motivation letter for phd in plant sciences

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter

• Applying to a PhD

A PhD motivation letter is a document that describes your personal motivation and competence for a particular research project. It is usually submitted together with your academic CV to provide admissions staff with more information about you as an individual, to help them decide whether or not you are the ideal candidate for a research project.

A motivation letter has many similarities to a cover letter and a personal statement, and institutions will not ask you to submit all of these. However, it is a unique document and you should treat it as such. In the context of supporting a PhD application, the difference is nuanced; all three documents outline your suitability for PhD study. However, compared to a cover letter and personal statement, a motivation letter places more emphasis on your motivation for wanting to pursue the particular PhD position you are applying for.

Academic cover letters are more common in UK universities, while motivation letters are more common abroad.

A motivation letter can play a key part in the application process . It allows the admission committee to review a group of PhD applicants with similar academic backgrounds and select the ideal candidate based on their motivations for applying.

For admission staff, academic qualifications alone are not enough to indicate whether a student will be successful in their doctorate. In this sense, a motivational letter will allow them to judge your passion for the field of study, commitment to research and suitability for the programme, all of which better enables them to evaluate your potential.

How Should I Structure My Motivation Letter?

A strong motivation letter for PhD applications will include:

• A concise introduction stating which programme you are applying for,
• Your academic background and professional work experience,
• Any key skills you possess and what makes you the ideal candidate,
• Your interest and motivation for applying,
• Concluding remarks and thanks.

This is a simplistic breakdown of what can be a very complicated document.

However, writing to the above structure will ensure you keep your letter of motivation concise and relevant to the position you are applying for. Remember, the aim of your letter is to show your enthusiasm and that you’re committed and well suited for the programme.

To help you write a motivation letter for a PhD application, we have outlined what to include in the start, main body, and closing sections.

How to Start a Motivation Letter

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction in which you clearly state your intention to apply for a particular programme. Think of this as describing what the document is to a stranger.

Education: State what you have studied and where. Your higher education will be your most important educational experience, so focus on this. Highlight any relevant modules you undertook as part of your studies that are relevant to the programme you are applying for. You should also mention how your studies have influenced your decision to pursue a PhD project, especially if it is in the same field you are currently applying to.

Work experience: Next summarise your professional work experience. Remember, you will likely be asked to submit your academic CV along with your motivation letter, so keep this section brief to avoid any unnecessary repetition. Include any other relevant experiences, such as teaching roles, non-academic experience, or charity work which demonstrates skills or shows your suitability for the research project and in becoming a PhD student.

Key skills: Outline your key skills. Remember the admissions committee is considering your suitability for the specific programme you are applying for, so mention skills relevant to the PhD course.

Motivation for applying: Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and describe your long-term aspirations. Start with how you first became interested in the field, and how your interest has grown since. You should also mention anything else you have done which helps demonstrate your interest in your proposed research topic, for example:

• Have you attended any workshops or seminars?
• Do you have any research experience?
• Have you taught yourself any aspects of the subject?
• Have you read any literature within the research area?

Finally, describe what has convinced you to dedicate the next 3-4 years (assuming you are to study full time) of your life to research.

How to End a Motivation Letter

Concluding the motivation letter is where most people struggle. Typically, people can easily describe their academic background and why they want to study, but convincing the reader they are the best candidate for the PhD programme is often more challenging.

The concluding remarks of your motivation letter should highlight the impacts of your proposed research, in particular: the new contributions it will make to your field, the benefits it will have on society and how it fits in with your aspirations.

With this, conclude with your career goals. For example, do you want to pursue an academic career or become a researcher for a private organisation? Doing so will show you have put a lot of thought into your decision.

Remember, admissions into a PhD degree is very competitive, and supervisors invest a lot of time into mentoring their students. Therefore, supervisors naturally favour those who show the most dedication. Your conclusion should remind the reader that you are not only passionate about the research project, but that the university will benefit from having you.

Finally, thank the reader for considering your application.

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Motivation Letter Format

There are some basic rules to follow when writing a successful motivation letter. These will mimic the standard format for report writing that the supervisor will be familiar with:

• Use a sans serif font (e.g. Arial or Times New Roman),
• Use a standard font size (e.g. 12pt) and black font colour,
• Keep your writing professional throughout and avoid the use of informal language,
• Write in the first person,
• Address your motivation letter to a named person such as the project supervisor, however, this could also be the person in charge of research admissions,
• Structure your letter into paragraphs using the guidance above, such as introduction, academic history, motivation for research, and concluding remarks.

How Long Should a Motivation Letter Be?

A good rule of thumb for PhD motivation letters is to keep it to around one side of A4. A little longer than one page is acceptable, but two pages is generally considered too long. This equates to approximately 400-600 words.

Things to Avoid when Writing Your Motivational Letter

Your motivational letter will only be one of the several documents you’ll be asked to submit as part of your PhD application. You will almost certainly be asked to submit an Academic CV as well. Therefore, be careful not to duplicate any of the information.

It is acceptable to repeat the key points, such as what and where you have studied. However, while your CV should outline your academic background, your motivation letter should bring context to it by explaining why you have studied what you have, and where you hope to go with it. The simplest way to do this is to refer to the information in your CV and explain how it has led you to become interested in research.

Don’t try to include everything. A motivation letter should be short, so focus on the information most relevant to the programme and which best illustrates your passion for it. Remember, the academic committee will need to be critical in order to do their jobs effectively , so they will likely interpret an unnecessarily long letter as in indication that you have poor written skills and cannot communicate effectively.

You must be able to back up all of your statements with evidence, so don’t fabricate experiences or overstate your skills. This isn’t only unethical but is likely to be picked up by your proposed PhD supervisor or the admissions committee.

Whilst it is good to show you have an understanding of the field, don’t try to impress the reader with excessive use of technical terms or abbreviations.

PhD Motivation Letter Samples – A Word of Caution

There are many templates and samples of motivation letters for PhDs available online. A word of caution regarding these – although they can prove to be a great source of inspiration, you should refrain from using them as a template for your own motivation letter.

While there are no rules against them, supervisors will likely have seen a similar letter submitted to them in the past. This will not only prevent your application from standing out, but it will also reflect poorly on you by suggesting that you have put minimal effort into your application.

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• Graduate School

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter with Samples and Expert Tips

Reading over some PhD motivation letter samples will give you an idea of how to make yours a strong, central component of your application to get into grad school . In addition to your grad school CV , a PhD motivation letter is a chance for you to demonstrate objectively why you are an excellent candidate for the faculty to which you are applying. Unlike a personal statement, a PhD motivation letter is distinct in its unique focus on your academic and research background with little mention of your personal story. This article will take you through the significance of the PhD motivation letter, describe what makes a stellar motivation letter, and provide examples. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 11 min read

Do you need to write a phd motivation letter .

Yes, you must write a PhD motivation letter. It is mandatory for most, if not all, PhD programs, regardless of your field of study. Disciplines ranging from arts and humanities to physics and computer science all consider motivation letters (aka “statement of purpose” in some countries) a major component of your application.

Of course, you will also have to fulfill the other documentation requirements, like submitting your transcripts, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, but a motivation letter has a specific intent: to summarize your academic achievements up to the present and what you plan to achieve in the future at this particular school.

The faculty who ultimately consider your application look for how you and your PhD topic match with the mission and values of their program. Personal details and other motivations are best left to your personal statement or letter of intent because the motivation letter is strictly an academic summary.

A great PhD motivation letter should highlight how and why you are prepared for the rigors of PhD-level work. It should include the details of your academic career that have propelled you further into your field of study, like an inspiring professor or undergraduate course that sparked interest in your field.

The following list will provide more insights, but you should remember that whatever you write must be backed up by a concrete, real-world demonstration. It is not enough to say, “I am interested in XYZ because of XYZ.” You must include specific events in your undergraduate and graduate studies where you excelled.

