how to write 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.

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Postdoc cover letter example

Cover letter header

Cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter closing , writing psychology: one step further.

You wrote a successful dissertation to get your PhD. How hard can it be to write the papers needed to get a postdoc job? 

With 125+ cover letter examples and occupation-specific writing guides, Resume.io is here to make an impressive postdoc cover letter easier than you think. This guide, along with our postdoc cover letter examples, will cover these topics:

• The best format for structuring a postdoc cover letter
• How each cover letter section speaks to your strengths as an ideal postdoc job match: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• Writing psychology to persuade the person making hiring decisions
• Common cover letter mistakes to avoid.

Best format for a postdoc cover letter

The simplicity of structuring a postdoc cover letter may seem like a treat when you’re accustomed to writing academic research papers. Like any type of letter, it includes these sections:

Cover letter body

• Cover letter closing.

Before taking a closer look at each part to ensure it hits the mark, here are a few general tips. Always assume the PI or search committee recipient is busy with many preoccupations — including other postdoc job applications to weed through. Making that person’s life easier will automatically earn you bonus marks when your cover letter is:

• Short — no more 400 words on a single page.
• Inviting to read at first glance — neat, clean, streamlined and professionally polished, with ample white space.
• Easy to read all the way through — reflecting suitable choices of fonts and sparing graphic touches.

Here is an adaptable postdoc cover letter example that you can customize for the position and hiring organization:

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. Sincerely, Simon Bartley

The header of your postdoc cover letter sets you apart from other job candidates in a visually distinctive manner. It also serves the important practical purpose of making your contact information readily available for recruiters to get in touch. In addition to your name, phone number, email and relevant address or location information such as city, include your LinkedIn and possibly other social media or website links. Check out our postdoc cover letter sample for more ideas on creating a great header.

A good match The minimal extra effort it takes to create a visually matched cover letter and resume design — notably in the header — is a worthwhile way to impress recruiters who may be inundated with postdoc application documents.

Goal of the cover letter header: Stand out from scores of other postdoc candidates with a distinctive-looking header that identifies who you are and how recruiters can reach you.

Typically, postdoc cover letters are addressed to a professor, often the principal investigator (PI) for the research position in question. Try to find out who your cover letter recipient will be so you can address that person by name. Check the institution’s website or LinkedIn profiles, or just make a phone call and ask.  This traditional cover letter greeting is recommended: “Dear <Dr.> <Mr.> <Ms.> Surname.” Unless you’re confident the workplace culture is informal enough, “Dear” alternatives such as “Hi,” “Hello” or “Greetings” are not a good idea.. If you’re unable to identify any specific recruiter by name, address your letter to “Search Committee Chair” or “Search Team Members.” The ill-advised option “To Whom It May Concern” sounds lazy as well as cold and pompous. 

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off by directly addressing the postdoc recruiter in a friendly, professional manner.

Dear Professor Knightly,

The introduction is where your postdoc cover letter seeks to intrigue the PI or search team members enough to keep reading and then learn more in your CV.

Ensure the basics are covered somewhere in these two or three opening sentences: the status of your PhD — earned or still in progress — the field and institution, your dissertation title and supervising professor. Strike the most relevant high notes of your academic background in ways that resonate right off the top. A mere synopsis of your brightest research accomplishments does not go far enough. A successful cover letter introduction helps postdoc employers understand your motivation and potential contributions to their research projects. How does this institution stand to benefit from your expertise and enthusiasm? And how compatible are your career goals with the institution’s investigative mission? What about your personality and work style? For recruiters to envision whether you are a good lab team fit, they need evidence of your efforts to learn everything possible about the postdoc role in question. They are interested in the research skills you brought to bear for that purpose, not just for your dissertation.

If your postdoc job application was prompted by a lead from another university professor or someone you and the hiring PI know in common, mention it in your cover letter introduction.

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Appeal to the specific postdoc hiring needs by emphasizing the value you would bring to this research project.

Here’s an introduction idea from our postdoc cover letter sample:

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.

The middle section, or body, of your postdoc cover letter substantiates why you belong in this research lab. It’s the place to elaborate on your most directly relatable accomplishments from the recruiter’s standpoint.

