Motivation letter PhD

Dear all & especially MountainHiker,

would anyone please proofread my letter of motivation for a PhD position I am very eager to obtain? I have trouble finding someone who will scrutinize, but fairly judge the things I wrote...

Reading through this site makes me realize this is the best place to get some practical & honest comments, especially I like the comments of MountainHiker, so if you have time that would be great.... I have already gone through the very helpful part I & part II.

Thanks a lot, Tilly
(not a native English speaker)

Dear Dr. xxxxxx & Prof. Dr. xxxxxx,

Many years ago, when I first realized the importance of the microbiome, the subject grabbed my interest and never let go. Working as a teacher and researcher in the field of infectious diseases, I come across many questions considering this topic. Too many times, in my opinion, I feel unable to come up with a satisfactory answer, for a lot is still unknown. I am very eager to help investigate this important phenomenon by conducting research, sharing knowledge and collaborating with complementing disciplines. Therefore, I am sending you my motivation letter for the PhD position xxxxxxxx, which I saw on LinkedIn. The conversations with both xxxxxx today and xxxxxx on Wednesday felt good and confirmed me even more in wanting to apply to this specific position at the division xxxxxx.

Currently, I am a xxxxxx Specialist in training t in at the division xxxxxx. In this position, I have gained much understanding and insight of microbiology in a broad sense and host-pathogen interaction.
For the specialization, I am doing research on xxxxxx. Thereby, I have learned to design and conduct scientific research and perform several laboratory techniques, such as molecular methods. Also, I have experience with writing scientific articles and presenting my work. Another aspect of focusing on this ubiquitous protozoa, is that it has further increased my interest in the interaction of the microbiome with pathogens and the host’s immune system. It makes me want to look further into mechanisms and solutions.
Also, I have learned to draw up clear problem definitions and to handle animals in my first work experiences as a veterinary clinician. In the many years I work as a teacher, I learned the ability to combine knowledge of multidisciplinary origin, pass it over to a broad range of audience and to be occupied with many things at the same time while keeping overview.

I am good at working evidence based, possess good communication skills and cooperate well with other parties. For the xxxxx project, one of my achievements was to thoroughly check out the latest insights and with this evidence based information, convince my supervisors to implement the Multi Locus Sequence Typing scheme. Also, I have made achievements in the concept of how infections with this commonly present intestinal agent should be judged, both scientifically and for clinicians in the field. In practical terms, several parties and disciplines (e.g. veterinary internal medicine, pharmaceutical industry, public health, our group) made effort to develop a consensus with regard to xxxxx. My knowledge and social skills were important contributions in the attempts to get everyone to adopt the same line. The well-received result was published in a journal for veterinarians and we all look back on a pleasant cooperation.
Bosses and colleagues present and past value my abilities to work good both in a team and independently. Further, they appreciate that I am widely interested and always on the lookout for multidisciplinary aspects of subjects.

The collaboration between two highly recommended universities and an innovative company ensures both a high quality scientific approach and practical applicability. This fits very well with my wish to do research in applied sciences, in an inspiring, multidisciplinary and ambitious work environment.
Despite my somewhat limited experience in specific laboratory techniques, I feel that I can learn quickly and raise my knowledge to required level in a short amount of time.

I will add to the team my personality which consists of friendliness, good fellowship, critical analytical capacities and integrity.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please find attached my resume.
I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you and discuss the position in more detail.

Sincerely,