If you are applying for a PhD, that in itself suggests you have a bevy of academic and extracurricular experience to glean from, be it co-authoring a published paper, your time as a TA, or some type of academic recognition. Many stand-out motivation letters single out specific instances when you showed an outsized passion for your studies.

Dos and Don’ts in a PhD Motivation Letter

1. Gain Skills and Experiences

The track to obtaining a PhD degree is a long one, which is why anyone who wants to become a PhD should commit early on to what it entails. All PhD candidates must have both an undergraduate and a master's degree to even apply, so that means structuring your studies around those requirements.

You should gain as much experience in your field, learn new skills related to your studies (a new language, for example, or technical skills), and participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible. Gathering the necessary skills and experiences to enter a PhD program should be the first step, since they are a reflection of your commitment.

2. Start Writing Early

You should begin drafting your PhD motivation letter at least a few months before the deadline. Because it is one of the most important parts of your application, you want to give yourself time to refine it. Refining means going through multiple drafts, soliciting and receiving feedback from other candidates, getting professional grad school application help, and making changes as you go along.

3. Consider Your Audience

The people who will read your motivation letter are renowned academics who have devoted their lives to one particular subject. Your letter needs to reflect your respect not only for them, but for the field of study that you both share. You should write with genuine verve when talking about your topic. Remind them of why they committed so full-heartedly to their career by demonstrating how enthralled you are with your studies.

4. Use Active Voice

You should put “you” in your story. Avoid using the passive voice and hiding behind your achievements as if they spoke for themselves. The admissions committee members want to read about how you approached your studies and learn about your insights into the future of your field of interest. They do not want a cold recitation of your CV but a spirited defense or explanation of what you value most about your topic.

1. Don’t Forget About the Formatting

PhD admission requirements differ between the many programs out there, so be cognizant of how they ask you to format your paper. If the requirements state a two-page limit, then write two pages. The same goes for other criteria like font size, paragraph spacing, and word length. A rambling, incoherent letter is the last thing you want to submit, so make sure to keep it within the guidelines.

2. Don’t Include Personal Stories

A personal statement is the place for formative stories from the past, not your motivation letter. You can include personal thoughts and opinions about your field of study, even unfavorable ones, to show you have a unique perspective, but steer clear of using personal elements like early childhood experiences or anything unrelated to your program.

3. Don’t Ramble

Keep in mind that your writing and organizational skills are also on display when you submit your motivation letter, along with everything else about you (grades, college letter of intent , transcripts). Again, remember who you are writing for: professors with years of experience researching and writing. They, more than anyone, know what good writing looks like, so be concise and clear in your writing.

4. Don’t Shy Away from Failures

The collected experience of those reading your essay guarantees that they know a thing or two about failure. Whether it was an unpublished paper, or a failed experiment, showing your determination in the face of adversity paints a complete picture of who you are as a researcher and academic.

But, again, setbacks in your personal life should not be mentioned. Limit your story to problems you encountered during your undergrad, graduate, or research fellowships and how you sought to overcome them. Mention a class or subject you struggled with or a drop in your grades and how you improved them.

Structure of Your PhD Motivation Letter

The structure of a great motivation letter is easy to follow because its focus is so narrow. The body of your letter should only mention highlights from your academic career, in a very specific chronology starting with your undergrad and progressing from there. But the structure should also cover three main points:

You can adjust the structure based on the requirements of the PhD program you are applying to, but it should cover the reasons you want to commit yourself to this program, what you plan on achieving, and how you have prepared yourself to accomplish those goals. If you already went to grad school, then you can rework your college statement of purpose to use as a template.

PhD Motivation Letter Sample #1

Dear Members of the PhD Selection Committee,

My name is David White, and I am writing to you to express my interest in pursuing a PhD in the Migration Studies program at X University. I recently completed a Master of Ethnography at Y University with an emphasis on the cultural exchange between migrant communities and their adopted homelands viewed through the lens of shared trauma and memory.

In the media, migration is often described as a “crisis,” a designation that has always made me bristle. I assert that migration is one of the most fundamental aspects of our species, yet it has been flagrantly mislabeled to serve the political and socioeconomic interests of a few.

My research is centered around the ways that migrants form new identities based on their experiences. Conversely, I have also explored how an innate identity based on race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation impacts a migrant’s journey and how those markers expose them to further exploitation or, at the other end, fortify their resolve and inspire perseverance in the face of tremendous odds.

The need for further investigation into identity and the interplay of migration and culture came into focus for me during my second-year undergrad Political Science degree at XYZ University. I was influenced by the work of writers like Franz Fanon and Edward Said, who questioned the foundations of a post-colonial identity and whether it was ever possible for colonized people to form an identity separate from their colonizers. I took an anthropology course, The Nature of Humans, that impacted me greatly. It prompted a Cartesian examination of my own beliefs around identity, as it firmly associated the emergence of human societies with factors such as migration, evolution, adaptability, and diversity.

During my time as a graduate student, I secured a place on a research project headed by Prof. Mohamed Al-Nasseri, a diaspora studies expert. Professor Al-Nasseri's thesis was that policymakers were ignoring the psychological profiles of migrants when assessing their material needs and financial assistance levels.

Our four-person investigative team liaised with a local, non-profit resettlement agency who connected us with volunteer migrant families based in University Town. Under the supervision of Professor Al-Nasseri, we formulated a questionnaire based on the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-V for traumatic events, while taking into account the newly revised definitions.

Mindful of the possible triggering effect our questions could have, we invited a peer, fellow survivor/migrant, and, in some cases, a religious leader before we conducted the interviews or to sit-in on our interviews.

During the interviews, I felt both inspired and indignant. I maintained my composure and objectivity, but the fire within raged. Unfortunately, our findings were inconclusive and what we discovered in our interviews did not wholly support Dr. Al-Nasseri’s thesis. But the experience and motivation I took from the project were enough to fuel my desire to explore the topic of identity formation in migrant communities who have undergone severe trauma.

The Migration Studies program at your institution will provide what I consider the perfect research and support network to further my investigation of these topics. I have followed the work of the esteemed Dr. Ellerman whose research into the treatment of post-traumatic stress has informed the direction of my own research. Dr. Ellerman has opened new pathways for thinking about trauma that I wish to incorporate into my thesis project when the time comes.

Until then, I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to this institution and am ready to discuss my future with you should my candidacy prove successful.

David White

My name is Melanie Hicks, and I am writing this letter to fulfill the admission requirements of the Visual Arts PhD Program at Z University. I have already submitted my audiovisual portfolio, CV, and transcripts, along with three letters of recommendation from, respectively, my master’s degree supervisor, Dr. Dana Redmond, my thesis supervisor, Dr. Allan Lee, and my research colleague, Mark Fowler.

I would like to take this opportunity to expand further on the conceptual themes I have focused on in my artistic output over the past decade, contextualize the pieces I have submitted, and elaborate on the goals I have should my application to this program be successful.

My artistic career, from very early on, has been defined by modes of observation, the interplay of observation and reflection between subjects and objects within a sociopolitical realm, and the harnessing of Blackness as a form of radical self-interpretation – all of it couched within the media of still and moving images.

During my undergrad as a Fine Arts student at X University, I was lucky enough to be showcased at the Kepler Gallery for my series, Painted Faces, a collection of photographs I took while working as a freelance photographer for an independent newspaper in Chicago. My focus in that series was the effort and preparation female congregants of an all-Black church put into readying themselves for Sunday services.

After my undergrad, I traveled to Boston to volunteer in local after-school programs with children from minority backgrounds who had an interest in photography. All of them had grown up with easy access to a phone capable of taking crisp, digital images and had never taken film photographs, so it fell to me to show them how to develop prints in a darkroom.

