Cover Letter For Research Assistant Position

Dear Dr. Hein,

I wish to apply my skills and knowledge in synthetic organic chemistry to the Research Assistant position in the Hein Lab at the University of British Columbia for the Summer of 2023. My career goal is to conduct exploratory research while educating and instilling passion in young individuals as a research professor of organic chemistry.

Presently, I am completing my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Life Science, and Environmental Science at the University of British Columbia. I have conducted four months of research in Dr. David Perrin’s lab on the synthesis of trifluoroborate compounds for radiolabeling, and I am currently in Dr. Glenn Sammis’ lab building a substrate scope using thionyl fluoride. In both labs, I quickly learned the techniques needed to run experiments by taking detailed experimental notes. This allowed me to function independently in the lab while also consulting my graduate supervisor when I am admittedly unsure of a situation. For example, after being taught how to dry-load a column, I referred to my notes and, on my second attempt, I was able to complete it independently while asking my supervisor for tips on how to improve my technique.

Furthermore, I want to be in a work environment that is dynamic and changing. Organic chemistry is a field with discoveries that constantly have researchers evolving and optimizing their techniques. This allows me to continue learning and expanding my knowledge so I may be a lifelong learner, which is another one of my goals as I am interested in becoming a research professor in organic