Citing facts and figures to illustrate your most impressive investigative findings should come naturally to postdoc job candidates. For added impact, anecdotal accounts also have their place in this cover letter section. Tell a story or two about unique or unexpected outcomes that reflect your curiosity, creativity and determination in pursuing discoveries. Goal of the cover letter body: Build the recruiter’s confidence in your ability to help advance research project goals. This postdoc cover letter sample illustrates what you might include in the middle part:

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.

The concluding paragraph of your postdoc cover letter is more than just a final formality. Yes, do the courtesy of thanking the PI or search committee members for their time and interest in your application. And remind them why you are an ideal match for this postdoc position, perhaps offering to discuss ideas or otherwise contribute in some specific way. In addition, be sure to include a call to action that puts some onus on the postdoc recruiter to respond. Ask for a phone call or meeting, and even propose a time when this might be possible.

At least express how much you look forward to hearing back.

Finally, close with a professional sign-off: your full name below “Sincerely,” or “Best regards.” 

Aim of the cover letter closing: End with a call to action, ideally resulting in an interview.

Below is the closing section of our postdoc cover letter example.

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. Sincerely, Simon Bartley

An average postdoc cover letter makes connections between your PhD accomplishments and potential contributions in this postdoc role. An excellent cover letter takes that one persuasive step further by showing you’ve done your homework. Thoroughly research the research project itself and the lab setting, along with the PI, co-investigators and perhaps even their mentors. Review team members’ recent papers to become as familiar with their background as you are with the goals you aspire to help achieve. An exceptional postdoc cover letter also reveals your “why.” Obviously, with a newly acquired PhD, you’re ready for the next academic career stepping stone. But why do you want this postdoc job more than any other? What excites you most and makes you eager to make your mark? Why would the PI and others on the research team consider you an asset and enjoy working with you?

A complimentary remark about the hiring institution’s academic accomplishments could be an interview-winning way to command attention in your cover letter introduction. Implying that your motivation to work in this lab shows long-term promise could also make a difference.

Common cover letter mistakes to avoid

All scholars know how critically important it is to get their writing right, well before submitting a paper for peer review . A postdoc cover letter requires just as much diligence. Make no mistakes that could jeopardize your chances, including any of the following.

• Losing full marks for a mass-produced generic cover letter evidently going to multiple employers would serve you right for obvious reasons: failure to research each postdoc position and demonstrate your findings.
• Dwelling on your academic background and career goals without giving enough sense of how hiring professors stand to benefit is a job interview deterrent.
• If precision, conciseness and clarity are academic writing hallmarks, then meaningless clichés and fluff are the last things recruiters want to see in a postdoc cover letter.
• Again, no slack will be cut for any PhD-level document containing typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical goofs.
• Design and formatting flaws can be perceived as carelessness, if not disregard for the research institute’s credibility, reputation and image. A professionally-designed cover letter template can help eliminate these errors.

Key takeaways for a postdoc cover letter

• Starting with an outstanding cover letter, postdoc job applicants can take advantage of the essential writing skills they’ve relied on in all of their academic pursuits and research endeavors.
• Every postdoc cover letter calls for a customized approach reflecting your knowledge of the position and hiring institution. This in itself showcases your research strengths.
• To a greater extent than a resume allows, cover letters can shed light on the curiosity, creativity and determination driving your research endeavors.
• Check out our postdoc cover letter sample for more ideas on designing a great page layout.

Best of luck at this pivotal postdoc career turning point! For related education cover letter examples and writing guides, check out the following:

• Graduate cover letter example
• Student cover letter sample
• University cover letter sample
• Teacher cover letter example
• Scholarship cover letter sample
• Masters cover letter example

Free professionally designed templates

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.

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

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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.

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Postdoctoral Researcher Cover Letter Sample

Get invited for more job interviews & learn creative tricks to use in your cover letter with our free, easily editable Postdoctoral Researcher cover letter sample. Copy and paste this cover letter example for free or edit it directly using our easy-to-use cover letter creator.

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Postdoctoral Researcher Cover Letter Sample (Full Text Version)

Angela Ellis

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the postdoctoral researcher opportunity as a Doctorate of Environmental Sciences graduate with a strong passion for addressing climate change crises. Currently, I work as a part-time Research Coordinator at the University of Sunnybank’s Office of Biotechnology and Environment, focusing on research that drives environmental and social change. Additionally, I serve as an undergraduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Environmental Sciences, where I am responsible for instructional planning, grading papers and tests, proctoring labs, and teaching Microbiology and Bioremediation.