As part of my portfolio, I have submitted photos I took during that time, along with selections from my Painted Faces series. I never constructed a specific narrative with the photos I took during my volunteer work, but they were informed by the social realist photographers and photojournalists who captured the Civil Rights Movement by participating in protests and documenting the unrest.

Gordon Parks is a major influence and part of the reason I am pursuing my PhD studies at this institution. Prof. Alys is a foremost expert on Parks’ work and curated the Parks Retrospective at the Local Museum. Parks himself said that the subject was always more important than the photographer, and I agreed with that statement for a long time, until I began reading Arthur Danto and his artist-centered philosophy of art. While many disagree with Danto’s definition of art as an elitist utopia, I would argue that he opens the gates to everyone, and that anyone can gain entry to the “artworld.”

There is no better exemplar, I think, of the democratization of the “artworld” first posited by Danto than Basquiat, who was not only “allowed” access to the “artworld” but redefined it, in his indomitable way. Basquiat’s quality of outsider-turned-insider and Danto’s liberating of the parameters of what defined art are central themes of my project to understand whether “outsider” artists still exist, given how new technologies and platforms have pushed Danto’s definitions beyond their logical boundaries, if not obliterated them completely.

I hope this program can help me refine my project while matching my urgency to further expand the definition of art and artists to be more inclusive of not only racial minorities, but non-binary and trans people, who are at the forefront of questioning the validity of assigned identities through the curation of their very genders or lack thereof.

I am grateful to this esteemed panel for considering my application, and I would like to close by expressing my profound admiration for the achievements in art, art theory, and the philosophy of art each of you has contributed to a long, continuing train of thought.

I would be honored to accept a place beside you as a PhD candidate.

Melanie Hicks

Motivation letters are used in areas other than academia, but a PhD motivation letter is different for several reasons. Regardless of your particular field of research, the letter should include important points about your academic achievements, research interests, and why you want to continue your research at the faculty to which you are applying.

Even though PhD motivation letters tend to be short – between 500 and 700 words – their length is often the most vexing thing about them. Because students have a hard time condensing their years of study and research into a few words, we hope this article will help you focus your writing and give you insight into what to include.

No, they are not the same. A motivation letter has many different applications but is primarily a summary of your academic and professional achievements. A personal statement is an essay explaining your personal reasons for wanting to enter a specific profession or academic institution.

You should focus only on concrete, real-world examples of how you performed, learned, or grew as the result of an event in your trajectory toward a PhD and how you plan on contributing something new to your field of study. You should also make sure to have enough material, in the form of experience or academic goals, to write a compelling letter.

PhD motivation letters are important because they let prospective PhD candidates distill their background and experience succinctly, so that selection committees can more easily judge their character, commitment, and potential. 

Some people do find it challenging to write a letter about themselves without rambling or sounding incoherent. But if you prepare ahead of time, think honestly about your answer, and write several drafts, you should be able to write an above-average letter. If you are still struggling you can also get application help from professionals. 

Programs tend to ask for either a one or two-page letter, between 700 and 900 words. 

You can talk about anything that has do to with your past work to get to the PhD level, including aspects of your academic career, internships, independent or supervised research, fieldwork in a specific context, and any work experience you have related to your field of study. 

You should not mention any personal motivations for wanting to pursue a PhD. You can write about your intrinsic motivations to become a doctor of philosophy in your personal statement, if you are asked to submit one with your application. 

PhD programs around the world have various entry requirements that differ among schools. Some institutions ask for a motivation letter, while others ask for a personal statement or letter of recommendation and letter of intent, which has elements of a motivation letter but is not the same. 

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Cover Letter for PhD Application: Guide for Writing One & Example From a Real PhD Student

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated March 27, 2023 9 min read

When applying for a PhD research position, you usually need to submit certain documents, including an academic CV and a cover letter for PhD application .

A PhD cover letter, also referred to as an academic cover letter, should be carefully crafted, well-formatted, and contain specific sections.

We'll show you how to do exactly that, along with a sample of an academic cover letter from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

And if you're not sure how to go about writing your PhD CV, check out this article: CV for PhD Application: How to Write One Like a True Scholar (+CV Example) .

Table of Contents

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What is an academic cover letter?

What to include in a cover letter for phd application, how to write a cover letter for phd application, how to format an academic cover letter, phd cover letter sample.

An academic cover letter is a document that PhD candidates submit alongside their academic CV when applying for a PhD. 

Essentially, it's a cover letter for a PhD application.

It's not exactly the same as your regular business cover letter. Nor is it the same as a personal statement or a motivation letter .

The purpose of a cover letter for PhD application is to explain to the reader, who's likely a researcher or a professor, what you can contribute to their institution and/or field.

Moreover, in a PhD application cover letter, you should explain why you're a good match for the research position on the program.

Differences between academic cover letter and business cover letter

Both these documents serve different purposes and people use them in different settings:

• Academic cover letter is used when applying for positions in academia — most often for a PhD. More emphasis should be on education, research background and scholarly accomplishments. Moreover, it should explain what your contribution to the institution or field could be. It should also point the reader to your academic CV.
• Regular (business) cover letter is normally used when applying for any kind of job . Hence, more emphasis should be on skills and past experience while being tailored to a specific job position. You should also explain why you're a good fit for the position at the given company. It should point the reader to your resume.

There are also other documents people often mistake for an academic cover letter. These include:

• Motivation letter is especially relevant for fresh graduates when applying to a university, a non-profit organization, or voluntary work. A motivation letter focuses more on your interests and motives for applying.
• Personal statement. Also used in an academic setting. It's always written by an applicant, often a prospective student, applying to college, university, or graduate school. You explain why you've chosen a particular course and why you'd be good at it. Other names include a statement of purpose or a letter of intent .

Like every cover letter, an academic one also needs to include specific elements and content sections. These are:

• Header. Here, provide your contact information, such as your name, address, phone number, and email in the header of the document.
• Formal salutation. In an official letter like this one, you should address the reader in a professional and formal way. If you know who'll be reading your cover letter, go with Dear Dr. [Surname] or Dear Professor [Surname] . If you don't, go with Dear Sir/Madam .
• The specific PhD program or position. Clearly state in your letter which research position you're applying for or the name of the PhD program. A cover letter is usually read before a CV, so you need to make sure everything is clear.
• Your motivation. Explain why you're interested in the specific PhD position — it's one of the key elements you should include.
• Your academic background. Now, we don't mean you should list in detail every single university course you ever took. Instead, focus on the most relevant course for the PhD and describe in detail what you learned, any projects you worked on, why it was interesting (and optionally, what knowledge gap you identified). In this way, you also show a certain level of understanding of the field.
• Your ambition. Briefly mention what your ambitions, intentions, and plans are regarding your contribution to the field when securing your PhD position. How is your research going to enrich the field? How will the institution benefit from it?
• Conclusion. Keep the conclusion short. Contrary to a regular cover letter ending , there's no place for reiterating everything here. Simply thank the reader for your consideration and prompt them to read your academic CV.
• Formal sign-off. Just pick from the usual: Sincerely, Respectfully, Regards... Then throw in your full name in the following line.

And that's all you need to include!

Now, let's take a look at how to write your cover letter step-by-step.

Applying for a PhD will be a lot less stressful if you follow these tips on how to write a cover letter for a research position:

Consider researching the background of the organization, department, ongoing research projects, and their past and current projects. All that before you start writing your cover letter. Knowing these things will help you tailor your letter to the specific PhD opening.

Before you actually start writing, try to sit down and take a moment to think first. Assess how your past experiences helped you prepare for the PhD position and scribble down those that are most relevant and significant for the specific program. These include any research experiences, research projects, courses, or internships.

