Lab Assistant Cover Letter Examples & Writing Guide

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Undergraduate Lab Assistant position in the Biology Department at Stanford University. As a sophomore biology major with hands-on laboratory coursework and a passion for scientific research, I am eager to support faculty research while developing my technical skills. My relevant qualifications include: • Completed laboratory courses in General Biology, Organic Chemistry, and Molecular Biology with A grades • Proficient in basic laboratory techniques including pipetting, solution preparation, and aseptic technique • Experienced with microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry from coursework • Maintained detailed laboratory notebooks documenting procedures and observations • Followed safety protocols and proper waste disposal procedures • Assisted in setting up laboratory demonstrations for introductory biology courses I am a quick learner, detail-oriented, and committed to maintaining organized laboratory spaces. My strong academic performance demonstrates my understanding of biological concepts and scientific methodology. Stanford's cutting-edge research facilities and commitment to undergraduate research involvement make this my ideal opportunity to gain hands-on experience. I am particularly excited about contributing to research while learning advanced laboratory techniques. My technical skills, reliability, and enthusiasm for biological research position me to excel as a lab assistant. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your laboratory. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Alex Martinez Sophomore, Biology Major, Stanford University

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to apply for the Clinical Lab Assistant position at Massachusetts General Hospital. With medical laboratory technician training and clinical rotation experience, I am excited to support MGH's clinical laboratory operations while ensuring accurate and timely test results. My clinical laboratory experience includes: • Completed 480-hour clinical rotation in hospital laboratory covering hematology, chemistry, and microbiology • Performed blood collection via venipuncture and capillary puncture on 200+ patients with 98% first-stick success rate • Processed laboratory specimens including centrifugation, aliquoting, and labeling following standard protocols • Operated automated analyzers for routine chemistry and hematology testing • Maintained laboratory equipment through daily quality control checks and calibration procedures • Followed CLIA regulations and laboratory safety protocols ensuring compliance I am certified in phlebotomy and proficient in laboratory information systems (LIS). My attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure accurate specimen handling and processing. MGH's reputation for clinical excellence and commitment to patient care make this my ideal position. I am excited about contributing to high-quality laboratory services supporting patient diagnosis and treatment. My technical skills, clinical training, and dedication to accuracy position me to excel as a clinical lab assistant. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Jennifer Lee Medical Laboratory Technician Certificate, Bunker Hill Community College

Dear Dr. Johnson, I am writing to express my interest in the Chemistry Lab Assistant position in your organic chemistry research group at UC Berkeley. As a chemistry major with strong laboratory skills and interest in synthetic chemistry, I am eager to support your research on novel catalytic reactions. My chemistry laboratory background includes: • Completed Organic Chemistry I and II laboratory courses with excellent performance in synthetic techniques • Proficient in organic synthesis techniques including reflux, distillation, extraction, and chromatography • Experienced with analytical instrumentation including NMR, IR, GC-MS, and HPLC • Maintained air-sensitive reactions using Schlenk line and glovebox techniques • Performed literature searches using SciFinder and Reaxys chemical databases • Characterized compounds using spectroscopic methods and interpreted spectra I am meticulous in following experimental procedures, maintaining detailed records, and troubleshooting experimental issues. My strong understanding of organic chemistry principles allows me to work semi-independently. Your research on asymmetric catalysis aligns perfectly with my interest in synthetic methodology. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research while developing advanced laboratory skills. My technical proficiency, scientific curiosity, and commitment to careful experimentation position me to be a valuable lab assistant. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your research group. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, David Chen Junior, Chemistry Major, UC Berkeley

Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Research Lab Assistant position in the Laboratory of Immunology at the National Institutes of Health. With a bachelor's degree in biology and research experience in cellular immunology, I am excited to support NIH's biomedical research mission. My research laboratory experience includes: • Conducted undergraduate honors thesis research on T cell activation requiring independent experimental design • Proficient in cell culture techniques including mammalian cell maintenance, cryopreservation, and counting • Performed flow cytometry experiments for immune cell phenotyping and analyzed data using FlowJo • Executed molecular biology techniques including PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA • Maintained laboratory mouse colony and performed tissue harvesting following IACUC protocols • Presented research at undergraduate research symposium earning best poster award I am skilled in experimental troubleshooting, data analysis, and scientific communication. My research experience demonstrates my ability to work independently and contribute meaningfully to scientific projects. NIH's world-class immunology research and collaborative environment make this my ideal opportunity. I am particularly excited about contributing to research with potential clinical applications. My technical expertise, research experience, and dedication to scientific discovery position me to excel as a research lab assistant. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Sarah Williams B.S. Biology, University of Virginia

