine paper. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to talk with you more about my fit in your lab. Thank you for your time and consideration.

“Anshu Mahajan

Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

+91 84 90184020

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/anshu.mahajan

Pondicherry, 10.01.2022

Kajol Samra

Head of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pondicherry University

Chinna Kalapet

Kalapet, Puducherry

Dear Ms. Samra,

As an alumnus of Pondicherry University, I was thrilled to learn about the Post-Doctoral Fellow position available at the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. During my PhD studies at Pondicherry University, I researched the relationship between circadian regulation and neurodegenerative diseases and wrote my doctoral thesis “Circadian activity and memory performance in Alzheimer’s patients” under the supervision of professor Qadim Ray. Seeing that Pondicherry University hopes to move to the forefront of neurodegenerative disease research with a new team led by professor Abbas Sengupta, I believe that my analytical skills and academic experience could be a great asset to this programme.

The fellowship offer mentions you’re looking for candidates skilled in the areas of lab management, cytometry for apoptosis detection, and data collection. I am happy to say that I possess all of those qualities:

• Lab management: During my PhD research, I collaborated with fellow doctoral students to create a lab maintenance plan, which included up-to-date information on equipment booking, planned activities, instrument inventory, scheduling details, and a list of consumables and chemical supplies for restocking. By implementing this system, we were able to reduce the instances of conflicting activities by 67% within two months, and we maintained a stock of consumables and chemical supplies 88% of the time.
• Cytometry for apoptosis detection: I am familiar with various methods of apoptosis detection, having conducted flow cytometry to detect changes appearing in organelles, monitor activation of caspase 3, oversee changes to the plasma membrane, and changes in the nuclear DNA, using cells at a concentration of 1×106 cells/ml.
• Data collection: For my doctoral thesis, I have conducted 74 detailed interviews with Alzheimer’s patients, covering their current memory-related symptoms, overall health, family history, and sleeping habits. I have compared this information with data gathered using sleep trackers that collected information about sleep cycles. Instead of paper copies, I have used Excel spreadsheets and Cloud solutions for storing information, which helped to speed up the process of pulling up specific data by 89%.

What makes me particularly interested in your post-doctorate fellowship program is the chance to continue my research. Having worked with Alzheimer’s patients, I have seen first-hand how this disease influences the quality of life of not just the patients themselves, but also their loved ones. I believe that working together with other researchers under the guidance of professor Abbas Sengupta can lead to significant discoveries in the nature of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, I have observed how another team of researchers at Pondicherry University achieved a major breakthrough in the study of endosome function and dysfunction. I believe that professor Sengupta’s team can replicate this success and lead to a better understanding of diseases that afflict over 50 million people worldwide.

I can’t wait to discuss my ideas for managing data gathered by professor Sengupta’s team and for introducing changes to laboratory procedures to create a smooth workflow. Could we schedule a meeting next week to discuss how my research experience can contribute to this project?

Anshu Mahajan

linkedin.com/in/anshu.mahajan”

“Dear Professor Knightly,

Having completed my doctorate in Slavonic Studies last semester, I am applying to continue my Postdoc research in the area of the Old Church Slavonic language.

Researching the homeland and language of the Slavs has always been a passion and I have undertaken many translation projects that have contributed to the modern understanding of how language influenced the early Slavonic church in the Moravian Empire.

I will be spending much of my Postdoc period in libraries across Eastern Europe, presenting at local symposia and writing my second book on the development of early Proto Slavic and Common Slavonic languages in conjunction with a number of leaders in the field. My travel has mostly been funded by the publishers, but given the considerable expense in my work I am continuing to request the bursary from the university.

I teach classes for local students and will continue to lead seminars six times a year on my return trips to Chicago. I enclose my latest research paper for your interest. It has received critical acclaim in over 15 industry publications. After analyzing over 2,000 church manuscripts, it is fascinating to see the evolution.

I was proud to receive my doctorate, but the work is just beginning. Understanding the origins of language is helping to unlock the secrets of the early Slav Church – exploring many of the rituals that still hold firm to this day.

