Undergraduate Research Assistant Cover Letters

Approved by real hiring managers, these Undergraduate Research Assistant cover letters have been proven to get people hired in 2023. A hiring manager explains why.

Hiring Manager for Undergraduate Research Assistant Roles
Compiled and approved by: Marie-Caroline Pereira
Senior Hiring Manager - Undergraduate Research Assistant Roles
10+ Years of Experience

Undergraduate Research Assistant Cover Letter Example

Dear Hiring Manager,

As a devoted admirer of cutting-edge scientific research, I was thrilled to come across the Undergraduate Research Assistant position at Google. My passion for research was ignited during my high school years when I had the opportunity to participate in a local science fair, which ultimately led to a state-level competition. I found Google's commitment to innovation and its focus on using technology to improve the lives of millions to be incredibly inspiring and well-aligned with my interests.

Having worked on several research projects during my undergraduate studies, I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to Google's research team. For example, while interning at Resume Worded, I was able to help develop a machine learning model to optimize resume keywords, resulting in a 30% increase in user success rates. Furthermore, my experience as a lab assistant at my university's Neuroscience Department allowed me to hone my skills in experimental design and data analysis, as well as develop a strong work ethic and attention to detail. I am eager to bring these skills, along with my passion for research and innovation, to Google.

What truly excites me about this role is the possibility of working on ground-breaking research projects that have the potential to shape the future of technology and improve the lives of millions worldwide. I am eager to learn from and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, and I am confident that my skills, passion, and dedication will make me a valuable addition to the Google research team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to the success of Google's research initiatives.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

Confidence in Abilities

This opening to the second paragraph immediately conveys the applicant's confidence in their skills and experience, setting the tone for the rest of the letter.

Specific Accomplishments

By providing specific examples of past accomplishments, the applicant effectively demonstrates their ability to contribute to the company's research objectives.

Enthusiasm for the Role

This sentence highlights the applicant's genuine excitement for the position, showing that they are truly invested in the work they would be doing.

Polite and Professional Closing

The closing sentence is brief and courteous, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be considered for the position while maintaining a professional tone.

Undergraduate Research Assistant Cover Letter Example

Dear Dr. Smith,

Remember the first time you looked through a microscope and saw a whole new world? For me, that moment came in my high school biology class, and I was hooked. That fascination led me to pursue a major in Biology, and now, I'm seeking the position of Undergraduate Research Assistant at Johns Hopkins University. Your team's pioneering research in neurobiology, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, aligns perfectly with my academic focus and personal interests.

At Resume Worded, I worked on a project where we used machine learning algorithms to analyze large sets of genetic data. We wanted to identify specific genetic markers linked to certain diseases, and I was responsible for designing and implementing the data analysis part of the project. Our project was a success, and we managed to identify 5 potential genetic markers for early onset Alzheimer's - something that I am very proud of. I also gained experience in presenting complex scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, which I believe will be beneficial in the interdisciplinary setting at Johns Hopkins.

As a student, I have been following the work of your research team closely, and I am particularly excited about the potential of your latest project on early Alzheimer's detection. I believe that my technical skills, combined with my passion for neurobiology, make me a strong candidate for this position.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to your research and learn from your team of experts.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

h2 class='keysentence1'>Showcase an alignment between your interests and the company's work

It's great to express your admiration for the work the company or team is doing. Not just that, but also demonstrating how their work aligns with your own interests and academic focus. This shows that you've done your homework about the company or team you're applying to, and you're not just randomly applying for jobs. It's an effective way of showing that you're genuinely interested in the job and the work they do.

Graduate Research Assistant Cover Letter Example

Dear Dr. Johnson,

I still remember the moment I held my first test tube in the chemistry lab at school. The thrill of conducting experiments and discovering new things was intoxicating. Now, as a graduate student in Chemistry, I'm eager to take my research skills to the next level. I am writing to apply for the position of Graduate Research Assistant in your esteemed Synthetic Chemistry group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

During my undergraduate studies at Resume Worded, I worked on a project to create a new type of polymer that could potentially replace plastics. With my team, I designed and synthesized the polymer, and we published our findings in the Journal of Materials Chemistry. I also gained experience in using advanced analytical techniques like NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography, which I believe will be beneficial for the research at MIT.

I have been following the work of your research group with great interest, especially your recent breakthrough in the synthesis of biodegradable polymers. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to this pioneering research and learning from some of the best minds in the field.

Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my passion for synthetic chemistry and my research skills to your team.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Why This Cover Letter Works in 2023

h2 class='keysentence2'>Mention your accomplishments specifically and proudly

Expressing your pride in your past work achievements can be a powerful way to grab an employer's attention. Don't be shy to show off a bit. Be specific about what you accomplished and its significance. For instance, talking about a successful project where you identified potential genetic markers for a disease can illustrate your capabilities concretely. It also shows that you can translate academic learning into practical results.

Alternative Introductions

If you're struggling to start your cover letter, here are 6 different variations that have worked for others, along with why they worked. Use them as inspiration for your introductory paragraph.

1
Ever since I stumbled upon an article about IBM's artificial intelligence research, I've been fascinated by the company's approach to pushing the boundaries of technology. This fascination drove me to focus on machine learning throughout my undergraduate studies, and it's thrilling to see an open Undergraduate Research Assistant position at IBM, where I can contribute towards shaping the future of AI.
This intro connects the applicant's personal interest in the company's work with their relevant academic experience, showing IBM that their passion directly aligns with the position's focus.

2
Witnessing Microsoft's dedication to accessibility and inclusion at an Ability Summit I attended last year left a lasting impression on me. As someone who is passionate about using technology to empower people of all abilities, I am excited about the opportunity to apply for the Undergraduate Research Assistant position at Microsoft and contribute to creating a more inclusive world.
By sharing a personal experience and linking it to the company's values, this intro demonstrates a strong connection between the applicant's goals and Microsoft's mission.

3
My first introduction to the world of bioinformatics was through a riveting guest lecture by a renowned scientist from the Broad Institute. As someone who is passionate about making a positive impact through cutting-edge research, I am eager to apply for the Undergraduate Research Assistant position at the Broad Institute and be a part of the team that drives innovation in genomics and biomedical research.
This intro shows that the applicant's interest in the company goes beyond a surface level, referencing a memorable event that inspired them to pursue a career in the company's specific field of expertise.

4
Growing up in a family of medical professionals, I've always been interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare. Philips' innovative approach to creating health technology solutions that improve lives really resonates with me, and I am excited to apply for the Undergraduate Research Assistant position at Philips to contribute to these life-changing projects.
By sharing a personal background story, this intro effectively communicates an authentic motivation for applying to the company and shows a genuine connection between the applicant's values and Philips' mission.

5
During my internship at a local tech startup, I had the chance to use Amazon Web Services to develop a cloud-based solution for a client's data storage needs. Witnessing the power and versatility of AWS firsthand truly inspired me, and I am eager to apply for the Undergraduate Research Assistant position at Amazon to contribute to their industry-leading cloud computing innovations.
This intro highlights the applicant's hands-on experience with the company's product, showcasing their practical knowledge and enthusiasm to contribute towards further advancements in the field.