My research areas have centered around social and legal aspects of the environment, as well as energy planning and the intricate human-environment relationship. I have contributed to the research and writing of "Chapter 2: Energy Planning" in Erick Miska’s (2017) publication on Environmental and Social Change in the 21st Century. Furthermore, I have conducted fieldwork and interviews with environmental scientists and microbiology experts across Europe for the University of Sunnybank’s Environmental Heritage Report.

With 6 years of research and teaching experience, along with a recent doctorate, Master of Biotechnology, and Bachelor of Environment and Society, I am well-equipped to excel in this role. I have also participated in professional workshops and courses in environmental ethics philosophy.

I have greatly valued my time at the University of Sunnybank and am now seeking a full-time research position to delve deeper into climate change crises alongside a team of experts. I have attached my curriculum vitae for your review and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills align with the needs of your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing next steps.

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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Office of postdoctoral studies.

Job-search and other career-related letters are as important as resumes in conveying your value to employers. You can demonstrate good writing skills as well as courtesy and professionalism. Letters enable you to introduce yourself, state your career interests, and  highlight your strengths. There are several types of letters that you’ll need to develop.

Informational Interview Letters

Sample informational interview letter, cover letters and letters of inquiry, sample letter of inquiry, letters of application, sample letter of application, follow-up letters and thank-you letters, sample thank-you letter, offer-acceptance letters, offer-decline letters, guidelines for writing letters, email etiquette.

• Letter Don’ts

Write to a professional working in a career field to request an informational interview, in person or by phone, to learn about the person’s work.

• Make it clear that you are seeking information, not applying for a position.
• State how you identified the person, what you would like to learn, and when/how long you would like to meet or talk with them.
• See Networking to learn more about talking with professionals.

128 State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 April 20, 2010

Mr. James Ingraham, Associate Director Virginia Small Business Commission 3190 West Canton Street Richmond, VA 26811

Dear Mr. Ingraham:

After reading the article in the March 26 Wall Street Journal featuring your work with the Virginia Small Business Commission, I am interested in learning more about your experiences in retail development. I am currently a postdoc at Cornell University and am seeking information about retail and warehouse management, particularly for businesses in rural communities. I would appreciate hearing your assessment of where the industry is headed and where you think job opportunities will develop. Any suggestions for how to prepare to enter this field, both in terms of experience and course work, would be very helpful.

I will contact your office in a week to discuss the possibility of scheduling a twenty- to thirty-minute appointment. I have noted that you have registered with the Cornell Career Contact Network and would be happy to communicate through the Network if you prefer. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to talking with you.

(SIGNATURE) Heather O’Hara

Explore employment possibilities at an organization through an inquiry letter.

• Target the organization’s hiring needs by learning about jobs for which you may be qualified.
• Visit the website and/or call the organization to obtain information.

211 Dryden Road Ithaca, NY 14850 February 21, 2010

Mr. Carl Whitaker, Director Federal Reserve Bank of New York 33 Liberty Street New York, NY 10045

Dear Mr. Whitaker:

After studying and conducting research for my Ph.D. in economic theory, I have a strong desire to apply what I have learned in a practical setting, working with data and analyzing economic phenomena. Reading the Federal Reserve System: Purposes and Functions , I was struck by the broad array of functions carried out by the Federal Reserve, the significant role it plays in both the money and financial markets, and the influence it exerts on the economy as a whole. I would value the opportunity to work as a researcher alongside some of the best people in the field for the Federal Reserve. With additional significant course work in mathematics and experience using statistical packages such as SAS and Data Desk, I believe I have the academic background necessary to do excellent work as an economics researcher.

As reflected in the enclosed resume, my academic and work experience have helped me develop skills that should be useful in any research setting. Writing articles for economic journals, such as on the West’s response to the crisis in Eastern Europe, taught me to research extensively, analyze my findings, and communicate my conclusions clearly.

I look forward to speaking with you and learning more about the Federal Reserve. I believe that with my strong background in economics and my experience as a researcher, I would make a valuable contribution to your organization. I will call you next week to see if it would be possible to arrange an interview.

Yours truly,

(SIGNATURE) (Ms.) Tomika Kim

Write to a prospective employer about a specific job you have seen advertised or have identified through networking.