Simon Bartley”

“New Haven, June 26, 2020

Professor B. Hawthorne

Faculty Search Committee

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 94305

Dear Professor Hawthorne,

I am writing to apply for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher at Stanford. I am completing my PhD in Clinical Psychology and Criminology at Yale University under the direction of Professor Mark Fisher with an expected graduation date of May 2021.

Within my research, I have focused on a multidisciplinary approach to examining the nature of self harm and how social support networks affect the likelihood of self-harm being fatal. The thesis ‘Cry for Help: Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Characteristics’ takes 128 participants aged 15-39, 50% male and 50% female. Analyzing quantitative statistical data on the angle and depth of NSSH, the comparison versus factors such as time of contact with therapist, standardized family awareness of issues, number of social support network points as well as self-reported severity of suicidal ideation found the following.

It was found that severity of suicidal ideation didn’t reliably predict the severity of NSSH, i.e. its actual objective risk to life. However, it was found that gender was a reliable predictor of location of NSSH, with females mostly harming their arms and legs, while males were more likely to harm their chest and private areas. It was also found that the combined strength of social support was a significant predictor in the severity of NSSH, i.e. depth and angle. Early time of contact with a therapist was not affecting severity of NSSH, but had a significant correlation with frequency of harm.

With the NCHS reporting a 30% increase in death by suicide in the United States between 2000 and 2016, it is a highly pressing issue to reverse engineer the factors that lead to heightened risk, and many scholars consider NSSH a stage in the development of fatal suicidal ideation. The next part of my study intends to look at the relationship between strength of social support for young males and risk of online political and religious radicalization, another great risk to our civilization in these uncertain times, and there aren’t many better places to conduct this study than Stanford. My approach is highly informed by the modern machine learning cross-factor analysis that has been innovated by Professor Musk, and upon which I based my own analysis.

I am well-prepared to do my part teaching as well as researching, having taught a range of courses in Psychology, Criminology, Sociology and Statistics, such as ‘Radicalization: Social and Scientific Factors’ which has been wildly successful with the undergraduates at Yale, and grew from 7 students signed up in 2018 to over 55 in 2020. All in all, I have taught 400+ undergraduates and mentored 20+ master’s students, and achieved increasing participation in courses designed by me year and year, and higher than average results on all previously-established courses.

I am enclosing my curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, as well as copies of transcripts. I also attach letters of reference from Dr Smith, Dr Jones, and Robert Martinson. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I could provide additional information or materials that will aid you in the evaluation of my application. I am available for interview during the next Criminology conference at Stanford, or by phone or email at any other time.

Best Regards,

Sam Marks PhD

211-978-1043

[email protected]”

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do i write a cover letter for healthcare.

“I am writing to express my interest in applying for the [specific position name] listed on your website. Between my educational background and relevant experience, I am confident that I can help support your hospital’s mission of [reference to facility’s specific values and mission].”

How do you grab attention in a cover letter?

How to Create an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter: 

• Write a compelling introduction.
• Use tasteful humor in your cover letter. 
• Research about the company. 
• Demonstrate your confidence. 

If you like this blog post, please leave your comments and questions below.

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/postdoc-cover-letter#:~:text=Post%20doc%20cover%20letter%20template&text=I%20am%20writing%20to%20express,%5Bsummary%20of%20your%20research%5D.

https://resumegenius.com/cover-letter-examples/postdoc-cover-letter

https://zety.com/in/blog/postdoc-cover-letter-example

https://resumelab.com/cover-letter-examples/postdoc

Was this helpful?

Related posts, cover letter for hse position (5 samples), cover letter for lunch monitor (5 samples), cover letter for dnata equipment operator(5 samples).

At home, abroad, working, interning?  Wherever you are this summer, contact OCS or make an appointment for a virtual advising session. We are available all summer! 

