faculty position cover letter sample

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Cover letters for faculty job applications

The cover letter serves as an introduction to your application package and answers the following questions: Who are you? When will you defend your dissertation (if you’re currently ABD)? Why are you interested in applying for this assistant professor position? Why are you interested in this institution? What is your dissertation research about? What are your future research plans? What kind of teaching experience do you have? How will you contribute to our department and institution? Why is the school a good fit for you and vice versa? A strong cover letter will be tailored to the institution to which you’re applying. For the humanities and social sciences it is typically 2–3 pages long, and for STEM fields 1–2 pages, but this may vary depending on your specific discipline.

The Purpose of a Cover Letter

Sometimes called a “ letter of intent ” or “ letter of interest ,” a cover letter is an introduction to the rest of your job application materials. The purpose of a cover letter is to quickly summarize why you are applying to an organization or for a particular position, and what skills and knowledge you bring that make you the most suitable candidate for that position. The cover letter is often the first impression that a prospective employer will have of you, especially if they do not know you or have not heard about you from their network of contacts. First impressions count, and so getting your cover letter right is a critical step in your job application process. Like all your job application materials, it may take time and focus to write your cover letters well. You will likely have several drafts before you come up with a final version that clearly articulates your skills and your understanding of the employer and the job requirements.

While your CV briefly states your skills, knowledge, experience, and (most importantly) what you have achieved using your abilities, the cover letter gives you an opportunity to create a narrative that shows the path you have taken in your career or education, emphasizing the skills you’ve used along the way, and explaining why the position you are applying to is the next desirable step on this path.

Timeline: Getting Started with Your Cover Letter

Step 1: The first step to writing a good cover letter is to have a good CV. Your cover letter expands upon some of the information you include within these documents and describes the role you have played in achieving your academic goals (i.e., showing how your experiences have made you the best candidate for the position).

Step 2: The next step is to find an open position that interests you. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all cover letter, as each should be tailored to each job you apply to, but there will certainly be parts of the letter that will stay much the same and be appropriate for multiple jobs. A 1-3 page cover letter might be the norm when applying for a tenure-track faculty position, but you need to check with your own department to find out what the standards are in your field.

Step 3: Go through the job ad and carefully note all of the requirements and skills the employer is looking for. Based on your background research of the employer and the people you have spoken to who know about this employer (whether a business or a university department), try to identify the two or three most important skills that the employer is looking for. You should then try to create a cover letter that illustrates that you have these skills and have used them effectively.

When applying for faculty positions, you will be expected to spend some time in your cover letter talking about your past research experiences and future research goals as well as your teaching—even though you may have covered these in more detail in your research statement and teaching philosophy documents. How much time you need to spend talking about teaching and research will depend on the nature of the position and your field of study. For some humanities and social sciences applications, you will not be asked for a separate research statement, and this information will need to be integrated into the cover letter. Cover letters for scientific positions will generally be shorter, as more (but not all) of the information about research will be covered in the research statement.

Keep in mind that academic letters also need to cover everything that non-academic cover letters address. You need to show that you are not only a good academic, but that you are a good person to work with who is committed to making meaningful contributions at that particular institution. Make sure that you address the requirements of the position as stated in the job ad. Speak to faculty in your department to get a sense of what is expected in cover letters in your discipline. See if any faculty you know have been involved in search committees, and find out what they looked for in cover letters.

Additional Resources

For further tips, tricks, and strategies for writing an academic cover letter, see the resources below:

• The PhD Career Training Platform is an eLearning platform with on-demand, self-paced modules that allow PhDs and postdocs to make informed decisions about their career path and learn successful job search strategies from other PhDs. Select the University of Pennsylvania from the  drop-down menu, log in using your University ID, and click the “Faculty Careers” tab to learn more about application documents for a faculty job search.
• How to Write a Successful Cover Letter
• How to Write a Persuasive Cover Letter
• 6 Tips to Improve Your Cover Letter
• Writing a Compelling Cover Letter for Faculty Roles (video)
• Cover Letters for Research-Intensive Faculty
• Cover Letters for Teaching-Intensive Faculty

Cover Letter Samples

The cover letter samples below were provided by Penn graduates and postdocs after their successful job searches and represent a range of disciplines.

