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Crazyscientist Posted 13 years ago
Letter Writing

Help for a PhD motivation letter

Dear all,

I would be very thankful if you could please help me revise this motivation letter I have written for a PhD position in neuroscience. The job description specified that the letter should be 1 page long (and I have used all the available space, at least writing in office word) and to include it in a single pdf file together with the CV and the contact information of two references. I am specifing this to explain the context behind a phrase in the last paragraph. Also, I apologize in advance for possible spelling and grammatical foolish errors. I tried my best to avoid them.

I tried to shape my first draft according to the examples I have read on this forum.

Unfortunatly, having found this vacancy shortly before the deadline, I have only time until thursday to submit my application.

I have kept private the details about the people and the universities mentioned in the letter.

Thank you in advance for all the help you can give.

Cheers!

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Dear Dr. ***,

I am writing to apply for the PhD position in ``Computational Neuroscience'' offered by the Computational Neuroscience Laboratory at <University name>, as advertised on the laboratory's website. My career ambition is to become a doctor researching how the human brain works using mathematical modeling and I am confident that the <University name> is the right place where I can pursue my goal, given its high reputation and resources.

I am currently a master student in <degree program> at <University name> and I will graduate in July 2013. I have a long history of outstanding academic records, my grade's average being among the top ones in the university during the whole course of my studies. I expect to obtain the master's degree with the maximum score, as I did for the bachelor. I am also proud to say that I will be the first of my class to graduate.

My first exposure to the complexity of the human brain goes back to high school, when, motivated by a teacher, I studied the molecular basis of memory and learning as independent work. I am especially amazed by how our thoughts, memories and learning skills are encoded into the biological substrate of a network of neurons. I am challenged by how little it is known about the brain and I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this research field.

Last summer I was fortunate to have an exciting opportunity to perform research as an intern at <University name>. My work there was related to the network interdiction problem. In addition I was selected as an Erasmus exchange student at <University name>, where I am currently carrying on my master thesis on a statistical method to estimate the number of mRNAs detected in in vivo cells, at the Laboratory of Biosystem Dynamics, under the supervision of Professor***. These two experiences of actual research activity in international environments not only sharpened my critical thinking and improved my knowledge (especially in terms of Matlab programming and modeling of biological systems), but also enhanced my interpersonal skills. Indeed I have been working in a very multidisciplinary team, which involves mathematicians as well as biologists and this has taught me how to communicate efficiently with people with a different background than mine.

Aside from the academic career, I have been a student representative in my faculty council and I have actively worked as a volunteer in an association involved in campaigns for human rights. Having to manage multiple commitments at the same time strengthened my organization and time management skills.

Given my high motivation and my record of academic achievements, I am confident that I meet all the requirements for this position. If given the opportunity, I will do my best to exceed your expectation and to bring an high level of energy to your laboratory. My curriculum vitae, transcript of records and contact information of two references follow.

Thank you for considering my application, I look forward for your response.

Sincerely yours,

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Thanks again for your help!
  

Top answer

Dear Dr. ***, I am writing to apply for the PhD position in Computational Neuroscience offered by the Computational Neuroscience Laboratory at , as advertised on the laboratory's website. My career ambition is to become a doctor researching how the human brain works using mathematical modeling and I am confident that the is the right place where I can pursue my goals, given its high reputation and resources.

  • Dear Dr.
  • ***, I am writing to apply for the PhD position in Computational Neuroscience offered by the Computational Neuroscience Laboratory at , as advertised on the laboratory's website.
  • My career ambition is to become a doctor researching how the human brain works using mathematical modeling and I am confident that the is the right place where I can pursue my goals, given its high reputation and resources.
  • I am currently a master's degree student in at and I will graduate in July 2013.
  • I have a long history of outstanding academic records, my grade average being among the top ones in the university during the whole course of my studies.
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2 Answers
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Dear Dr. ***, I am writing to apply for the PhD position in Computational Neuroscience offered by the Computational Neuroscience Laboratory at , as advertised on the laboratory's website. My career ambition is to become a doctor researching how the human brain works using mathematical modeling and I am confident that the is the right place where I can pursue my goals, given its high reputation and
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Thank you very much EnglishFix! :-)

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