Research Assistant Cover Letter Examples (Text Format)
Years of Experience
- Entry-level
- Mid-career
- Senior-level
Jacob Stanton
Junior Research Assistant | [email protected] | (503) 555-4512 | 3434 Julip St., Portland, OR 97267
October 9, 2021
Sarah Hibbins
HR Manager
Contemplative Inc.
(503) 555-1212
[email protected]
Dear Ms. Hibbins,
Discovering how positive reinforcement techniques increased the therapeutic benefits of dopamine by 72% was one of my proudest moments as a Junior Research Assistant last year. My supervisor said my testing methods and reward pathway computations were invaluable to the team. I believe these same skills could be beneficial to Contemplative Inc. if I joined your company as the new Junior Research Assistant.
During my 2+ years at Therapeutic Circle, I have improved the efficiency of their data collection system by 52% using the IBM SPSS Statistics platform to optimize production. I enjoy building innovative systems that utilize the latest subgroup variation techniques. Some of my other achievements include:
- Reporting: Decreased reporting needed by reconfiguring quantitative protocols saving $75,000 in overall testing costs in 2020
- Development: Developed system using Python and JavaScript to efficiently troubleshoot production quality code and reduce user interface costs by 67%
- Training: Assistant Trainer for 25 staff members attending Code Documentation class
I would love to discuss how my communication, qualitative, and analytical skills would be beneficial to your business. Please contact me at your convenience to schedule an interview.
Best regards,
Jacob Stanton
P.S. — I would love to tell you what prompted my boss to promote me during my first year!
Justin Stewart
Research Assistant | [email protected] | (503) 555-1895 | 2367 Sage St., Portland, OR 97267
October 9, 2021
David Greene
HR Manager
Critical Learning Institute
(503) 555-9924
[email protected]
Dear Mr. Greene,
One of my top achievements in 2020 was streamlining needs assessment data in order to launch a new adaptive learning platform and increase enrollment by 60%. As a Research Assistant at Aspiring Minds, I understand how well executed Agile methodologies ensure an optimal learning experience. I believe similar results could be achieved at the Critical Learning Institute if I were chosen as your new Research Assistant.
Your organization has been in the forefront of STEM focused education. For over seven years, I have led our research team to develop STEM competency requirements, quality control procedures, and curriculum reviews. Some of my recent accomplishments include:
- Leadership: Team leader who spearheaded the creation of a statistical data library to improve reading and writing testing methods for K-12 students
- Recognition: Published 20 articles in Social Science Research, and received several accolades from peers regarding quantitative methods for integrative learning
- Coordination: Managed survey rollout for CSLEE conference in 2021
I look forward to discussing how my complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing skills would be beneficial for your company. Feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule an interview.
Best regards,
Justin Stewart
P.S. — It would be great to tell you how reorganizing our strategic data projects fast-tracked our entrepreneurial spirit program.
Jill Sanchez
Senior Research Assistant | [email protected] | (503) 555-6767 | 4101 Cyprus Rd., Portland, OR 97267
October 9, 2021
Rick O’Brien
HR Manager
Lakeview University
(503) 555-7783
[email protected]
Dear Mr. O’Brien,
One of my proudest moments last year was studying how synovitis when treated with anti-inflammatory polysaccharides resulted in a 36% decrease of rheumatoid arthritis. As a Senior Research Assistant at Westfield College, this success was featured on the cover of Arthritis & Rheumatology as a “breakthrough therapy.” I believe similar results could be achieved if I were chosen as your new Senior Research Assistant at Lakeview University.
The clinical trials at Lakeview University, featuring the latest immunoelectrophoresis-serum techniques, I believe is the future of immunology. My 15+ years of supervision, including 300 clinical trials, has given me the experience that aligns with your excellent patient care. Other accomplishments that would also be beneficial to Lakeview University include:
- Management: Supervised the testing methodology for over 35,000 clinical trial patients
- Development: Designed a lab program reducing turnaround time from 45 days to a week
- Certifications: Received both my ACRP and SOCRA certifications in 2012
I would like to discuss how my project management, interpersonal, and regulatory skills would be helpful to your immunology department. Please contact me at your earliest convenience for an interview.