Explore other application documents:

Cover letter for a faculty position

Criteria for success.

• Demonstrate scientific accomplishments and scholastic achievement.
• Clearly define the vision and impact of your future research program.
• Differentiate yourself from colleagues, e.g. your advisors and other faculty candidates.
• Establish what your niche will be in the department.
• Clearly display excitement and passion.
• Keep the cover letter to 1 to 2 pages . The optional second page may contain a list of publications/presentations or a list of references.

The faculty cover letter, as with cover letters for other positions , is the first part of your application to be read by the Faculty Search Committee. Therefore, the primary purpose of a faculty cover letter is to summarize your application by connecting your Research and Teaching Statements, CV, and references.

Analyze your audience

Knowing what the Faculty Search Committee is looking for will help you tailor your application.

Searches for new hires may focus on specific research areas ( e.g.  nanomaterials, systems engineering, therapeutic science, renewable energy). In this case, you should customize your application to highlight your work in the specified research area.

Alternatively, departments may concentrate solely on the best candidates regardless of pre-selected scientific disciplines, in which case you have more flexibility in how you present yourself.

In addition, academic employment opportunities differ based on whether positions are tenure-tracked or require teaching, and the type of institution (university, medical school, research institute). Research the responsibilities associated with each of these positions, and include only information relevant to the specific position – don’t waste valuable space on irrelevant experiences.

Structure of a Cover Letter

• Critical contact information: name, degree, current position, email, and phone number
• Your professional profile or webpage ( e.g.  LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Academia.edu)
• Date, department, and university name and address .
• Salutation – “Dear [Faculty Search Committee / Department Head],”
• Brief introduction – Display excitement. State specific terms related to the faculty position, department and university. For example, if you are applying to a “cluster” hire that includes faculty across multiple departments, such as Systems and Synthetic Biology , then state this directly. State the position for which you are applying ( i.e. tenure-track appointment, assistant faculty position).
• Strong opening statement – Declare your targeted research areas. Establish the foundation on which you will base your research. Emphasize novel interfaces and applications within your proposed research.
• Scientific achievements – Summarize successes highlighted in your CV that demonstrate the breadth and depth of scientific expertise. Demonstrate your productivity, as well as key scientific or technical strengths, with supporting details.
• Motivation & impact – State areas of expertise and indicate specific aims of your future research program. Clearly describe how these aims align with current research initiatives in the department or university.
• Teaching & mentorship – Highlight your experience in the classroom and as a research mentor, and service in the profession or community.
• Wrap-up – “Additional documents are enclosed. Please feel free to contact me if supplemental information is required.”
• Follow-up & thank you – Be clear that you expect to hear back (e.g. “I look forward to your reply”). Thank the committee for their time and consideration.
• Closure – Maintain professionalism. “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” and “Kindest regards” are appropriate closing phrases. Include your electronic signature.

Advocate for yourself

The faculty cover letter emphasizes your past and present academic career, while promoting your future potential. For many of us, exuding confidence in an open letter of introduction is challenging, but you have to believe in yourself before you can convince others to believe in you.

State your pedigree

In academia, the institutions and departments you have attended and the advisors for whom you have worked do matter. State this information in Scientific Achievements . Inform your audience if you have co-taught classes with distinguished professors in Teaching & Mentorship or emphasize existing collaborations in the Motivation & Impact section.

Quantify your productivity

Academia identifies scientific contributions by the following conventions: number of publications, quality, and impact. In addition to research articles, noteworthy contributions may also include opinion articles, book chapters, or your role as a journal reviewer. Emphasize alternative sources of scientific communication (and funding) such as distinguished merit-based fellowships.

Engineering students are likely to be co-authors of patents; state this information.