• Motivate employers to read your resume through a well-written cover letter.
• Encourage employers to interview you by reading your cover letter and resume.

321 Linden Avenue Ithaca, New York 14850 January 10, 2010

Mary Smith, Outreach Director People for a Livable Planet 40 West 20th Street, 9th Floor New York, New York 10011

Dear Ms. Smith:

A natural resources Ph.D student at Cornell University, I have focused my studies on the connections between agricultural, environmental, and economic sustainability. The efforts of People for a Livable Planet to promote consumer choices that are ecologically sustainable and thus conserve natural resources are of great interest to me. I would therefore like to be considered for the consumer outreach and marketing specialist position advertised in Nonprofit Times . I enclose my resume for your consideration.

Through volunteer activities, I have promoted sustainable agriculture and environmental issues. As president of the Cornell Greens, I organized meetings, workshops, rallies, and Earth Day activities for the Cornell campus, and also established an environmental educational curriculum for an after-school program. Last year, I helped found the Student Garden Group to introduce organic gardening to Cornell students and promote local agriculture to the Ithaca community. We ran produce stands at apartment complexes for economically disadvantaged families and senior citizens, and expanded Cornell Cooperative Extension to develop outreach programs.

A confident public speaker, I have participated in a training course for peer counselors, completed a course in oral communication, spoken at rallies and festivals, and worked as an educator in a variety of teaching situations.

I am eager to apply my knowledge and experience to an educational advocacy organization when I graduate in May. I will call you next week to schedule a time to discuss my interest in increasing public awareness about ecological agriculture and environmental conservation at People for a Livable Planet. Thank you for your consideration.

(SIGNATURE) Jessica Jones

Thank interviewers for meeting with you following information or job interviews.

• Reiterate your interest in the field or the position, and recall aspects of the interview that were especially enlightening.
• Speak with a career advisor if you have concerns about sending an email, a handwritten note, or a more formal letter, and whom to write to if you spoke with more than one person.

125 College Avenue Ithaca, New York 14850 May 15, 2010

Julie Blair, Vice President Reed Putnam Investments 30 Wall Street, 17th Floor New York, New York 10022

Dear Ms. Blair:

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with you and your staff yesterday when I interviewed for the financial analyst position. The discussions were highly informative, and I was impressed with the planned addition of a mentoring component to the training program. This is precisely the kind of training program I am seeking.

My visit strengthened my interest in the financial analyst position and my enthusiasm for working at Reed Putnam. I believe that my master’s in economics, my leadership position in the graduate student business association, and an internship with Davidson Sack last summer have prepared me to make a significant contribution.

As you requested, I am enclosing a summary of the research project I completed in a course in financial economics. Please do not hesitate to call me at (607) 555-1824 if I can provide additional information. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you again for your time and the courtesy you extended to me.

Sincerely yours,

(SIGNATURE) Wayne Duffield

Enclosure: Research Project Summary

Respond to the employer to express your pleasure at receiving the offer.

• Confirm the terms and conditions of your employment, including salary, start date, benefits, etc.
• Request a written confirmation of the detailed offer if you have not received one.

Decline an offer of employment once you have decided to take another position.

• Thank the employer for the offer and for the opportunity to interview.
• State that your decision is based on careful consideration of your current interests and goals.
• Pave the way for future opportunities with the employer and networking with individuals you met there through a cordial decline letter.

Prepare well-written career-related letters. For more information and guidance, see Sample Letter of Application above.

• Describe how your qualifications meet the employer’s hiring needs.
• Convey that you are informed about the organization and enthusiastic about the position.
• Learn the name and title of the person responsible for hiring in the department of interest; address your letter to that person.
• Demonstrate your competency in communicating.
• Refer in your opening sentences to a personal or professional contact who has directed you to the organization, if applicable.

If you decide to correspond with employers via email, follow these guidelines.