• Undergraduates
• Ph.Ds & Postdocs
• Prospective Students & Guests
• What is a Community?
• Student Athletes
• First Generation and/or Low Income Students
• International Students
• LGBTQ Students
• Students of Color
• Students with Disabilities
• Student Veterans
• Exploring Careers
• Advertising, Marketing & PR
• Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
• General Management & Leadership Development Programs
• Law & Legal Services
• Startups, Entrepreneurship & Freelance Work
• Environment, Sustainability & Energy
• Media & Communications
• Policy & Think Tanks
• Engineering
• Healthcare, Biotech & Global Public Health
• Life & Physical Sciences
• Programming & Data Science
• Graduate School
• Health Professions
• Business School
• Meet with OCS
• Student Organizations Workshop Request
• OCS Podcast Series
• Office of Fellowships
• Navigating AI in the Job Search Process
• Cover Letters & Correspondence
• Job Market Insights
• Professional Conduct & Etiquette
• Professional Online Identity
• Interview Preparation
• Resource Database
• Yale Career Link
• Jobs, Internships & Other Experiences
• Gap Year & Short-Term Opportunities
• Planning an International Internship
• Funding Your Experience
• Career Fairs/Networking Events
• On-Campus Recruiting
• Job Offers & Salary Negotiation
• Informational Interviewing
• Peer Networking Lists
• Building Your LinkedIn Profile
• YC First Destinations
• YC Four-Year Out
• GSAS Program Statistics
• Statistics & Reports
• Contact OCS
• OCS Mission & Policies
• Additional Yale Career Offices

Sample Cover Letters & Correspondence

The following documents include sample cover letters and other correspondence:

• Acceptance Letter Sample
• Withdrawal Letter Sample
• Yale College Student: Sample Cover Letters
• Yale College Alum: Sample Cover Letter
• GSAS/Postdocs: Sample Cover Letter
• GSAS Postdoc Alum: Sample Cover Letters

CONTACT & LOCATION

55 Whitney Avenue, 3rd Fl. New Haven, CT 06510

SERVICE HOURS

The office is closed weekends, holidays, and recess days .

Office of Career Strategy

Visiting yale.

• Open Recruitments
• Postdoctoral Researcher (Letts Lab 2024) (JPF06484)

Postdoctoral Researcher (Letts Lab 2024) Apply now to Postdoctoral Researcher (Letts Lab 2024)

• MOLECULAR & CELLULAR BIO / COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES / UC Davis

Position overview

Application window.

Open date: May 6, 2024

Next review date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis invites applications for one Postdoctoral Researcher in biochemistry and structural biology.

POSITION DESCRIPTION: A postdoctoral scholar position is available immediately in the lab of Dr. James Letts in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at UC Davis. The successful candidate will lead independent research projects focused on understanding the structure and molecular mechanism of plant mitochondrial respiratory complexes and supercomplexes using single particle cryo-EM as a major approach. Projects will entail organelle isolation, membrane protein purification and reconstitution, biochemical, biophysical, structural and spectroscopic assays and experiments. Responsibilities:

Research (90%) • Design and carry out experiments using techniques including membrane protein purification, membrane protein reconstitution, activity assays and single particle cryogenic electron microscopy. • Collect, analyze, and present data in group meetings and external conferences. • Maintain detailed experimental records and notes. • Work with the Principal investigator to prepare high-quality peer-reviewed manuscripts and grant submissions to pursue funding opportunities. • Provide peer review and feedback on manuscripts and grants.

Lab management (10%) • Provide technical support and mentoring for junior researchers. • Maintain lab stocks and databases. • Contribute to lab maintenance and organization.

CLOSING DATE: For full consideration applications should be received by May 21, 2024. *recruitment will remain open until position filled.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Initial appointment will be 100% (full time) for two-years, with renewal depending on performance.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to James Letts, [email protected]

TO APPLY: Qualified applicants should upload a cover letter, a research statement describing their research experience and skills, and a curriculum vitae. Documents must be submitted as PDF files. Applicants should also provide contact information for three references.

Apply via this URL: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06484

Qualifications

Graduate degree (PhD or equivalent) in biochemistry, biophysics, or structural biology with demonstrated expertise in structural biology. Candidate must have experience in protein purification. Candidate also must be able to keep a complete and detailed laboratory notebook of experimental procedures and data and to archive and document reagents and data for publications, grant proposals, and presentations. Strong organizational and planning skills are a must. Prior experiences with structural biology, the characterization membrane proteins or protein complexes are preferred. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills and the ability to work well both independently and as a part of a team.