Describe your future potential

Beyond reiterating your past accomplishments, you must also show that you are prepared to handle the future challenges of being a Principal Investigator. By far, the most difficult paragraph to write in the faculty cover letter focuses on the Motivation & Impact of your future research program. Clearly articulate the vision of your future research program and describe how your leadership will facilitate an environment of scientific and teaching excellence. Demonstrate expert understanding of your field, and confidently state your qualifications as a leader in research, an educator, and a citizen of the university.

Define your niche

Your application will be one out of hundreds. You must differentiate yourself and your research program from other candidates, as well as previous or current advisor(s). Ask yourself what you will do that is unique compared to any of your past or future colleagues. How will you fit uniquely into the department — what is your niche?

The Motivation & impact section provides an opportunity to concisely define your niche. State specific aims of your proposed research that expand upon the department’s core strengths while simultaneously diversifying the university’s research portfolio ( e.g.  emerging research fields, state-of-the art technologies, novel applications). Carefully consider research centers, core facilities, affiliated institutes or medical centers at the university. In many cases, campus- or state-wide research initiatives may complement your research program.

Finally, take advantage of any experiences you’ve had outside of academia. Have you previously worked in industry or consulted? Would these former and future relationships lead to additional funding for your lab? If so, suggest more unusual avenues of additional funding. It may no longer suffice to focus primarily on traditional grants sponsored by government agencies. Think of creative alternatives and diversify your future financial portfolio. This, in turn, differentiates your research program from colleagues.

Finally, you will more than likely apply to multiple departments and universities. Therefore, modify your niche for every application!

Make important information concise and identifiable

Again, your application is one out of hundreds. Helping the Faculty Search Committee easily identify important information in your cover letter will only improve your chances of moving forward in the hiring process. A faculty cover letter should not exceed 1 page , so you must present your qualifications to the Faculty Search Committee in a concise manner.

Maximize impact of words. Use verbs that illustrate impact (“led,” “developed,” “innovated”) over verbs that make you sound passive (“participated”). Aim for verbs that are more specific to the actual contribution you made.

Minimize redundancy and wordiness. For every sentence, challenge yourself to remove as many words as possible without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Use keywords. Keywords cited by grant-funding agencies, easily recognizable by any faculty member, should be included in relevant sections of your faculty cover letter. Using field-specific vocabulary may demonstrate your understanding of the field and the department’s needs, but be aware that Faculty Search Committees with mixed expertise may require simpler vocabulary and/or explanations accessible to a broader audience.

Maintain abundant white space. In terms of formatting, inclusion of white space is easy on the eye while providing a precise transition from one section to the next.

Devote time!

Crafting your faculty application is a process that will continue indefinitely.

• Devote time to your faculty application, working in consistent increments over the course of weeks not days.
• Take time to brainstorm, reflect, write, edit, critique, and revise accordingly.
• Seek guidance in terms of technical content, emphasis of soft skills, as well as grammatical improvements and aesthetics from colleagues and friends.

Above all else, remember that the faculty application is a creative process. Enjoy it!

This content was adapted from from an article originally created by the  MIT Biological Engineering Communication Lab .

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

Example Faculty Cover Letter 887 KB

Annotated Example 2

Example Faculty CV 85 KB

Written Samples

15 sample cover letters for faculty position.

Are you an aspiring educator seeking a renowned university or college faculty position?

Crafting a compelling cover letter is a crucial step in showcasing your expertise, passion, and fit for the role.

Sample Cover Letters for Faculty Positions

In this article, we present fifteen exceptional sample cover letters that will inspire and guide you in creating your standout application.

From highlighting your research achievements to demonstrating your teaching prowess, these examples cover a wide range of academic disciplines and career stages.

Get ready to make a lasting impression on the hiring committee and secure your dream faculty position!

Sample Cover Letter One

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Computer Science

Dear Search Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Assistant Professor position in Computer Science at XYZ University. With a Ph.D. in Computer Science from ABC University and three years of postdoctoral research experience, I am confident in my ability to contribute to your department’s research and teaching goals.