• Introduce yourself early in the message and state your reason for writing.
• Include your cover letter as well as resume in the body of the message since employers may not be able to open attachments.
• Keep the tone of your message professional and positive, and proofread your message carefully.
• Delete distractions at the bottom of your messages, such as annoying or cute signatures, standard quotes, etc.
• Use standard business-letter format and generous margins.
• Limit letter to 3–4 short paragraphs.
• Single-space paragraphs and double-space between paragraphs.
• Address the individual by name and use his/her appropriate title.
• Use the person’s full name (e.g. “Dear Pat Smith”) if you don’t know his/her gender.
• Attract attention with a strong first paragraph.
• Refer to your enclosed resume.
• Use specific examples to document skills, experience, and accomplishments.
• Highlight and expand upon the most relevant information in your resume.
• Emphasize what you can do for the employer, not what you hope to gain.
• Keep the tone positive, natural, and professional. Be persuasive.
• Make sure grammar and sentence structure are correct.
• Have someone proofread letters to make sure they are error-free.
• Use good quality bond paper and envelopes in white, ivory, or light gray.
• Sign letters.
• Keep copies of your letters.

Letter Don’ts

• Use the passive voice.
• Include extraneous information.
• Reiterate verbatim what’s in your resume.
• Point out weaknesses or lack of experience.
• Begin too many sentences and paragraphs with “I.”
• Use jargon or excessive wordiness.
• Exceed one page.
• Copy exact wording from letter examples in this web guide.
• Assume spellcheck will identify all errors.

Clinical psychology

Psychotherapy, personality, 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.

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:

Dr. Harold Bergman

Enteny University

Enteny, Illinois, 60002

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.

[123 Company Address]

Kajol Samra

Head of the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pondicherry University

Chinna Kalapet

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:

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.

Anshu Mahajan

linkedin.com/in/anshu.mahajan”

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.

Simon Bartley”

“New Haven, June 26, 2020

Professor B. Hawthorne

Faculty Search Committee

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 94305

Dear Professor Hawthorne,

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.

Best Regards,

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: 

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

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).

How to write a cover letter for a postdoctoral application

This post contains an example of a successful cover letter for a postdoctoral application. 

• Quick takeaways for writing a cover letter
• The most important thing to keep in mind when writing a cover letter
• Why I applied to only six total postdoc positions

Example of a Successful Cover Letter for a Postdoctoral Application

Dear Professor X,

I am applying for the postdoctoral position available in your laboratory for the Y project. I am currently a Ph.D. candidate in Physics at Ohio State University, advised by Prof. Z. I will be graduating in May of 2018 and available to start this position thereafter. Due to my experience building and deploying the fourth mission of the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA-IV), I am well placed to make strong contributions to detector development, testing, calibration, and deployment of the Y mission scheduled for flight in 2020.

Working on the ANITA project for my Ph.D. has given me the opportunity to develop strengths and skills that are transferable and relevant to a long-duration balloon experiment in the particle astrophysics field such as Y. For the ANITA-IV mission, I have played a leading role in the development, testing, and commissioning of new hardware and electronics, ensuring a timely launch during the early onset of the polar vortex and remotely operating mission-critical electronics on the payload during its flight. I was deployed in Antarctica for two months, including a month prior to launch and a month post-launch. I gained experience working in the unique environment of the NASA LDB facility on Ross Island and succeeded in combating the challenges of a balloon experiment.

This postdoctoral position would be an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development and commissioning of silicon detectors which are at the heart of the Y instrument. This is well-aligned with my interest in learning new detection techniques and in making contributions that are critical to the Y project and the physics it is trying to probe. My work on the ANITA-IV instrument led to almost tripling the livetime of the experiment, as described in the pre-print found at  https://arxiv.org/abs/1709.04536 and currently under review by Nuclear Instruments and Methods A. I wrote this paper as the corresponding author on behalf of the ANITA collaboration. I would strive to achieve the success of a similar or greater magnitude for the Y project.

Kindly consider my application for this postdoctoral position. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you at your convenience.

Oindree Banerjee

This cover letter was part of my application for a postdoc position in the Physics department of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). I was selected for an interview and visited MIT on a cold, cold day in the month of February. Good thing the MIT buildings that I ended up in were mostly all connected so I was indoors, albeit the numbering of these buildings made no sense. Oh well, more on that later.

