Research scientist cover letter example
A research scientist’s cover letter tells a hiring scientist what you have built and what you want to lead. Name the post, give your PhD and current work, describe one result others now use, then show the funding and supervision that make you ready for the step up.
Read the letter as text
Dr Eleanor Marsh
Cambridge · [email protected] · 07700 900275
17 October 2026
Dr Sunil Mehta
Head of Assay Development
Corvane Therapeutics
Building 4, Ouseley Science Park
Cambridge CB22 9QZ
Dear Dr Mehta
Application for Senior Scientist, Assay Development
I am applying for the Senior Scientist, Assay Development post at Corvane Therapeutics. I have a PhD in biochemistry and have developed protein assays at Fenwold Biologics since 2022, as a research scientist on three antibody programmes.
The work I am proudest of is a cell-based potency assay that cut the time to a result from five days to two. I designed and validated it, then trained the quality control team, who now run it on every batch.
I also co-wrote a successful £480,000 Innovate UK grant application for a new assay platform, and I supervise two placement students a year. Leading a small team on your antibody pipeline is the step I am ready for.
My CV is attached, and I can send my full publication list. Thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely
Dr Eleanor Marsh
Fictional letter from Dr Eleanor Marsh, the applicant in the research scientist CV example. Every person and employer in it is invented.
Why each paragraph is there
I am applying for the Senior Scientist, Assay Development post at Corvane Therapeutics. I have a PhD in biochemistry and have developed protein assays at Fenwold Biologics since 2022, as a research scientist on three antibody programmes.
The post, your PhD and what you work on now.
The work I am proudest of is a cell-based potency assay that cut the time to a result from five days to two. I designed and validated it, then trained the quality control team, who now run it on every batch.
One result that others rely on.
I also co-wrote a successful £480,000 Innovate UK grant application for a new assay platform, and I supervise two placement students a year. Leading a small team on your antibody pipeline is the step I am ready for.
Funding and supervision, and why this post.
My CV is attached, and I can send my full publication list. Thank you for considering my application.
The CV, your publications and a short close.