My research focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning, specifically in the areas of natural language processing and computer vision. I have published eight peer-reviewed articles in top-tier conferences and journals, including ACM SIGKDD and IEEE TPAMI. Additionally, I have secured two competitive research grants totaling $500,000 to support my work.

As an educator, I am committed to fostering student learning and engagement. During my graduate studies, I served as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses in algorithms and data structures. I received consistently positive evaluations from students and was awarded the department’s Best Teaching Assistant Award in 2019. I am excited about the opportunity to develop and teach courses in machine learning, deep learning, and related areas at XYZ University.

Beyond my research and teaching, I am passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in computer science. I have volunteered as a mentor for underrepresented minority students through the ACM-W program and have organized workshops to encourage girls to pursue careers in technology.

I believe my research expertise, teaching experience, and commitment to diversity make me a strong fit for the Assistant Professor position in Computer Science at XYZ University. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further and contributing to the success of your department.

Thank you for considering my application.

[Your Name]

Sample Cover Letter Two

Subject: Application for Associate Professor Position in Psychology

I am excited to apply for the Associate Professor position in Psychology at XYZ University. As a tenured Assistant Professor at ABC University with a proven track record of research excellence and student mentorship, I am well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of this role.

My research investigates the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying decision-making and problem-solving. I have published fifteen articles in leading psychology journals, including Psychological Science and Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. My work has been cited over 500 times and has been featured in popular media outlets such as The New York Times and Scientific American.

In addition to my research, I am deeply committed to teaching and mentoring. I have taught courses in cognitive psychology, decision-making, and research methods at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I have consistently received high student evaluations and have been nominated for teaching awards. I have also mentored six Ph.D. students and numerous undergraduate researchers, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and teaching. I believe my research on decision-making has important implications for fields such as economics, marketing, and public policy, and I am excited about the possibility of collaborating with colleagues across disciplines.

In summary, my research excellence, teaching effectiveness, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Associate Professor position in Psychology at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sample Cover Letter Three

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in English Literature

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in English Literature at XYZ University. As a recent Ph.D. graduate from ABC University with a specialization in 19th-century British literature, I am eager to contribute my research and teaching skills to your department.

My dissertation, titled “Representations of Gender and Class in the Novels of Charles Dickens,” explores the intersection of gender and class in Dickens’ works and argues for their continued relevance in contemporary literary studies. My research has been supported by a prestigious fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities and has resulted in three peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as Victorian Studies and English Literature in Transition.

In addition to my research, I have extensive teaching experience in English literature and composition. As a graduate instructor, I have designed and taught courses on topics such as the Victorian novel, British Romanticism, and academic writing. I have consistently received positive evaluations from students and have been recognized with the department’s Outstanding Graduate Instructor Award.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to teach and mentor undergraduate students at XYZ University. I believe that literature has the power to transform students’ lives and to help them develop critical thinking, communication, and empathy skills that are essential for success in any field. I look forward to working with students from diverse backgrounds and to creating an inclusive and engaging classroom environment.

In summary, my research expertise in 19th-century British literature, teaching experience, and commitment to undergraduate education make me a strong fit for the Assistant Professor position in English Literature at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Four

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Mechanical Engineering

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Mechanical Engineering at XYZ University. As a postdoctoral researcher at ABC National Laboratory with expertise in advanced manufacturing and materials science, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my research and teaching skills to your department.

My research focuses on the development of novel additive manufacturing techniques for high-performance materials such as ceramics and composites. I have published ten peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as Materials Science and Engineering: A and Additive Manufacturing, and have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. I have also collaborated with industry partners to translate my research into practical applications, resulting in two patent applications.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. As a graduate student, I served as a teaching assistant for courses in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, and received excellent evaluations from students. I have also mentored several undergraduate researchers, helping them develop their skills in experimental design and data analysis.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I believe that the future of mechanical engineering lies at the intersection of materials science, manufacturing, and computational modeling, and I am excited about the possibility of working with colleagues across these fields to tackle complex research challenges.