In the first few sentences of your letter, you need to convey some basic information about yourself and what specific position you're applying for. The opening should also state firmly why you're a strong candidate for the position/program, by using a persuasive and convincing wording. Here's an example: "As an MChem Chemistry graduate with a narrow focus on the sustainable synthesis of biologically active molecules from the University of Dundee, I am excited to apply to a "Synthesis Of Small Molecule Inhibitors Using Enzymes" PhD programme at an institution with such a strong foundation and numerous research groups in this field."

This is the place where you may explore more extensively on the educational journey that brought you here. Set the foundation for demonstrating how your Master's degree and research experience seamlessly translate into the next phase — the PhD program. Emphasize how your thesis contributes to the field's body of knowledge. Mention any other publications that support your thesis. And, if you can, identify any knowledge gaps or topics that can be explored further.

This paragraph provides the opportunity to neatly tie in together everything the reader has learned about you so far. You can show how your previous experience, coupled with what you'll learn during the PhD program, will come together to produce something novel to enrich the field. First, identify the courses or topics within the PhD program that interest you the most and how they relate to you developing your research further. Second, introduce your future research aspirations and goals. Third, point out how this future work will enrich the field and what will the intellectual merit be.

When ending your PhD cover letter, briefly refer your reader to your academic CV and encourage them to examine all of the remaining projects, courses, publications, or references . Finally, thank the reader for their time and consideration and let them know you look forward to hearing from them. Sign off.

Put the letter in a drawer and don't think about it for a day or two. Then, when you read it again, you'll have a fresh pair of eyes to see the cover letter in a new light. Maybe you decide some things are redundant, or you think of something that's more relevant. Or you know, find a typo here and there.

Just like an academic cover letter needs to contain certain content components, the formatting should also align with the structural expectations for this type of document.

How long should a cover letter be? How to finish a cover letter? And what about the cover letter font and spacing?

Here's a recommended academic cover letter format:

• Length. While STEM PhD candidates should aim for half a page to one page, humanities candidates can do 1–2 pages.
• Font. Use one of the classics: Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial. Just no Comic Sans, we beg you. Keep the size between 10–12 points. Also remember to keep the text clean — no underlining, no bolding, and no color. However, you can use italics if appropriate.
• Spacing. Cover letter spacing isn't complicated. Just single-space your text, make sure there's a space between each paragraph, and leave a space between the concluding paragraph and your formal sign-off.
• Margins. The only rule here is that the margins on your cover letter should match those on your CV.
• Consistence with your CV. Your academic cover letter should match your academic CV in all formatting aspects — including the cover letter font and spacing. For example, Kickresume lets you choose a matching template for your CV and your cover letter, so no need to worry about this.

If the institution provided any instructions for formatting your academic cover letter, don’t get creative and follow their guidelines.

Finally, to help you tie everything we talked about together, here's a cover letter sample from a real person admitted to a PhD program at Lyon University in France.

These things ensured Herrera's cover letter was successful:

• She clearly states her motivation in the opening. In the first two paragraphs, Herrera introduces herself and her motivation to apply for the given PhD program.
• She describes educational and research background thoroughly. The main body of the letter is dedicated to describing Herrera's educational background, research projects, internships, and skills acquired throughout the way.
• She presents research aspirations in the letter. Herrera writes: "I have a history of proven results and profound findings. Given opportunity, I’m confident in my abilities to earn similar ground-breaking results while being part of your team."

Even though this example lacks some of the key elements, such as mentioning the specific PhD program or identifying the topics within the PhD program that interest her the most, this PhD cover letter still managed to impress the University of Lyon.

Lyon University PhD Student Cover Letter Sample

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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• How to Write a Cover Letter for PhD Applications

Written by Chris Banyard

An PhD cover letter is one of the documents you may be required to submit as part of a PhD application . It should complement your academic CV and explain why you are applying. PhD cover letters offer you the chance to write with greater flexibility and personality than in other parts of the PhD application. This page will take you through what a PhD cover letter actually is and how to write one, along with some top tips on what to include (and what not to!).

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What is a PhD cover letter?

A PhD cover letter is a counterpart to a CV submitted as part of an application for a PhD programme. It is a short essay addressed to a specific individual and written in prose. It should explain your PhD application in your own words, demonstrating what you can offer and why you should be selected.

What is an academic cover letter for?

There are several reasons why the PhD cover letter is important for university admission. It is an opportunity to:

• Clarify any gaps in the CV and explain certain aspects in further detail. This doesn't mean you should repeat information on your CV (the letter will probably be read in parallel). Rather, it’s a chance to expand on the story that the CV tells and demonstrate your knowledge.
• Further tailor your PhD application to the project specification. Here, you can address and match your skills and experiences to those asked for by the university or supervisor.
• Show professional communication skills and enthusiasm . These are important qualities for a postgraduate applicant, but they can be quite hard to show in a CV or application form. Here, you can write in your own words and present your research interests and passion.

Do I need a cover letter for a PhD application?

Many universities require an academic cover letter as part of the PhD application. It is therefore highly likely that you'll have to write at least one. If you're applying for multiple PhD projects then you will need to make sure you tailor your cover letter for each application.

Cover letters vs personal statements for a PhD application

Although there are similarities between a motivation or cover letter and a personal statement , they are different. A cover letter is more functional - it unites and presents your application. A personal statement is more useful for providing detail on your experience, interests and ambitions. If you are submitting both, you may need to keep this in mind and adjust the detail in each.

What if I don’t have research experience?

Although a PhD cover letter is a good place to expand on any research experience and publications you may have, as Bachelors or Masters students you will not be expected to have lots of this.

It’s more important to write with enthusiasm and show your commitment for research. Fortunately, the academic covering letter is an ideal place to show this!

What to include in a PhD cover letter

The first thing you should include in your cover or motivation letter is a few introductory sentences . Outline who you are, what you are currently doing, whether it be a Masters or a job, and what PhD position you’re applying for. Make sure to include the PhD project reference number if one is provided in the description.

Next, you’re going to want to explain why you are applying for the PhD position. It’s a good idea to put your best, most compelling, or most relevant argument first. The earlier that you can make an impact, the more likely the addressee will read further.

Make sure you’re to the point and concise. An academic cover letter may be there to help illustrate your personality and passion but academics do not have the time to read elongated essays.

After detailing why you want to apply for the project, you need to explain why you’re eligible . Present you relevant skills and achievements in a brief and precise manner. Additionally, make sure to back up your claims with evidence.

An important tip is to demonstrate that you have done your research about the PhD project, supervisor and department. Be specific about why you would be a good fit for the this project in particular .

You should also detail clear understanding of the potential research impact the PhD project could have, and your enthusiasm for it. But, make sure your passion is routed in some research. Just discovering the unknown or novel may not be a compelling reason to research your subject.

Overall, the academic cover letter should show a clear identity and personality, while remaining professional. You need to demonstrate why you are a better and more interesting candidate than other applicants for a PhD.

What to avoid in a PhD cover letter

The academic cover letter will accompany the CV , and therefore should not repeat anything on it. You should refer to information but not reiterate it.

You should also avoid listing all of your achievements, experience etc. It is better to focus on the best aspects of your PhD application.

There should be no statements presented without evidence. A PhD supervisor will see through this straight away.

Also, an ideal motivation letter should avoid offering too much information. This includes technical information, jargon and abbreviations. Focus on being clear and concise instead.

Lastly, you should avoid any vagueness, arrogance, or negativity. And make sure there are no typos or grammatical mistakes.

Formatting a PhD cover letter

The formatting rules for an academic covering letter are very similar to those for a CV. Ensure there is correct spelling and grammar throughout, use consistent and clear font, and get the tone right – this should be enthusiastic and assertive without arrogance.

How long should a cover letter be?

