Research Assistant Cover Letter Example

17 July 2023

Alex Reed
5508 Terrace Drive
La Crescenta, CA, 91214
(818) 835-3371
alex.reed@gmail.com

Dear Dr. Reed,

I’m writing to you regarding the Lab Research Assistant position at BioSpace. I’m confident my academic background in molecular biology and biomedical research experience will make me a competent contributor to your team.

The time I spent as a research assistant at Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research has helped me develop and fine-tune the skills necessary for a full-time research position. Specifically, my experience with crafting grant proposals has equipped me with the reading and writing skills you’re looking for in your ideal candidate.

Additionally, during my time at the UCLA Center for Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, I learned how to manage my work in a collaborative environment. Together with 5 lab workers, I conducted thorough examinations of DNA and RNA structures, carefully documenting any changes or variations observed during the analysis process. Utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, I ensured accurate data collection and recorded comprehensive notes on genetic mutations, sequence alterations, and any other relevant findings.

I look forward to discussing my candidacy with you in person or over the phone. If any additional information will help move my application forward, please let me know. Thanks for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Gloria Perez

If you’re great at processing data and information, you’ll be in high demand for jobs supporting the work of primary researchers.

Show employers you’re a perfect fit for the job by showcasing your expertise in your cover letter.

Follow these three tips to write an impressive research assistant cover letter:

1. Highlight your research assistant skills

As a research assistant, you’ll spend your time gathering information, checking facts, and presenting findings.

Highlight essential skills in your cover letter that go hand-in-hand with your research skills. For example, attention to detail and organizational skills are some soft skills employers look for in a research assistant.

Here’s a list of other hard and soft skills to include in your research assistant cover letter:

Communication skills
Time management skills
Observational skills
Data analysis
Critical thinking
Problem solving skills
Data collection
Processing information
Conducting research and preparing reports
Information retrieval
Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook)
Analytical software (SAS, The MathWorks MATLAB, and IBM SPSS Statistics)
Data software (StataCorp Stata)
Query software (Microsoft Access and Microsoft SQL Server)
Knowledge of online resources and library databases

When writing your research assistant cover letter, avoid generic statements. Instead, add details to make your achievements stand out. Here’s an example of a sentence that effectively demonstrates the candidate’s abilities:

In my last position, I compiled and meticulously analyzed data from 500 survey respondents for a groundbreaking research study on the impact of social media usage on mental health.

In this example, the candidate includes details and hard numbers to convey that they’re capable of handling large amounts of data.

2. Open with a strong introduction

Research assistant positions are highly competitive, so knowing how to start your cover letter with an eye-catching introduction ensures your application stands out among applicants with similar research abilities.

Here’s how to write a strong introduction for your research assistant cover letter:

Convey enthusiasm for the job – Show employers you have the skills and passion required to excel in the role. For example, link the company’s goal to a research project you worked on in college.

Lead with an impressive accomplishment – If your cover letter doesn’t immediately grab the hiring manager’s attention, they might not read it until the end. That’s why you should start off with one of your greatest accomplishments.

Scan the job posting for cover letter keywords – Analyze the job posting to uncover specific skills employers are looking for, and then emphasize them in your cover letter. For example, if a job ad mentions that you’ll regularly be managing large data sets, provide examples that demonstrate your attention to detail.

3. Research the organization

The main responsibilities of a research assistant revolve around conducting research and gathering information, so do your research before you begin writing your cover letter.

Doing your homework showcases your research skills and ability to take the initiative. Use the information you gather to market yourself by aligning your talents with a facility’s needs.

For instance, if you find out that the organization is particularly well-known for its work in a specific field, mention that you’re passionate about this area of research and provide examples of work you’ve done in the field previously.

Here’s a good example:

I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the Center for Sustainable Industry, an organization renowned for its groundbreaking contributions to solar power research. As an avid advocate for sustainable technologies, I have actively engaged in research projects focused on this area, such as my recent work on developing innovative solar cell designs as part of my undergraduate thesis.