Best regards,
Jill Sanchez
P.S. — I would also love to tell you how my mentoring program for lab technicians was recently recognized by the Oregon State Legislative Assembly.
Research Assistant Cover Letter Checklist
The most effective research assistant cover letter will include the following five elements:
1. Heading. Be sure to use a stylized template so that your cover letter will catch the hiring manager’s attention. A professional cover letter will also include the following information:
- First and last name, current title, email, phone number and mailing address
- The date you wrote your letter
- The full name, title and address details of the hiring manager
2. Salutation. Greeting the hiring manager using Mr. or Ms. and their last name is preferred. If you can’t find their name, then use “Dear Hiring Manager” as an alternative.
3. Introduction. This is your chance to make a great first impression as the ideal candidate that sparks their interest and immediately shows enthusiasm in their job listing.
4. Body paragraphs. Write two paragraphs about your professional experience including your education and skills. Consider using bullet points so the manager can do a quick scan of your top accomplishments.
5. Closing section. Use this opportunity to close with a powerful call to action (CTA) that requests the hiring manager contact you for an interview. Ending your letter with a P.S. is also a great way to catch their eye with one final achievement.
Introduction
An effective introduction grabs the hiring manager’s attention and shows your interest in the research assistant job. Review your resume and choose one accomplishment that you can feature in your introduction. Be sure to select an achievement that is quantifiable and shows how your abilities can help the company in a tangible way. Avoid generic facts such as your education level and years of experience so your opening isn’t lacking interest.
Good
One of my top achievements in 2020 was streamlining quantitative data in order to launch a new interactive STEM program which increased enrollment by 55%. My supervisor said that my critical-thinking skills along with my JavaScript expertise allowed for an earlier release date. I would like to bring these same skills to Viafont Corp. as a Senior Research Assistant in your learning lab.
Bad
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences and 12 years of experience to perform the duties of the Research Assistant job you recently posted on the Social Sciences job board.
Body Paragraphs
In the body of your cover letter, demonstrate your interest in the position, how you agree with the company’s mission, and the specific reasons why you want to work there. Then include achievements that align with the job posting. Use specific examples of how you saved time and money. Include your promotions or any other results-oriented (quantifiable) outcomes that show how you’ll succeed in the new position. Avoid generic accomplishments that lack specific results.
Good
Viafont’s ability to introduce STEM focused educational programs using new user interface technology is what I consider the future of remote learning. As a Senior Research Assistant, my 12+ years of experience and 4 supervisory roles align perfectly with your mission of academic excellence. I believe my previous accomplishments would be beneficial to Viafont and include:
- Management: Supervised 25 analysts who rolled out user interface to 3,500 students
- Development: Reconfigured data system that saved $25,000 in operating expenses
- Certifications: Received my Social Science Research Methods Certificate in 2014
Bad
I am a Research Assistant who would like to apply for your recently posted position. I have the experience for this job and believe I would do well. As a Senior Research Assistant, I enjoy managing projects and analyzing data in an efficient way.
My current responsibilities include:
- Project Management
- Analyzing Data
- Reviewing Research
Closing
Your closing should have an impactful call to action (CTA) that encourages the hiring manager to contact you for an interview. Just thanking them for their time will be a missed opportunity to discuss the job further.
For a great way to stand out include a P.S. with one last accomplishment that would interest your hiring manager. Not only does it catch their eye, it makes your cover letter unique by offering additional information about your background.
Good
I would like to further discuss how my analytical, problem-solving, and innovative solutions would be helpful for your company. Please call me to schedule an interview at your earliest convenience.
Best regards,
Steve Johnson
P.S. — I would love to tell you more about the 7 quality achievement awards that I received in the last 4 years.
Bad
Thank you for your time. I hope you’ll contact me soon regarding this position.
Sincerely,
Steve Johnson