The cover/motivation letter for a PhD application should be approximately one A4 page in length, or around 500 words. If necessary, it can be a little longer but should not be longer than two pages.

Organisation

An academic cover letter should have a beginning, middle and end.

The introduction should explain who you are, what you are applying for and how you started this application (i.e. where you heard about the PhD project, or if you have previously met the supervisor). You can also give a brief background about yourself and your research interests.

The main body should cover your skills and achievements as a counterpart to the CV. This should present your convincing argument as to why you should be accepted for a PhD position. You can also present your ideas for your future research.

Finally, the conclusion should explain why you want to study the PhD project and why you are a perfect fit. It should summarise your application as a whole. It can end with a respectful request to take the application further, such as an interview.

Who should a PhD cover letter be addressed to?

A cover letter should be addressed to a named person i.e. “Dear Professor Smith”. For a PhD application, this will usually be the PhD supervisor, but may be a specific person in charge of recruitment.

If you are still unsure who to address the cover letter to, it should be directed to the Head of Department.

Check that you have the correct title for the addressee.

How to end an academic cover letter?

Because the cover letter should be addressed to a named individual, it should be signed off with either “Yours sincerely” or “Kind regards”. Prior to this, it may be worth adding a polite prompt to reply, such as “I look forward to hearing from you”.

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How to Write a Successful PhD Motivation Letter

The importance of a motivation letter stands in the fact that it enables the admissions committee to distinguish between excellent students and outstanding students. They will both succeed in becoming valuable research students, but admission committees will most times consider the latter category would bring a larger contribution to the research community of the university.

Proving you are outstanding does not necessarily rely on what you write, but more on how you write, specifically the tone you use and the level of enthusiasm you show in your writing.

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Introduction of the motivation letter

Any letter of motivation should include a brief introduction specifying the programme you would like to apply for.

First, state a clear career objective of your future project and the reasons for choosing this particular PhD programme.

Provide the information about your previous academic and professional experience. You can also include teaching and research experience, work outside an academic sector and even volunteering, provided that all are relevant, in terms of the skills and knowledge you gained.

All your experiences should somehow connect to your chosen PhD programme, as you would have to specify how your academic and professional achievements make you a valuable candidate for the PhD degree you applied to.

Main text of the letter – What has motivated you to do a PhD?

Based on the background information you provide, you will be able to identify 3 or 4 key factors that motivate you to do a PhD.

Current research shows that PhD applicants may be motivated by many factors such as:

• willingness to improve career prospects
• passion for research work and teaching
• the aspiration to discover and learn new things

You need to clearly describe what motivates you and what you would like to achieve as a result of your studies.

If you published in academic journals, you should mention that and provide details or evidence about your published work.

State some of your native qualities and stress on how they could be considered beneficial for your research topic and for your field of study in general.

Closing of the motivation letter

In the closing of your motivation letter, add a few sentences on the impact your studies may have in your life, research area and society in general. This will help you to demonstrate the importance of your research in the context of a bigger picture. Mainly, show how the scientific community and university can benefit from having you as a student.

You should also state that you are aware that PhD programmes they offer attracts many prospective and competitive candidates.

Generally, a motivation letter should not be longer than one page. The key to success is a clear structure, passion for your research topic and ability to demonstrate the value and impact of your research.

Details and statements you should avoid in the motivation letter

Clearly, you should not include false facts, achievements and should not try to make any overstatement or use pompous metaphors. The staff from the admission committee will always figure out if a motivation letter is genuine or fake.

Avoid cliché sayings like: “my childhood dream’’, “I am highly motivated to study X”, “my greatest ambition is to pursue scientific research at the highest level”, “I have always been fascinated by scientific research”.

Try not to praise the university too much and don’t close your letter with the expression “It would be an honour to be admitted to this university.”

Key things to remember when you write the motivation letter

Important details you should stress on throughout your motivation letter are your intellectual interest for the PhD course and the field you plan to study and the research experience you had so far. Remember to keep a professional and serious tone, but at the same time, be positive and enthusiastic. Good luck!

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Motivation Letter for PhD or Postdoctoral Fellowship

This post is especially useful for those of you who are planning to apply for a Ph.D. In the context of a Ph.D. application, a motivation letter is identical to a personal statement that showcases all the skills and capabilities you have to contribute to the project. When writing an application to an institute or university, it is important to show that you are qualified to pursue a Ph.D. Your motivation letter provides the perfect window into your character, and they expect you to live up to their expectations.

A simple and sample copy of the motivation letter

To (Professor/Scientist Name), PhD. Organization Mail ID Department of Microbiology Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Europe

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to express my interest in a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Department of Microbiology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Europe (the department and university you prefer). I completed a Masters (MSc) from… (University and Department) and my Ph.D. from… (sub-branch of ….., if it is not your main branch), and I received my Ph.D. degree on (Date-Month-Year). Considering my research skills in microbiology obtained during my master’s and my research experience at (your department) as a research fellow, I believe my experience and education are well qualified to meet the position’s needs. I secured University First Rank in M.Sc., Microbiology from… in (year). I have been awarded a five-year research fellowship by (funding agency name) to pursue a doctoral degree in biology.

I believe my research experience and education make me well-qualified to meet the position’s needs. My interest in the science field made me pursue a career in research and education, and it all started when I joined the principal scientist (supervisor name) lab in the department of microbiology as a junior research fellow to study the role of beneficial microbes on host plants. During the study, I examined the fate of the host plant after inducing stress in plants by bio-stimulants such as fungal and bacterial microbes to enhance the plant immunity and defense mechanisms in the roots of my experimental plant. I also estimated the compatibility of native fungal microbes with Trichoderma viride and their impact on plant growth and plant metabolite content in the plant. We also developed carrier-based formulations of beneficial fungi for the cultivation of my experimental plant. Further, I analyzed the cross-functional ability of native fungal microbes to cultivate other commercial crops. We also analyzed the possibilities for enhancing the in-planta defense mechanisms against pathogens in the host plant by targeting the expression levels of pathway genes by qRT-PCR.

I was successful in bringing the entire PhD work to fruition in five publications, and a few manuscripts are under submission. In addition, I have worked on other collaborative projects in our lab on antimicrobials, especially essential metabolites from different medicinal plants. I have good exposure to plant physiology, microbiology, molecular biology, and cell culture techniques, and I have good knowledge of biosafety. I carried out various molecular and analytical techniques such as cell culturing, immunoassays, DNA, RNA extraction, PCR techniques, Southern blotting, Western blotting, SEM, ESI-MS/MS, HPLC, GC, NMR, and so on. I have self-sufficiency and excellent communication, writing, and data interpretation skills. I can work independently and in independent scientific research investigations.

Please consider that my investigative qualities of independence, creativity, and critical thinking; my technical skills in molecular biology, microbiology, and metabolic flux analysis; along with the application of CRISPR/Cas9 tools, would be beneficial to completing a project successfully. I believe that this position would provide me with the best platform to perform research. I would like to utilize my research and education experience to develop new ideas that would be useful to the scientific community and mankind. Considering my qualifications and interests outlined above and in my CV (attached), I very much hope that you will consider my application for this position and provide me with an opportunity to be a part of your work.

Yours Sincerely

(Your Name)

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How to Write a Motivation Letter for PhD, Postdoc, or Any Position: Sample Motivation Letter

A Successful motivation letter helps the admissions board or Professor to compare outstanding students and impressive ones. With help of  motivation letter, they can prosper in ending up choosing worthy research students. But Still, admission boards will surely think of this as the classification to significantly find a suitable candidate for his research group. Showing you are preferred depending on what you write, however much more on just how you design, particularly the tone you use and the level of interest you receive in your writing that matters a lot.