Application Requirements

Cover Letter

Statement of Research

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a statement and why one is requested. (Optional)

• 3 required (contact information only)

Help contact: [email protected]

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus ( http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/ ).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision , our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement , and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement . UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution . The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings . UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come .

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

How to apply.

To be considered for this position, applicants should submit the following materials as one document: cover letter, CV, two examples of scholarly work, and contact information for three references who can supply a letter of recommendation. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is closed or filled. All application materials must be submitted via http://apply.interfolio.com/145949 . All general inquiries and questions about the position can be sent to [email protected] .

The preferred start date is Summer or early Fall of 2024. The start date commensurates with degree conferral. The initial appointment is for one year, with possibility of extension for up to 4 more year(s), dependent upon performance.

The Survey Research Center invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship. Housed at the Institute for Social Research, one of the world's largest social science research organizations, the Survey Research Center is a community of faculty, staff and students that serves the public interest by conducting research integrated with state-of-the-art data collection and analysis, developing social and behavioral research methods, and training leaders in survey and data science.

The postdoctoral fellow will be a central collaborator in a beginning project titled Improving Inclusivity of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Research for Asian Americans and Latinx through Nationally Representative Hybrid Sampling. This study aims to address the dearth of research data on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) that considers dynamics across racial/ethnic groups beyond minimum standard racial/ethnic categories by implementing a longitudinal study that collects data from granular racial/ethnic groups.

The postdoctoral fellow will work directly with the investigator team by assisting their overseeing the progress of the entire project, including day-to-day operations of the data collection preparation and fieldwork and finances related to respondent payment processing. This position will assist with the development of technical systems and manage research assistants and data dissemination activities; participate in peer-review manuscripts; and present research activities within the team, at scientific meetings, and in workshops for the general public.   

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off 
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements 
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Responsibilities*

Assist the investigator team with overseeing the overall data collection and managing the project personnel through monitoring

• Day-to-day operations of the data collection preparation and fieldwork by monitoring technical system development and data collection progress
• Managing and co-supervising research assistants under the direction of the PI
• Assisting with the development and implementation of software development and data dissemination activities
• Performing data analysis, including summarizing key findings from different data collection activities and writing up reports of findings
• Developing and leading new research projects in coordination with the PI with potential grant development and writing, as needed

Required Qualifications*

• A PhD by August 2025 in survey methodology, statistics, biostatistics, public health, gerontology, sociology or other related discipline
• Strong project management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Strong time management skills with a proven ability to multitask and work successfully with little supervision
• Experience in primary data collection
• Proficiency with statistical programming in R or SAS
• Demonstrated interest in minority health and health disparities

Desired Qualifications*

• Fluent in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese or Korean
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with various team members
• Demonstrated writing skills
• Interest in ADRD research

Work Locations

The position is a 12-month (calendar year basis) appointment located in Ann Arbor, MI.

Additional Information

The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience of the candidate.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

• For Administrators
• For Faculty

POSTDOCTORAL AFFAIRS

• Announcements
• Positions at Northwestern

Postdoctoral Research Opportunity – Translational Brain Tumor Research

The Department of Neurological Surgery at Northwestern University is seeking outstanding postdoctoral scholars for expansion of basic and translational studies related to modulation of the blood-brain barrier to enhance passage of drugs, biologicals and cells for treatment of neurological diseases and brain cancer, precision medicine-based approaches to cancer drugs for gliomas, and the study of the effects of ultrasound therapy on the brain across species.  

This position offers an opportunity to work in the NIH-funded lab of Dr. Adam Sonabend , a neurosurgeon-scientist with a background in translational brain tumor research, the study of glioma progression, and regulation of transcription. The Sonabend Lab has a strong translational emphasis and relies on patient tumor specimens and clinical data, transgenic mouse glioma models, next-generation sequencing data (ChIP-seq, exome sequencing, RNA-seq), and cutting-edge technologies such as whole genome CRISPR screens for advancing our projects. Most projects involve analysis of clinical-trial related specimens, where biological questions are investigated.