Quick Takeaways for Writing the Cover Letter for a Postdoctoral Application

• If you do not know the name of the professor who is hiring then stop right here and find that out! It’s about what you know and who you know. If you don’t know them already, chances are low for getting an interview.
• The cover letter should be no more than a few powerful paragraphs. Don’t make any paragraph too big a block of text.
• In the very first sentence, you should say what you are writing them for, that is, to apply for a position. Be specific. Say which position with what project.
• Then say who you are.
• Follow this up with when you will be graduating and when you can start the position.
• Finish the first paragraph with a strong statement about why you are more than perfect for the job.
• The next paragraph is all about  elaborating on why you are perfect for the role. Elaborate away but as succinctly as you can. Any experience you speak about should be relevant to the particular role you are applying for. Keyword: relevant . No one cares about the other stuff you know.
• The professor(s) will KNOW if you are just sending them a generic cover letter that you send to every other school just with the school’s name changed. Trust me, they know. It takes work and time to make sure each cover letter is perfect for that particular role.

This is why I applied to only six total postdocs and fellowships!

People thought that was crazy. But I got interviews for ALL but one of them. That is a high success rate for applying to postdocs.

If you are not writing a cover letter specifically for a given role – you should really ask yourself if you even care enough to bother applying for that role. This is what I did and ended up applying to so few places.

The truth is I  don’t  care about everything and that’s a good thing.

By the time you are applying for postdocs, it is not cute to like everything anymore. You want to be highly skilled, choosy, passionate, opinionated, and annoyingly specific, in order to make a strong case.

For the cover letter sample provided here, I was selling my background in a particle astrophysics balloon-payload experiment in Antarctica to apply for a job doing a different particle astrophysics balloon-payload experiment in Antarctica. The detection methods (RF antennas vs Si(Li) detectors) and science questions (ultra-high-energy neutrinos vs dark matter detection) addressed by each experiment were actually quite distinct from each other, however, there was enough in common between them (broadly, both were in the field of particle astrophysics, both balloon payloads, both in Antarctica) to make a case for the postdoc.

• The third paragraph should be like a very short research statement – packed with strong statements about what it is you’d like to do and why the role is well-aligned with your goals. Mention achievements that are, again, relevant to the position.
• It is nice to put a big achievement near the end so you are leaving them with a reminder that you are an absolute goddess.
• I always end by asking them to kindly consider the application and that I look forward to hearing from them – which is pretty standard.

I outline what happened with each application in my book . There is a story and important lessons associated with each one. I do want to stress here, though, that applying to fewer places helped my case of making strong applications at each place.

You can also read about my experience applying cold and without knowing the hiring team in this post .

Story of a terrible phone screen and the mistake on a cover letter that you cannot afford

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3 responses to “how to write a cover letter for a postdoctoral application”.

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.

I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

thank you!!!

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How to Address a Cover Letter

Learn how to address a cover letter under different circumstances and how to find a contact to send the letter to when you don’t have a name.

When you're applying for a job or contacting an employer speculatively, the format of your cover letter will vary depending on whether you have a named contact and the reason for your letter. It's important that you address a cover letter correctly, as it's the first thing the reader will see. It needs to be professional and create a good impression.

What is a cover letter, and why is it important?

A cover letter is a document sent with your CV or application for a job opening. A great cover letter shows your reason for applying. It also pulls together all the main evidence supporting why you're the best person for the job, as outlined in your CV, application, and other supporting documents.

Each cover letter you write is highly tailored to the position you’re applying for and the hiring company. It should address essential criteria and elaborate on important points in your CV. Consider your cover letter to be your sales pitch. A great cover letter invites a recruiter to read your CV or application.

Who do you address a cover letter to?

Your cover letter should be addressed to the person responsible for recruitment. If you don’t know the person's name, there are ways to find out. Finding the name can be the difference between your letter being read or lost in the pile, so follow the guidelines below to make sure you address your cover letter most effectively.

Addressing a cover letter with a name

This is the best start if you have a name for your recipient. This means the letter will likely be delivered to the right person rather than lost or sent to someone without the power you need.

A cover letter is a formal document that should be addressed as such. The most professional way to do this is with "Dear." For example:

Dear Mr. Miller

Dear Ms. Jones

Dear Dr. Sullivan

If you don’t know the person’s gender or preferred pronouns, you can use their first name. For example: "Dear James Miller." Don’t include a comma or colon after the greeting.

Addressing a cover letter to a recipient with a professional title

If the recipient of your cover letter has a professional title, always include it. Someone with a PhD will be a doctor rather than a Mr/Ms. This also makes things easier if you need help deciding which personal pronoun to use.

Addressing a cover letter without a named recipient

It's worth finding one when deciding who to address a cover letter to when you don’t have a name. This is covered in more detail in our ‘First steps in determining a recipient’ section below.