In summary, my research expertise in advanced manufacturing and materials science, teaching experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Assistant Professor position in Mechanical Engineering at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Five

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Sociology

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Sociology at XYZ University. As a recent Ph.D. graduate from ABC University with a specialization in social inequality and stratification, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my research and teaching skills to your department.

My dissertation, titled “The Persistence of Racial Inequality in Higher Education,” uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the structural and cultural factors that contribute to disparities in college access and completion for underrepresented minority students. My research has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the American Sociological Association and has resulted in three peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as Social Forces and Sociology of Education.

In addition to my research, I have extensive teaching experience in sociology and related fields. As a graduate instructor, I have designed and taught courses on topics such as social inequality, race and ethnicity, and research methods. I have consistently received positive evaluations from students and have been recognized with the department’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to teach and mentor undergraduate students at XYZ University. I believe that sociology has the power to help students understand and challenge social inequalities, and to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed for success in a diverse and rapidly changing world. I look forward to working with students from all backgrounds and to creating an inclusive and engaging classroom environment.

In summary, my research expertise in social inequality and stratification, teaching experience, and commitment to undergraduate education make me a strong fit for the Assistant Professor position in Sociology at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Six

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Marketing

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Marketing at XYZ University. As a current Assistant Professor at ABC University with a proven track record of research excellence and industry collaboration, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to your department.

My research focuses on consumer behavior and decision-making in digital environments, with a particular emphasis on social media and e-commerce. I have published eight peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Consumer Research and Journal of Marketing, and have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. I have also collaborated with industry partners such as Facebook and Amazon to apply my research insights to real-world marketing challenges.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. I have taught courses in consumer behavior, digital marketing, and marketing research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and have consistently received high student evaluations. I have also mentored several doctoral students and have served on multiple dissertation committees.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I believe that the future of marketing lies at the intersection of psychology, data science, and technology, and I am excited about the possibility of working with colleagues across these fields to tackle complex research challenges and prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry.

In summary, my research expertise in digital marketing and consumer behavior, teaching experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Assistant Professor position in Marketing at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Seven

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Environmental Science

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Environmental Science at XYZ University. As a postdoctoral researcher at ABC National Laboratory with expertise in climate change and ecosystem dynamics, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my research and teaching skills to your department.

My research focuses on understanding the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. I have published twelve peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as Global Change Biology and Ecosystems, and have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. I have also collaborated with interdisciplinary teams of researchers to develop predictive models of ecosystem responses to climate change, which have important implications for conservation and resource management.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. As a graduate student, I served as a teaching assistant for courses in ecology and environmental science and received excellent evaluations from students. I have also mentored several undergraduate researchers, helping them develop their skills in field sampling, data analysis, and scientific writing.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I believe that tackling the complex challenges of climate change requires integrating insights from multiple fields, including ecology, geology, and atmospheric science, and I am excited about the possibility of working with colleagues across these disciplines to advance our understanding of environmental systems.

In summary, my research expertise in climate change and ecosystem dynamics, teaching experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Assistant Professor position in Environmental Science at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample Cover Letter Eight

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Computer Science at XYZ University. As a current postdoctoral researcher at ABC University with expertise in cybersecurity and cryptography, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my research and teaching skills to your department.

My research focuses on developing novel cryptographic protocols and techniques for secure communication and data storage in distributed systems. I have published six peer-reviewed articles in top-tier conferences and journals such as IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy and ACM Transactions on Information and System Security. I have also collaborated with industry partners such as Google and Microsoft to apply my research insights to real-world security challenges.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. As a graduate student, I served as a teaching assistant for courses in computer networks and cryptography and received excellent evaluations from students. I have also mentored several undergraduate researchers, helping them develop their skills in programming, algorithm design, and research methodology.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I believe that the future of cybersecurity lies at the intersection of computer science, mathematics, and social science, and I am excited about the possibility of working with colleagues across these fields to tackle complex research challenges and prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry.