The lab has strong collaborations with expert groups in complementary fields including Dr. Maciej Lesniak’s lab (Northwestern University) for tumor immunology, Dr. Ali Shilatifard (Northwestern University) for epigenetics, and Dr. Raul Rabadan’s lab (Columbia University) for computational and systems biology. The department offers a nurturing environment for career development, a stimulating community of several brain tumor research labs, weekly conferences and seminars of interest.

The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to build a publication record including submissions to leading cancer biology journals; supervise rotating undergraduate, graduate and medical students; apply for internal and/or extramural funding; and attend national meetings that will help to build an international reputation.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, gene therapy or neuroscience.  

Required Competencies:  

• Experience working with small animal models and mammalian cell culture.
• Ability to design and conduct experiments, maintain accurate GLP style recordkeeping, and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare and present research at meetings and write scientific manuscripts in fluent English.

Preferred Competencies:  

• Expertise in immunology and flow cytometry techniques.
• Cloning, western blot, immunofluorescence, qPCR.
• Familiarity with next generation sequencing data and gene expression analysis.
• CRISPR, gene silencing and over-expression techniques.
• Assembly of viral vectors.  
• Basic coding and next-generation sequencing analysis.  

Interested applicants must send a current curriculum vitae, a cover letter containing a short summary of research experience and aspirations, and names and contact information for at least three professional references to Dawn Rose  via email at  [email protected] . Applicant must be able to begin employment no later than August 1, 2024 .  

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.  

SUNetID Login

Search form

Prospective postdocs.

• How To Apply
• Open Postdoctoral Positions
• Finding a Faculty Mentor
• Cost of Living
• Fellowships at Stanford
• Fellowships outside Stanford

Open Postdoctoral position, faculty mentor Cornelius Groenewald

Important info.

Please submit application material to  [email protected]

Our postdoctoral research fellowship program is dedicated to preparing scholars for an academic career in the domains of pediatric perioperative, pain, sleep, and/or opioid research. Fellows will play a pivotal role in NHLBI, NIAMS, and NICHD-funded studies, focusing on the intersection of perioperative pain, sleep, and opioid use. Fellows will be exposed to longitudinal observational, interventional, and qualitative research designs, and a range of methodologies including psychosocial assessment and intervention, clinical trials, digital health, quantitative sensory testing, ecological momentary assessment, actigraphy, and electronic mediation adherence technologies.  An additional key pillar of the fellowship is to provide proficiency in handling and interpreting vast datasets, including claims data, electronic health records, and other publicly accessible datasets – all with a keen focus on pediatric pain, sleep, opioids, and perioperative outcomes. Profession-specific co-mentorship will be arranged where relevant (e.g., psychologist, data scientist), and clinical time may be an option for applicants with clinical training backgrounds.

In addition to core research activities, the fellowship emphasizes capacity-building in grant writing, manuscript preparation, advanced data analysis techniques, and the art of mentoring and supervising burgeoning scholars. We value innovation, and our program provides an enabling environment for fellows to conceptualize, develop, and lead independent research initiatives.

The postdoctoral fellowship is anchored at Stanford Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine and the Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. Clinical work at Lucille Packard Children’s hospital is also available for applicants working towards professional licensure. Committed to fostering the next generation of leaders, Stanford University ensures that fellows have access to an expansive suite of career development opportunities, both within Stanford University and the Stanford School of Medicine.

• Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) • Demonstrated experience with data analyses using Stata, SPSS, or R • Effective oral and written communication skills • Prior relevant publication (minimum in press or under review) • Prior relevant clinical research experience in behavioral health, pediatric health, pain, or perioperative outcomes.

• Curriculum vitae • Cover letter describing relevant experiences, interests, and goals • A scientific writing sample (e.g., manuscript or thesis chapter) • Contact information for 3 references

Stanford is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• Postdoc Benefits
• Open Postdoc Positions
• Diversity in Postdoctoral Scholar Training
• Postdoc Emergency Resources
• Verify Appointments
• Funding Guidelines
• Budgeting for Fellowships

• Stanford Home
• Maps & Directions
• Search Stanford
• Emergency Info
• Terms of Use
• Non-Discrimination
• Accessibility

© Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 .