If you absolutely can’t find a name, address your cover letter to the appropriate department within the company or organisation. For example, "Dear [Department] Hiring Team". You can use that if you know the job title of the person you need to send your letter to, and it’s just their actual name that eludes you. For example: "Dear Head of [Department]" or "Dear Director of [Department]".

Addressing a speculative cover letter

When writing a speculative cover letter that isn't in response to a job posting, the principles are much like the above. You may or may not know the name of the person you're trying to reach. If you do, so much the better. Include the name.

The difference with a speculative letter is that a mutual connection may have given you the name of the appropriate recipient. If this is the case, mention that connection in your introduction. For example:

Dear Mr Morris

My former employer, Jenny Lee of Brandenburg and Associates, gave me your details after your new customer service department was developed.

Addressing a cover letter sent by email

Addressing a cover letter to send via email slightly differs from a printed one. A printed letter would include the recipient's address and the date, which is unnecessary in an email, as the letter will be the body of the email.

However, your email still needs to be as professional as a traditional cover letter. Formally address the letter, as you would in a printed cover letter. 

The subject line and an email cover letter are important to notice amid the hundreds of emails a recruiter might receive. Include your name, the job title you’re applying for, the reason for contact, and what is included in the documents you're sending. An example would be:

Helen Williams – Marketing Manager Position – CV and cover letter

If you have a recipient’s name but you're sending your email to an "info" address, you can include "FAO" (for the attention of) in your title:

FAO Mark Booth—Helen Williams—Marketing Manager Position

How to find the right recipient

If you don’t have a recipient for your cover letter, you'll need to do some research. You might even have a name but not an email address. Here are some tips for hunting down elusive contacts and their addresses.

Research websites

Check out the company website and social media sites. Use Google to piece together what you know and find details on lesser-known websites such as About pages. For example, if you know the desired department to contact, you can search for "Head of Marketing for [Department]" and see what it brings up.

If you have a name but no contact address, you can search for your contact: "Mr. Jones, Head of Marketing at [Company]." If you need a contact email address, you may find a social media page.

Call the company

The good old-fashioned telephone is an excellent way to find a contact for your cover letter. Call the company, explain why you are calling, and ask them to whom best to send your cover letter and CV.

Check LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great tool for finding people thanks to its built-in and highly effective search function. You can search by the person's name if you have one, and for a more advanced search, you can add the company and location. If you find the person you’re looking for, you will see a "Contact info" link on their profile under their name, so you can attempt to message them and ask. 

If you don’t have a name, you can search the company and see who is listed as an employee. If the person you want isn’t listed, you may be able to contact someone in a related department, such as HR, and ask for assistance. You may even be able to get an introduction from a mutual connection.

Formatting your cover letter

The format of your letter is as important as who you send it to. Once you’ve tracked down the most appropriate recipient, you will want the rest of the letter to stand out, too.

Address and date

Your letter should be professionally formatted with your name, address, phone number, and email address in the top left. On the next line down, add the date. Then, on the left, add the name and address of the recipient. Under that, address the recipient with "Dear [Name]" on the left of the page as well.

If you send your letter digitally, which is far more common nowadays, it should be in the body of the text. At the top, you need to include the date, your city or town, country or province, phone number, and email address, but not the recipient's name and address. 

Cover letter template

Using a cover letter template can be very helpful. Generally, cover letters follow the same format (aside from the address at the top) and should ideally be no longer than a page, whether printed or emailed. Feel free to download this cover letter template for your use.

Get started.

When deciding how to address a cover letter and who to send it to, your efforts in finding the right person and formatting your cover letter professionally can help you get the interview you're looking for. For further help crafting cover letters that get you noticed, you can check out the Writing Winning Resumes and Cover Letters course offered by the University of Maryland on Coursera. 

Keep reading

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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Structure and Dynamics in Energy and Environmental Materials - Postdoctoral Scholar

🔍 bay area, california, united states.

The Advanced Light Source ( ALS ) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory ( LBNL ) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to investigate dynamic processes and morphology in soft and hybrid energy and environmental materials. The successful candidate will lead the development of chemical x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (cXPCS) using soft x-rays, utilizing multiple beamlines at ALS and other synchrotron facilities. This role involves original research on functional heterogeneous materials, collaboration with a diverse team of scientists across various disciplines, and contributions to future flagship coherent scattering capabilities.