In summary, my research expertise in cybersecurity and cryptography, teaching experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Assistant Professor position in Computer Science at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Nine

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Neuroscience

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Neuroscience at XYZ University. As a postdoctoral researcher at ABC Medical School with expertise in neural circuits and behavior, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my research and teaching skills to your department.

My research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying complex behaviors such as learning and memory, using a combination of electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis. I have published eight peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as Nature Neuroscience and Journal of Neuroscience, and have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. I have also collaborated with clinical researchers to translate my findings into potential therapies for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. As a graduate student, I served as a teaching assistant for courses in neuroscience and physiology and received excellent evaluations from students. I have also mentored several undergraduate and graduate researchers, helping them develop their skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I believe that understanding the brain requires integrating insights from multiple levels of analysis, from molecules to systems to behavior, and I am excited about the possibility of working with colleagues across these fields to advance our understanding of neural function and dysfunction.

In summary, my research expertise in neural circuits and behavior, teaching experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Assistant Professor position in Neuroscience at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Ten

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Mechanical Engineering at XYZ University. As a current postdoctoral researcher at ABC National Laboratory with expertise in robotics and control systems, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my research and teaching skills to your department.

My research focuses on developing advanced control algorithms and architectures for autonomous robotic systems, with applications in manufacturing, transportation, and space exploration. I have published ten peer-reviewed articles in top-tier conferences and journals such as IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation and IEEE Transactions on Robotics. I have also collaborated with industry partners such as NASA and General Motors to apply my research insights to real-world robotic systems.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. As a graduate student, I served as a teaching assistant for courses in dynamics and control systems and received excellent evaluations from students. I have also mentored several undergraduate researchers, helping them develop their skills in programming, hardware design, and experimental testing.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I believe that the future of robotics lies at the intersection of mechanical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence, and I am excited about the possibility of working with colleagues across these fields to tackle complex research challenges and prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry.

In summary, my research expertise in robotics and control systems, teaching experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Assistant Professor position in Mechanical Engineering at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Eleven

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Economics

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Economics at XYZ University. As a recent Ph.D. graduate from ABC University with a specialization in labor economics and public policy, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my research and teaching skills to your department.

My dissertation, titled “The Impact of Minimum Wage Policies on Employment and Poverty,” uses a quasi-experimental approach to examine the effects of state-level minimum wage increases on labor market outcomes and poverty rates. My research has been supported by grants from the National Bureau of Economic Research and the Washington Center for Equitable Growth and has resulted in two peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Labor Economics and the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management.

In addition to my research, I have extensive teaching experience in economics and related fields. As a graduate instructor, I have designed and taught courses on topics such as labor economics, public finance, and econometrics. I have consistently received positive evaluations from students and have been recognized with the department’s Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to teach and mentor undergraduate students at XYZ University. I believe that economics has the power to help students understand and address complex social and policy issues and to develop the analytical and quantitative skills needed for success in a wide range of careers. I look forward to working with students from diverse backgrounds and to creating an inclusive and engaging classroom environment.

In summary, my research expertise in labor economics and public policy, teaching experience, and commitment to undergraduate education make me a strong fit for the Assistant Professor position in Economics at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Twelve

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Chemistry

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Chemistry at XYZ University. As a postdoctoral researcher at ABC National Laboratory with expertise in materials chemistry and renewable energy, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my research and teaching skills to your department.

My research focuses on the development of novel materials for energy conversion and storage, with a particular emphasis on solar fuels and batteries. I have published twelve peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as the Journal of the American Chemical Society and Energy & Environmental Science, and have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. I have also collaborated with industry partners such as Tesla and LG Chem to translate my research into practical applications.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. As a graduate student, I served as a teaching assistant for courses in general chemistry and materials science and received excellent evaluations from students. I have also mentored several undergraduate researchers, helping them develop their skills in synthesis, characterization, and data analysis.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I believe that the future of energy research lies at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering, and I am excited about the possibility of working with colleagues across these fields to tackle complex research challenges and prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry.