May 2, 2024

Apply for the Future of Higher Education Postdoc Program

By Lisa García Bedolla

The UC Berkeley Future of Higher Education (FHE) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program seeks applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship program from scholars in any discipline with a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley who have interest in a career in higher education administration.

This postdoctoral fellowship is reserved for scholars who earned or will earn their Ph.D. in recent years. To apply, a candidate must have completed all requirements for their doctoral degree by August 31, 2024. Fellows are expected to be in Berkeley for the duration of the postdoc.

The program provides two tracks for applicants: the Leadership and Strategic Initiatives Track and the Student Experience Track.

In keeping with the campus postdoc salary scale, the salary for this postdoc will be $64,480 plus benefits including a $2000 professional development fund

How to Apply

Read more about this postdoc and start your application .

If you have any questions about this postdoctoral fellowship, please email [email protected] .

Select language

Working at Utrecht University

Postdoc: mutual justification and disruptive technology.

The Ethics Institute of Utrecht University’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies seeks a researcher for a 3-year, full-time postdoctoral project “ Mutual Justification and Disruptive Technology ”, as part of the inter-university Gravitation consortium Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technology (ESDiT) .

We are looking for a philosopher with expertise in normative ethics, metaethics, or methodologies of applied ethics who is interested in pursuing independent research and other activities related to the following project, based at Utrecht University, as part of the multi-university research consortium, "Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies".

A key part of what makes the emergence of new technologies particularly disruptive is the moral disorientation and uncertainty that they often produce. Socially disruptive technologies can challenge the applicability of established principles to changed circumstances, the foreseeability of future consequences, and even the viability of key ethical concepts, leading to uncertainty, instability, and ambiguity about ethical judgments and intuitions.

Circumstances of moral disorientation pose special difficulties for what is, arguably, a key feature of ethics: the aim of mutually justifying our judgments, policies, and actions to one another. Many leading ethical theories – such as contractualism, Kantian constructivism, or discourse ethics – conceptualise ethical justification in terms of the obligation, roughly speaking, to provide reasons on which agreement can be reached. This important focus on mutual justification becomes especially vexed, however, when previously shared intuitions are unsettled and common points of reference disappear. As a result, ethical theories focused on mutual justification face profound challenges when technologies disrupt, for example, our understanding of concepts such as “personhood” or “participant in ethical discourse.” By way of illustration: What justifications do we owe each other when one of us is an AI? How can we appeal to principles of solidarity if everyone’s health prognosis can be predicted precisely? How can we apply the discourse-ethical principle of “the approval of all affected” within the domain of virtual realities?

Ethicists of technology have extensive experience analyzing such situations of uncertainty, indeterminacy, disorientation, and unforeseeable change. Their approaches frequently emphasise contextual, empirical, and engaged perspectives and focus on developing pragmatic procedures for restoring mutually agreed upon basis for social cooperation, with an emphasis on socially responsive policy, stakeholder engagement, and ethics by design. At the same time, these pragmatic, procedural approaches to restoring moral orientation or building consensus regarding contested issues regularly give rise to questions about the extent to which the resulting de facto agreements represent instances of genuine justification. 

The central aim of this project is to examine the potential for selected philosophical approaches taken from these two broad traditions to learn from each other, particularly in addressing the following questions, broadly construed: How can we best understand the obligation to mutually justify our responses to socially disruptive technologies and the moral dynamism, moral uncertainty , and moral disorientation associated with them? And, more generally, how can we come up with robust moral justifications if morality is subject to change? The postdoc will pursue independent research that engages these topics in a way that supports the research objectives of the ESDiT consortium. More information about the project can be found on this SurfDrive link . 