While applying for a Ph.D. or Postdoc or any research position, you will need to write a research proposal and a Motivation Letter. Especially, a motivation letter is more required for Ph.D. candidates. This defines why you wish to embark on that position and why you would be appropriate for studying there. Yet what requires to go in this, and what tone is suitable for it? To give you some suggestions, today, we’re sharing all about motivation letters, so you can see what your motivation letter needs to include or correct.

How to write a Postdoc Job Application or Email

How to write a phd motivation letter.

A motivation letter has many similarities to a cover letter and a personal statement, and institutions will not ask you to submit all of these. However, it is a unique document and you should treat it as such. In the context of supporting a PhD application, the difference is nuanced; all three documents outline your suitability for PhD study. However, compared to a cover letter and personal statement, a motivation letter places more emphasis on your motivation for wanting to pursue the particular PhD position you are applying for.

Academic cover letters are more common in UK universities, while motivation letters are more common abroad.

For admission staff, academic qualifications alone are not enough to indicate whether a student will be successful in their doctorate. In this sense, a motivational letter will allow them to judge your passion for the field of study, commitment to research and suitability for the programme, all of which better enables them to evaluate your potential.

Polite Follow-Up Email to Professor : When and How You should Write

Steps for writing research motivation letter.

1. The first step to writing a good motivation letter is to read the job ad carefully 2. The second step is to try to understand the researchers and the kind of research they do 3. The third step is to carefully read a previous motivation letter and try to understand why the letter was successful 4. The fourth step is to make sure that you address the letter to the right people 5. The fifth step is to explain why you choose to apply to this position and this lab. 6. The sixth step is to explain how your research interests align with the research of the lab 7. The seventh step is to explain how your previous research background relates to the position 8. The eighth step is to explain why you are applying for that position

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How to Start a Motivation Letter

Introduction: Start with a brief introduction in which you clearly state your intention to apply for a particular programme. Think of this as describing what the document is to a stranger.

Education: State what you have studied and where. Your higher education will be your most important educational experience, so focus on this. Highlight any relevant modules you undertook as part of your studies that are relevant to the programme you are applying for. You should also mention how your studies have influenced your decision to pursue a PhD project, especially if it is in the same field you are currently applying to.

Work experience: Next summarize your professional work experience. Remember, you will likely be asked to submit your academic CV along with your motivation letter, so keep this section brief to avoid any unnecessary repetition. Include any other relevant experiences, such as teaching roles, non-academic experience, or charity work which demonstrates skills or shows your suitability for the research project and in becoming a PhD student.

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How Write Main Body of Motivation

Key skills: Outline your key skills. Remember the admissions committee is considering your suitability for the specific programme you are applying for, so mention skills relevant to the PhD course.

Motivation for applying: Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject, and describe your long-term aspirations. Start with how you first became interested in the field, and how your interest has grown since. You should also mention anything else you have done which helps demonstrate your interest in your proposed research topic, for example:

• Have you attended any workshops or seminars?
• Do you have any research experience?
• Have you taught yourself any aspects of the subject?
• Have you read any literature within the research area?
• Finally, describe what has convinced you to dedicate the next 3-4 years (assuming you are to study full time) of your life to research.

How to End a Motivation Letter

In the closing of your Motivation Letter, including a couple of sentences on your research’s impact on your life, research location, and experience generally. This will certainly aid you in showing the value of your research study in the context of a bigger photo. Mostly, demonstrate how the research community and also college can benefit from having you as a pupil.

Finally, thank the reader for considering your application.

Motivational letter for PhD, Postdoc, Scholarship etc.

It should be noted that a European-style motivation letter focuses on academic background and research history, avoiding too much personal information. The US-style personal statement, on the other hand, is much more ‘life experience’ based. Here, we focus on the European-style.

What is the Difference Between a Motivational Letter and Cover Letter?

Students frequently misunderstand the difference between a motivational letter and a cover letter. It’s crucial to remember that a cover letter’s objective is to highlight specific information from your CV and match it with the job criteria and company profile. To put it simply, a motivating letter is primarily used to highlight how your interests, goals, and objectives complement the academic program you want to study or a job profile you want to apply for, whereas a cover letter is more of an introduction to your resume to the hiring authority. Every one of the top firms is looking for someone who could be a valuable addition to their corporation. As a result, it must to convey your eagerness and intent while driving home the main point. 

Each document that a recruiter or university requests has a specific function. Most of the time, candidates are unsure of the difference between a motivation letter and a cover letter. A professional letter sent with a CV or resume to an employer or recruiter is called a cover letter. While motivation letters are utilized by internships, educational institutions, and university entrance offices, cover letters are typically used by businesses, employers, and recruiters. These letters provide candidates the opportunity to elaborate in detail about their motivation, interests, accomplishments, and career/academic future, as well as to tell the recruiter or educational officer why they are the ideal choice.

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A plant breeder - my PhD cover letter

My dedication and perseverance.

OP jasimpstu 1 / 2   Mar 27, 2017   #3 Dear, Thanks for your suggestions. I am gonna to add the contact information. Is there any difference between a cover letter and motivation letter? I have to write a motivation letter. Can I have some good sample of motivation letter? Thanks.

OP jasimpstu 1 / 2   Mar 27, 2017   #5 @Roselanim Thanks. I agree with you.

PhD Positions in Plant Species, KU Leuven, Belgium

PhD Positions in Plant Species: The KU Leuven Division of Forest, Nature, and Landscape is offering two PhD positions for the FUTURENATURE project. The research focuses on the potential of assisted migration of plant species to sustain natural ecosystem functions under future climate change scenarios. This involves empirical research, fieldwork, and advanced data analysis to guide future conservation efforts.

PhD Positions in Functional Assisted Migration of Plant Species

Summary Table

Designation

PhD Positions

Research Area

Functional Assisted Migration of Plant Species

Leuven, Belgium

Eligibility/Qualification

• MSc degree in Bioscience Engineering, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Physical Geography, or related field (or to be obtained by start date)
• Demonstrated excellent study results
• Passion for ecology, nature, and biodiversity
• Background in plant ecology and ecological modelling
• Motivation for scientific research, fieldwork, quantitative data analysis, and writing scientific publications
• Experience with programming languages such as R or Python (knowledge of spatial data analyses is a plus)
• Fluency in English (written and oral)
• Team player with good communication skills

Job Description

• Conduct research on the potential of assisted migration to sustain ecosystem functions
• Empirical research and evaluation of novel grassland communities under future climate change scenarios
• Collaborate closely with other PhD researchers, postdoctoral researcher, and project PI
• Engage in fieldwork, quantitative data analyses, and writing scientific publications
• Work within an international scientific team, maintaining a healthy work-life balance

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include:

• Transcript of records
• One-page motivation letter explaining your approach to the position

Applications should be submitted via the online application tool.

Last Date for Apply

August 15, 2024

Notification of selection for interview: Second half of August 2024 Interviews (online): End of August and beginning of September 2024

More Information

Prof. Koenraad Van Meerbeek Email: [email protected] Website: sglobelab.com

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Project Scientist Position-I in INST, Mohali (Punjab), India

Current openings

Postdoctoral position in plant nutrient sensing – biosensor development

Your profile: You have recently defended your PhD or will submit your thesis in the coming month. You have a strong background in plant molecular biology, reverse genetics, in plant cell biology, and ideally in nutrient physiology. You have excellent communication skills and a keen interest in dissecting plant signal transduction cascades. You would like to obtain additional training in image analysis, structural bioinformatics, structural biology and quantitative biochemistry/biophysics.

We offer: An initial contract of 1 year, renewable up to 5 years, a competitive salary plus social benefits in an international, diverse and dynamic research environment.

How to apply: Please send your motivation letter, CV, research statement, the main publication from your PhD and the contact details of two reference providers in a single .pdf file to Michael Hothorn . Please use the e-mail address of your current host institute when sending your application.