Dear Dr. Martinez, I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Lab Assistant position in your neuroscience research laboratory at Johns Hopkins University. As a recent graduate with research experience in behavioral neuroscience, I am eager to support your investigations of neural circuits underlying learning and memory. My neuroscience research background includes: • Completed year-long independent research project investigating spatial memory in rodent models • Proficient in behavioral testing protocols including Morris water maze, Y-maze, and novel object recognition • Performed stereotaxic surgery for viral injections and electrode implantations in mice • Conducted immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy for neural circuit mapping • Analyzed behavioral data using MATLAB and statistical software • Maintained rodent colony ensuring animal welfare and IACUC compliance I have strong technical skills in both behavioral assessment and molecular techniques. My ability to handle multiple experimental timelines and maintain detailed records ensures reliable research outcomes. Your laboratory's innovative approach to studying memory consolidation aligns perfectly with my research interests. I am excited about contributing to projects using cutting-edge optogenetics and imaging techniques. My neuroscience expertise, technical proficiency, and passion for brain research position me to be an effective lab assistant. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your research program. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Michael Park B.S. Neuroscience, Duke University

Dear Hiring Committee, I am writing to apply for the Cancer Research Lab Assistant position at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. With a biology degree and experience in cancer biology research, I am passionate about supporting research that advances cancer treatment. My cancer research experience includes: • Worked as undergraduate research assistant in cancer biology lab for two years • Maintained cancer cell lines including adherent and suspension cultures with proper sterile technique • Performed cell viability assays (MTT, trypan blue exclusion) to assess treatment effects • Executed protein expression analysis using Western blotting and immunofluorescence • Conducted drug sensitivity experiments testing chemotherapy compounds on various cancer cell lines • Presented research findings at departmental seminars and co-authored manuscript in preparation I am proficient in mammalian cell culture, molecular biology techniques, and experimental documentation. My research experience demonstrates my ability to contribute to ongoing projects and maintain reproducible results. Memorial Sloan Kettering's translational research approach and commitment to improving cancer outcomes inspire me. I am excited about contributing to research that directly impacts patient care. My technical skills, cancer biology knowledge, and dedication to scientific rigor position me to excel as a research lab assistant. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Emily Rodriguez B.S. Biology, New York University

Dear Dr. Thompson, I am writing to express my interest in the Environmental Science Lab Assistant position in your aquatic ecology research group at the University of Washington. As an environmental science major with field and laboratory experience, I am eager to support research on Pacific Northwest aquatic ecosystems. My environmental laboratory experience includes: • Conducted water quality analysis measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and nutrient concentrations • Performed microscopic identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates and phytoplankton • Collected field samples from streams and lakes following standard protocols • Maintained aquarium systems for experimental manipulation studies • Analyzed environmental data using R statistical software • Assisted with fish monitoring surveys using electrofishing and net sampling techniques I am comfortable working in both laboratory and field settings, often in challenging weather conditions. My strong organisational skills ensure proper sample tracking and data management. Your research on stream restoration effectiveness aligns with my passion for conservation biology. I am excited about contributing to research informing environmental management decisions. My field skills, laboratory proficiency, and commitment to environmental science position me to be a valuable lab assistant. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your research. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Rachel Green Junior, Environmental Science Major, University of Washington

Dear Dr. Anderson, I am writing to apply for the Genetics Lab Assistant position in your molecular genetics research laboratory at Yale University. With strong molecular biology skills and enthusiasm for genetic research, I am excited to support your investigations of gene regulation mechanisms. My genetics laboratory background includes: • Completed advanced molecular biology laboratory course focusing on gene cloning and expression • Proficient in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning, and DNA sequencing • Experienced with bacterial transformation, plasmid preparation, and restriction enzyme digestion • Performed gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR and Northern blotting • Maintained laboratory stocks including bacterial strains, plasmids, and primers • Utilized bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis and primer design I am detail-oriented with excellent record-keeping skills essential for reproducible molecular biology experiments. My strong genetics coursework background allows me to understand experimental rationale and troubleshoot issues. Yale's genetics research excellence and your laboratory's focus on epigenetic regulation make this an ideal opportunity. I am particularly excited about learning CRISPR gene editing techniques. My molecular biology skills, genetics knowledge, and dedication to scientific accuracy position me to excel as a lab assistant. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Thomas Kim B.S. Molecular Biology, Yale University