This postdoctoral position will be part of the Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies programme , a ten-year-long international research programme of seven academic institutions in the Netherlands that started in January 2020. This programme has a combined budget of €27 million and is funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research in the Gravitation funding scheme for excellent research, and by matching funds from the participating institutions. The programme has the aim of achieving breakthrough research at the intersection of ethics, philosophy, technology/engineering and social sciences, and to position its consortium at the top of its field internationally. A key objective is to investigate how new technologies challenge moral values and ontological concepts (like “nature”, “human being” and “community”), and how these challenges necessitate a revision of these concepts. The programme includes four research lines, “Nature, Life and Human Intervention”, “The Future of a Free and Fair Society”, “The Human Condition” and “Foundations & Synthesis: Ethics of Technology, Practical Philosophy, and Modern Technology-Driven Societies”.

This position is situated within the research line “Foundations & Synthesis.” You will work under the supervision of Joel Anderson and Jeroen Hopster , and in collaboration with other researchers from the ESDiT programme. You are expected to play an active role in the project described above and to participate actively in the workshops, public events, courses and other activities of the Ethics of Socially Disruptive Technologies programme in general and the “Foundations & Synthesis” research line in particular. You will also play a pivotal role regarding ESDiT’s objective to strengthen mutually beneficial dialogues between researchers working in ethical theory and those working in ethics of technology. The position is based at the Ethics Institute , which is part of the department of Philosophy and Religious Studies of Utrecht University. It provides a stimulating and internationally oriented research environment. This is primarily a research appointment, focused on research publications, although you may be expected to devote up to 10% of worktime to teaching or to other non-research activities related to the ESDiT programme.

Your qualities

• You have completed, prior to appointment, a PhD in philosophy, with demonstrated expertise in normative ethics, metaethics, or methodologies of applied ethics.
• You have a record (appropriate to career stage) of publications that demonstrates the ability to conduct research which is internationally recognized as contributing to the field.
• You have an affinity for ethical issues related to technology and have an open-minded research disposition, especially regarding established traditions in applied ethics and ethics of technology.
• You have an active interest in interdisciplinary work which connects philosophical analysis to other relevant disciplines and societal challenges.
• You have the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with good organisational and communication skills.
• You have a willingness and aptitude for teaching in ethics or a related field of philosophy.
• You are proficient in spoken and written English.
• a job for 12 months. After a positive evaluation the contract will be extended for another 24 months (3 years in total);
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 4,036 and €4,332 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10.5 - 10.7 under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)); 
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus; 
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU. 

In addition to a bench fee, a conference travel budget is available for this position.

In addition to the  terms of employment  laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating  professional development , leave schemes and schemes for  sports and cultural activities , as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit  Working at Utrecht University .

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At  Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major  strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability.  Sharing science, shaping tomorrow .

The  Faculty of Humanities has around 7,000 students and 1,100 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the Faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city centre of Utrecht, where the faculty is located , contribute to an inspiring working environment.

More information

For more information, please contact Joel Anderson  at [email protected]  or  Jeroen Hopster at [email protected] .

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

As Utrecht University, we want to be a  home  for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Your application should include: 

• a brief motivation letter discussing what interests you about this position, how your background prepares you to carry out your proposed research plan, and any information about your circumstances relevant to assessing your suitability for the position;
• a curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications. Please include at the end the names and contact details of two referees whom we may contact; 
• a one-page research note indicating how you propose to approach the research question posed in this description of the vacancy and in the full project description (no more than 750 words). The research plan will also be evaluated in terms of its potential contribution to ESDiT in general, and the Foundations & Synthesis research line in particular;
• a key, relevant publication (max. 20 pages – you may also include selections from larger work).

To apply, please send these materials via the 'apply now' button. Please submit item 1 (the cover letter) in the field “Letter of Motivation” and items 2, 3, and 4 (in that order) as a  SINGLE PDF  in the field “CV including a publication list”. Letters of recommendation, grades, copies of diplomas, etc. do not need to be submitted at this time.

Interviews will be held in June. Starting date: 1 September 2024. 

The application deadline is 31 May 2024.

• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Facebook

Utrecht University Heidelberglaan 8 3584 CS Utrecht The Netherlands Tel. +31 (0)30 253 35 50