We are always looking for talented, motivated and creative new lab members, so please inquire about open positions in the lab.

Postdoctoral candidates: Please send your application to Michael Hothorn , including a motivation letter, your C.V., your academic degrees and the names and contact details of 2-3 references. Please use your current institution’s e-mail account when sending your application.

PhD student candidates: should hold a degree master degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry. Experience in basic molecular, cell biological and/or biochemical techniques is expected, a background in plant molecular biology or structural biology is considered a plus. Please send a letter of motivation (be specific!), your academic CV (please keep it academic!), copies of your bachelor and master degrees and the names and contact details of two references to Michael Hothorn .

• Mon. Jun 24th, 2024

Best Global Research Positions in Agriculture and Biosciences

6 PhD Funded Positions 1 Postdoc Position in Plant Science DFG-funded Research Unit PlantsCoChallenge in Germany

By Agristok

6 PhD Funded Positions 1 Postdoc Position in Plant Science DFG-funded Research Unit PlantsCoChallenge in Germany; PlantsCoChallenge is a newly established Research Unit funded by the DFG. The consortium, comprising 12 Principal Investigators, aims to increase our understanding of plant stress adaptations. An overarching objective of the program is to characterize physiological and evolutionary plant adaptations to co-occurring stress in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems while integrating the role of plant microbiota in stress resistance.

Research in the program will include five distinct plant species, adapted to different environmental conditions, allowing us to conduct innovative comparative analyses. The PlantsCoChallenge program includes plant scientists from six research institutes:

• The Christian-Albrechts University, Kiel (CAU)
• The Helmholtz Institute GEOMAR, Kiel
• The Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology (IGB), Berlin
• The University Münster, Münster
• The Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen (EKUT)

SP1: Habitat-dependent regulation of cellular respiration in plant oxygen stress- and elicitor responses:

Research in the SP1 project will build on a collaboration with the research group of Prof. Markus Schwarzländer at the University of Münster and Prof. Jennifer Selinski at the University of Kiel. Barley and seagrass will be used as model plants to investigate how oxygen availability in different habitats influences the regulation of cellular respiration and the interaction between plants and microbes. 1 PhD position at Münster University

The Plant Energy Biology Lab in Münster specializes in examining regulatory mechanisms of energy metabolism in plant cell compartments under changing environmental conditions and using fluorescent biosensors in vivo.

Your profile:

• Enthusiasm for fundamental and mechanistic questions of energy metabolism and plant-environment interactions
• A completed Master’s degree in the molecular life sciences with a focus on plant sciences
• Excellent command of the English language
• High degree of intrinsic motivation
• Outstanding communication and organisational skills, initiative and an independent working style
• Responsible analytical and scientific thinking and writing
• Enjoyment of interaction and collaboration with other research groups, as well as supervising students

Your work tasks:

• Planning and conducting laboratory experiments on the response of barley and seagrass to hypoxia and elicitor exposure
• Measuring physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses, particularly at the levels of respiration, metabolome, and transcriptome
• Developing methods for measurement using genetically encoded biosensors
• Conducting joint experiments, sample collection, and measurements at the
• University of Kiel and GEOMAR in Kiel
• Presenting research findings at national and international workshops and conferences
• Writing and submitting manuscripts for publication in scientific journals
• Actively participating in courses and project meetings of the research group
• Supervising MSc and/or BSc students
• A working environment with appreciation, commitment, openness, and respect—these are values that are important to us.
• With a wide range of flexible working time models, we enable you to work flexibly, including from home.
• Whether it is caregiving or childcare, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your personal and professional life.
• As an educational institution, your individual and tailored professional development is not just important to us; it is a matter of personal commitment.
• From Aikido to Zumba, our extensive range of sports and health offerings ensures your work-life balance.
• You will benefit from numerous public service advantages, such as an attractive occupational pension scheme (VBL), an annual special payment, and a job that is hardly affected by economic fluctuations.

Application:

For further information or questions, please contact Prof. Markus Schwarzländer, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (IBBP), [email protected]

SP2: Genetic and metabolic determinants of biotic and abiotic stress responses in quinoa:

In this project, we will address the traits defining biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in quinoa. We will first identify quinoa lines with different resistance/susceptibility to downy mildew infection and tolerance/susceptibility to drought stress. Based on detailed phenotyping, transcriptome analysis and genotyping, we will identify genetic loci controlling drought tolerance and downy mildew resistance. Moreover, based on metabolome analysis, we will identify the biotic- and abiotic-stress-responsive metabolites and specifically characterize the role of flavonoids during combined stress treatments. Additionally, we will investigate the impact of biotic stress on microbiome composition in quinoa lines. 1 PhD position at CAU Kiel

• An above-average master’s degree in agriculture (or a comparable subject),
• In-depth knowledge of eucaryote genetics, plant breeding, and plant molecular biology,
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA isolation, PCR, quantitative real-time PCR,
• Experience with field work and plant phenotyping is desirable,
• Basic knowledge of GWAS, RNA-seq, and metabolome analyses is desirable,
• Very good English language skills, both written and spoken
• Experience with software R is desired,
• Motivation, commitment, and willingness to work in an international team,
• Conducting greenhouse, climate chamber, and field experiments with quinoa plants
• Conducting a genome-wide association study for drought tolerance and mildew susceptibility
• Analysis of RNA-seq data and identification of differentially expressed genes in response to biotic and/or abiotic stress factors
• Metabolome analysis and identification of differentially accumulated metabolites in response to stress
• Writing and publishing articles in peer-reviewed international journals
• presenting your scientific results at national and international conferences
• a well-equipped workplace and work in a highly motivated team,
• an exciting and challenging research activity with many opportunities to contribute your ideas, and
• further qualification opportunities including career planning and attendance at national and international scientific events.

Application: For further information or questions, please contact Dr. Nazgol Emrani, Plant BreedingInstitute, Kiel University at 0431 880 2016 or email [email protected] .

 SP3: Endophytes and local adaptation modulate aquatic plant responses to warming and anoxia stress;

Our subproject will focus on the adaptation of freshwater and marine plants to warming and hypoxia. Field studies and laboratory experiments will be conducted to elucidate the potential role of endophytes and the abundance of associated microbes across a gradient of anoxia and warming. Combinations of warming and hypoxia will be tested for their effects on growth and physiology of pondweed, S.pectinata and sea grass Zostera marina. 1 PhD Position at IGB Berlin

• A university degree (Master or equivalent) in biology or related subjects (top 10%)
• Strong interest in fundamental plant ecology/physiology
• Proficiency in English
• Experience in scientific writing and presentations
• Experience in plant stress ecology
• Experience with statistics, R
• Interest in team work
• Willingness to work in Kiel during joint experiments
• Conduct laboratory and field experiments on the response of S. pectinata to warming and hypoxia in Berlin
• Measure S. pectinata biomass, photosynthesis and different physiological parameters
• Conduct joint experiments and measurements with freshwater and marine plants at GEOMAR in Kiel
• Present research results at national and international workshops and conferences
• Write and submit three manuscripts to scientific journals
• Attend courses, summer schools and project meetings of the Research Unit and
• IGB doctoral program
• Supervise MSc and/or BSc student(s)

We offer an interesting position in an international and dynamic scientific environment. The position is intended for full-time doctoral research and is paid according to the German salary scheme for the public sector (TVöD Bund at 65 % E13). It is a fixed-term position for 3 years with a possible 1-year extension.

We foster your career development by providing qualification and training opportunities. We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life. The IGB is committed to diversity. We welcome every qualified application, regardless of sex and gender, origin, nationality, religion, belief, health and disabilities, age or sexual orientation. Disabled applicants with equal qualification and aptitude will be given preferential consideration

Application: For further information or questions, please contact PD Dr. Sabine Hilt, IGB, +49 30641817677, [email protected] .