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility whose excellent scientific reputation, expert staff, and capabilities in the soft x-ray, hard x-ray, and infrared regimes attract over 1,600 academic and industrial users each year in disciplines spanning physical, chemical, materials, biological, energy, and Earth sciences. It is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve a combined 11,000 users annually. The co-location of these user facilities – including the Molecular Foundry Nanoscale Science Research Center and the NERSC scientific computing center, as well as Berkeley Lab's outstanding programs in materials and chemical sciences, among others – offers a prime environment for collaborative science. The ALS has been a global leader in soft x-ray science for more than two decades and is currently undergoing a large-scale upgrade (ALS-U) that will endow the facility with state-of-the-art x-ray capabilities. It's an exciting time to join our growing team!

What You Will Do:

• Conduct original research to understand spatially-resolved dynamics, self-assembly, and structure in functional energy and environmental materials, including polymer-based thin films, nanocomposites and clay minerals. 
• Participate in the development of using coherent, energy-tunable soft x-rays to probe soft and hybrid materials via chemical x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (cXPCS), including developing an understanding of experimental parameters that mitigate or minimize beam induced dynamics.
• Engage in synergistic materials studies using complementary characterization tools (microscopy, spectroscopy, etc.)
• Collaborate and work with a diverse team of scientists that have expertise spanning material synthesis, self-assembly, characterization, simulations, and data analysis/processing.
• Oversee the synchrotron characterization efforts of the project at the Advanced Light Source and other user facilities.
• Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to collaborative publications; contribute to writing grants and proposals; present research through talks and posters at conferences, workshops, and multi-investigator meetings.
• Uphold a culture of safety and promote inclusion, diversity, equity, and accountability (IDEA) practices in daily work.

What is Required:

• Ph.D. in physics, materials science, chemical engineering, polymer science, chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience in experimental research to understand structure-property relationships related to morphology, self-assembly, and dynamics in soft, hybrid and/or geochemical materials, for example, polymers, nanocomposites, membranes, clay minerals, etc.
• Strong data processing and analysis skills, for example, working with synchrotron-generated data.
• Creative, independent, and proactive problem solver with a track record of tackling research projects from initiation to meaningful conclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in teams and collaborate with researchers of various backgrounds.
• Proven ability to publish research in scientific/technical journals supported by a strong publication record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Significant experience applying synchrotron-based characterization techniques, notably x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) and/or (resonant) soft x-ray scattering and corresponding data reduction, analysis, and fitting to study soft and/or hybrid energy or environmental materials.
• Experience in soft matter characterization combining insights from scattering-based probes with other complementary techniques. 
• Experience working with thin films of polymers, ionomers, or composites.

Required Application Materials:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Include 1-3 references
• Cover Letter - Describe your interest in the position and goals, background, and research experience.
• This is a full-time, 2 years, postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years of paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. Postdoctoral Fellow positions are paid on a step schedule per union contract and salaries are predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. Each step represents one full year of completed post-Ph.D. postdoctoral and/or related research experience. This position has a targeted monthly salary range of $7,455 - $8,326/month and is expected to start at $7,455/month or above.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Learn About Us:

Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 16 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The core values of the ALS reflect a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek candidates who will support a culture in which each member of the community feels welcomed and valued. An ongoing commitment to recruiting and retaining a vibrant, diverse, and talented workforce is paramount to promoting a strong and successful lab community. For more information refer to the LBNL core values and the ALS mission statement and core values.

Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here .

Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to continue building community with these shared values and commitments.

Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. 

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links:

Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.

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Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We heartily welcome applications from women, minorities, veterans, and all who would contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, inclusion, and professionalism. In support of our diverse global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity and IDEA Information Links: Know your rights, click here for the supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law." and the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4.

Privacy and Security Notice | LBNL is an E-Verify Employer | Contact Us

The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provides accommodation to otherwise qualified internal and external applicants who are disabled or become disabled and need assistance with the application process. Internal and external applicants that need such assistance may contact the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to request accommodation by telephone at 510-486-7635, by email to [email protected] or by U.S. mail at EEO/AA Office, One Cyclotron Road, MS90R-2121, Berkeley, CA 94720. These methods of contact have been put in place ONLY to be used by those internal and external applicants requesting accommodation.