In summary, my research expertise in materials chemistry and renewable energy, teaching experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Assistant Professor position in Chemistry at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Thirteen

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in History

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in History at XYZ University. As a recent Ph.D. graduate from ABC University with a specialization in American history and African American studies, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my research and teaching skills to your department.

My dissertation, titled “The Long Civil Rights Movement: Black Activism and Political Change in the American South, 1940-1970,” examines the grassroots organizing and political strategies of African American activists in the decades before and after the peak of the civil rights movement. My research has been supported by fellowships from the American Historical Association and the Smithsonian Institution and has resulted in three peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as the Journal of American History and the Journal of African American History.

In addition to my research, I have extensive teaching experience in history and related fields. As a graduate instructor, I have designed and taught courses on topics such as the civil rights movement, African American history, and historical research methods. I have consistently received positive evaluations from students and have been recognized with the department’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to teach and mentor undergraduate students at XYZ University. I believe that history has the power to help students understand and engage with the complex issues facing our society today, and to develop the critical thinking, communication, and research skills needed for success in a wide range of careers. I look forward to working with students from diverse backgrounds and to creating an inclusive and engaging classroom environment.

In summary, my research expertise in American history and African American studies, teaching experience, and commitment to undergraduate education make me a strong fit for the Assistant Professor position in History at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Fourteen

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Biology

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Biology at XYZ University. As a postdoctoral researcher at ABC Research Institute with expertise in molecular biology and genetics, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my research and teaching skills to your department.

My research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits and diseases, using a combination of genomic, computational, and experimental approaches. I have published ten peer-reviewed articles in leading journals such as Nature Genetics and PLOS Genetics, and have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. I have also collaborated with clinical researchers to translate my findings into potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. As a graduate student, I served as a teaching assistant for courses in genetics and molecular biology and received excellent evaluations from students. I have also mentored several undergraduate and graduate researchers, helping them develop their skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I believe that understanding complex biological systems requires integrating insights from multiple fields, including genetics, bioinformatics, and bioengineering, and I am excited about the possibility of working with colleagues across these disciplines to advance our understanding of biology and human health.

In summary, my research expertise in molecular biology and genetics, teaching experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Assistant Professor position in Biology at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

Sample Cover Letter Fifteen

Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Physics

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Physics at XYZ University. As a current postdoctoral researcher at ABC National Laboratory with expertise in condensed matter physics and quantum materials, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my research and teaching skills to your department.

My research focuses on understanding the exotic properties of quantum materials, such as superconductors and topological insulators, using a combination of experimental and theoretical approaches. I have published eight peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals such as Physical Review Letters and Nature Materials, and have presented my work at numerous national and international conferences. I have also collaborated with industry partners such as IBM and Google to explore potential applications of quantum materials in computing and sensing.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. As a graduate student, I served as a teaching assistant for courses in quantum mechanics and solid-state physics and received excellent evaluations from students. I have also mentored several undergraduate researchers, helping them develop their skills in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific writing.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ University’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and collaboration. I believe that the future of physics lies at the intersection of condensed matter physics, materials science, and quantum information, and I am excited about the possibility of working with colleagues across these fields to tackle complex research challenges and prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry.

In summary, my research expertise in condensed matter physics and quantum materials, teaching experience, and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration make me an excellent fit for the Assistant Professor position in Physics at XYZ University. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your department’s research and teaching missions.

These fifteen sample cover letters showcase the diverse range of research interests, teaching experiences, and professional backgrounds of aspiring faculty members.

By highlighting their unique strengths and fit for the position, these cover letters demonstrate how to make a compelling case for their candidacy.

Whether you are applying for a position in the sciences, social sciences, or humanities, these examples provide valuable inspiration and guidance for crafting your standout faculty application.

Good luck with your academic job search!