 1 PhD Position at GEOMAR Kiel

Your profile: Requirements for successful application are:

• A university degree (Master or equivalent) in biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics or in a related subject
• Experiences with metabolomic or transcriptomic analyses
• Basic knowledge in plant physiology or plant stress ecology
• Basic skills in scripting languages such as Python or PERL, or in multivariate statistics (R-package)

Desirable qualifications would be:

• Experience in the design and execution of eco-evolutionary experiments
• Experience with microbiological techniques
• Knowledge on seagrasses or other macrophytes
• Knowledge in the basics of (coastal) marine ecology
• Research diving qualification

The project: Our model species is the widespread seagrass Zostera marina (eelgrass) which features broad tolerances to adverse abiotic conditions such as warming, as well as reducing, oxygen-free sediments. In contrast, the interacting role of biotic stressors, in particular pathogens and grazing, is currently not well understood.

 The objective of this project will be to examine how the plant integrates, responds and allocates resources to multiple stressors as a function of its local microhabitat. The successful candidate will closely cooperate with another doctoral candidate in the group of Prof. Sabine Hilt at IGB Berlin on similar questions in the freshwater plant Stuckenia pectinata .

• An exciting and international work environment in a topic of global importance
• Work in the field of marine and climate research, a forward-looking area with social significance
• Integration into the PlantCoChallenge network with the opportunity for attending different workshops and courses offered by the Principal Investigators
• Attention to questions of work-life balance, including the possibility of working remote and other flexible working time arrangements

Application: For further information or questions, please contact Prof. Thorsten Reusch, GEOMAR,+49 431 600-4550, [email protected] . Further questions will be answered by e-mailto [email protected] . In doing so, please refer to the keyword “Seagrass StressEcology”.

SP4: Local co-adaptation of plants and their microbiota to climatic stress:

SP4 aims at studying adaptive trait divergence among Northern and Southern European populations of Sea Rocket ( Cakile maritima ) and its specific microbiome. Our holistic approach comprises a field study to characterize systematic latitudinal variation of the metaorganism and its natural abiotic environment; a well replicated greenhouse experiment testing for adaptive latitudinal divergence of the metaorganisms abiotic stress responses; and a reciprocal transplant experiment testing for crossing reaction norms in fitness. Our focus is on functional traits broadly representing the host plants abiotic stress resistance and fitness (1 PhD position CAU Kiel) as well as on interactions with locally co-evolving microbiota causing positive or negative feedback on plant fitness under abiotic stress (1 PhD position EKUT Tübingen) . 1 PhD position at CAU Kiel

• a good Master of Science in biology or a related science with a focus on plant ecology (a thesis in the fields of plant population ecology or plant molecular interaction ecology is an advantage)
• practical experience in experimental plant ecology (is mandatory) and plant eco-metabolomics (is an advantage) or population genomics (is an advantage)
• solid experience in statistical data analyses (preferably in R)
• very good language skills in English (is mandatory) and German (is an advantage) or French (is an advantage)
• strong organizational and communication skills
• initiative and independent working style and a high intrinsic motivation for plant ecological research
• self-dependent organization and implementation of a field sampling and survey trip through Europe; a controlled greenhouse experiment manipulating diurnal temperature courses, watering regimes and soil microbial communities; and a reciprocal common garden experiment located in Kiel (Germany) and Montpellier (France)
• acquisition of data on plant growth, morpho-functional traits, physiology,metabolome (fingerprinting and profiling), and population genomics
• bioinformatic and statistical analyses of data
• writing and publishing articles in peer-reviewed international journals
• excellent technical facilities for controlled ecological experiments (Fitotrons, modern greenhouses, field experimental stations) and metabolome analyses (FT-ICR-MS, UPLC-MS/MS, NMR)
• excellent links with national and international research networks
• the opportunity to collect practical working experience in different European Countries optimal training via the Kiel Plant Center, the Graduate Center of CAU Kiel and a PhD thesis advisory committee

Application: For further information or questions, please contact Karin Schrieber, Institute forEcosystem Research, Kiel University, Tel. +49-431-880-4082, e-mail [email protected]

1 PhD position at EKUT Tübingen:

• Master of Science in biology, bioinformatics or closely related fields (top 15 %) with a focus on plant-microbe interactions, microbiology and microbiome research.
• practical experience in plant research and microbiology (is mandatory) and bioinformatics (is an advantage)
• very good language skills in English (is mandatory) and German (is an advantage)
• initiative and independent working style and a high intrinsic motivation for plant research in all perspectives
• self-dependent organization and implementation of a field sampling and survey trip through Europe, including participation in a reciprocal common garden experiment located in Kiel (Germany) and Montpellier (France)
• controlled greenhouse experiment and gnotobiotic plant systems
• high throughput microbiome sequencing and sterile cultivation of fungi, bacteria and protists from plants
• working with complex microbial communities under sterile and greenhouse conditions
• bioinformatic, data management and statistical analyses of data
• excellent technical facilities for basic and advanced microbiology, sterile plant cultures, controlled plant experiments and molecular biology.
• excellent computational resources including high performance computing and advanced data management.
• the opportunity to collect practical working experience in different European countries
• optimal training via the Interfaculty Graduate School of Infection Biology and Microbiology (IGIM) in Tübingen and/or the Graduate Program for Cellular and Molecular Biology of Plants at the ZMBP
• an interdisciplinary PhD thesis advisory committee

For further information or questions, please contact Eric Kemen, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tuebingen (IMIT), Microbial Interactions in Plant Ecosystems, ZMBP, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tel. +49-7071-29-78725, email to [email protected]

Z2: Capturing the diversity of stress related microbiota from plant endophytic niches;

The Z2 project aims to investigate the role of plant-associated microorganisms in stress responses at the metaorganism level. It will collect and characterize microbes from five different plant species under natural conditions, analyze their microbial communities using deep sequencing, and identify core microbial taxa shared between the plant species. Using computational tools such as machine learning algorithms or structural equation models, the project aims to identify properties, mechanisms and functions of complex plant associated microbial communities under various stresses and in different habitats. This project will improve our understanding of microbial behavior and its implications in the context of environmental fluctuations.

It will further involve phenotypic characterization of core and host-specific microbes, quantification of microbial growth dynamics, assembly of microbial communities for stress experiments, and identification of stress-related beneficial and detrimental microbes. Further to this, research data management will be an important part of this project. 1 Post Doc position EKUT Tübingen

• A PhD in biology, bioinformatics, informatics or closely related research fields with a focus on microbiology and microbiome research.
• practical experience in bioinformatics and microbiology (is mandatory).
• practical experience in plant and microbial ecology, plant molecular research and plant-microbe interactions (is an advantage).
• solid experience in statistical data analyses (preferably in R) and knowledge in Python
• initiative and independent working style and a high intrinsic motivation for microbiology and plant research in all perspectives
• self-dependent organization and implementation of field samplings for microbial isolation and high throughput sequencing of microbes in collaboration with the other groups of the Research Unit.
• high throughput microbiome sequencing and sterile cultivation of fungi, bacteria and protists from various plant species.
• bioinformatics, data management and statistical analyses of integrative big data sets
• assembly and analyses of synthetic microbial communities including fungi, bacteria and protists.
• setting up gnotobiotic systems and analyses.
• excellent computational resources including high performance computing and advanced data management systems.
• strong computational support and knowledge landscape (connections to the cluster of excellence in machine learning for science in Tübingen are highly encouraged)

Application: For further information or questions, please contact Eric Kemen, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT), Microbial Interactions in Plant Ecosystems, ZMBP, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tel. +49-7071-29-78725, e-mail to [email protected] .

More information visit: https://www.environmental-genomics.de/plantscochallenge.html See More Opportunities Like this here .

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