Letter - PhD

Dear all:
I am applying for a PhD, to which I need to send a cover/motivation letter. Could you please peruse it for me and let me know how to improve it.
Many thanks in advance,
Roman.

"Dear Professor, XXX:

I am writing to inquire about the availability of a Ph.D. position in your group (in 2008). The date of my graduation from Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (Moscow, Russia) is 30.06.2008.

My research interests include physics of petroleum macromolecules: intermolecular interactions (dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonds, etc.), molecular association (including p-p stacking), and a new phase formation. The aim of my research work concerned the application of modern physical methods (first of all, spectroscopic) for evaluation of properties and phase behavior of system, containing petroleum macromolecules (asphaltenes, resins, and paraffins). The control of these properties finds wide application in modern petroleum industry.

I have specifically focused my efforts on the van der Waals intermolecular interactions in petroleum system. I also studied the adsorption phenomena in these systems (onto solid and liquid surfaces). My main research tools were dielectric, fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy.

I believe that a Ph.D. position in your laboratory will provide me with the support and challenge which I am looking for. My main goal is to work on original and challenging projects which results can find wide industrial applications.

I am very interested in your research group and would be very enthusiastic to join it. If you find my previous (“petroleum”) experience uninteresting, I’m ready to take part in another project of your laboratory.

A copy of my curriculum vitae (CV) is enclosed. Additional publications are expected in the next future. Please feel free to contact me for any additional information.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely yours, YYY"