Biology Cover Letter Samples
The perfect biology cover letter allows you to tell your unique personal and professional story. Your resume lists the facts, but your cover letter is where you stand out from hundreds of other applicants. It’s where you share your point of view in your own voice. But how do you write a cover letter for a specific role? Use our biology cover letter samples below for suggested phrasing, structure, and content when you apply to an internship or entry-level role. At the same time, remember that the examples below are meant as guides only. Your cover letter needs to reflect your individual academic and professional achievements.
Biology Internship Cover Letter Sample
William Sullivan
321 Broad Street | West Seneca, NY 14224
555.555.5555 | william.sullivan@email.com
[Application Date]
Thomas Redding, PhD
Director
Tonawanda Wildlife Refuge
100 Main Street
Somewhere, NY 00000
Dear Dr. Redding:
I am a motivated third-year biology major, seeking to apply my research and academic experience to the role of biology intern at the Tonawanda Wildlife Refuge. My coursework in ecology, animal behavior, and genetics has given me a strong foundation that I’m eager to build upon. Pursuing a career in biology has been a long-held goal of mine, combining my interests in science and wildlife.
As a teaching assistant at Buffalo State College, I aided the aquatics lab team in collecting and analyzing zebra mussel spread at test sites, a study that showed the invasion of zebra mussels was 7% faster than previous estimates suggested. I also interned at the Buffalo Zoo, assisting the institution’s chief ornithologist during a two-week field survey of Mallard ducks within the Tift Farm Preserve. There, I recorded the migration patterns of turkey vultures during late winter/early spring. We identified previously unrecorded birds, indicating a 10% widening of turkey vulture migration from Buffalo.
As your internship requires field observation and specimen analysis experience, I believe I would serve Tonawanda Wildlife Refuge well. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
William Sullivan
Entry-Level Biologist Cover Letter Sample
William Sullivan
321 Broad Street | West Seneca, NY 14224
555.555.5555 | william.sullivan@email.com
[Application Date]
Thomas Redding, PhD
Director
Tonawanda Wildlife Refuge
100 Main Street
Somewhere, NY 00000
Dear Dr. Redding:
I am an adept researcher, with expertise in conducting grant-funded field research on North American fauna and flora. I’ll bring lab, field, and academic experience to the role of staff biologist at the Tonawanda Wildlife Refuge, as well as expertise in developing and implementing field research operations, managing field research and analyses, and conducting research in animal behavior, plant life propagation, and the spread of invasive species. Additionally, I have advanced knowledge of GIS.
As a teaching assistant at Buffalo State College, I aided the aquatics lab team in collecting and analyzing zebra mussel spread at test sites, a study that showed the invasion of zebra mussels was 7% faster than previous estimates suggested. I also interned at the Buffalo Zoo, assisting the institution’s chief ornithologist during a two-week field survey of Mallard ducks within the Tift Farm Preserve. There, I recorded the migration patterns of turkey vultures during late winter/early spring. We identified previously unrecorded birds, indicating a 10% widening of turkey vulture migration from Buffalo.
As your biologist position requires field observation and specimen analysis expertise, I believe I would serve Tonawanda Wildlife Refuge well in this role. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
William Sullivan
Detailed Structure and Content Guide for a Biology Cover Letter
A compelling cover letter follows a consistent structure, with each paragraph serving a specific purpose. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the structure and what to include in each paragraph:
Introduction
Start with your name, address, email, and phone number at the top, followed by the date and the employer’s information. The opening paragraph should immediately state the position you’re applying for and where you found the job posting. If someone referred you, mention their name and position here. Also, briefly mention why you’re interested in the role.
“I am excited to apply for the Biology Intern position at [Company Name], which I discovered on your website. I am currently a third-year biology major at [University Name], and I am keen to expand my practical understanding of wildlife ecology, a passion sparked and nurtured during my studies.”
Why You’re Qualified (1-2 paragraphs)
These paragraphs are where you highlight key accomplishments and experiences that make you a strong candidate. Use specific examples and, if possible, quantify your achievements. This is the time to illustrate how you’ve used your skills in past experiences.
“In my role as a research assistant at [University/Company Name], I worked on a project studying the spread of zebra mussels in local bodies of water. Our team found that the invasion was 7% faster than previously estimated, a significant discovery that has implications for local biodiversity. This experience honed my data collection and analysis skills, and taught me the value of meticulous, detail-oriented research.”
Why the Company and Role Attract You
Explain why you’re interested in this particular role and company. Be specific about what appeals to you and how it aligns with your career goals. You should show that you’ve done your research about the company and express enthusiasm for its mission, culture, or recent projects.
“What attracts me to [Company Name] is your commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly in preserving the natural habitats of endangered species. This aligns with my career goals and personal passion for wildlife protection. Furthermore, the hands-on fieldwork aspect of the internship, as detailed in the job description, is exactly the kind of experience I’m seeking.”
Conclusion and Call to Action
In the final paragraph, reaffirm your interest in the position and express your eagerness for the next steps. Be sure to thank the employer for considering your application and suggest a meeting or follow-up call to discuss the opportunity further.
“I am enthusiastic about the possibility of bringing my unique skills to the [Position] at [Company Name]. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background could align with your team’s goals. Thank you for considering my application.”
Professional Closing: Finish your letter with a professional sign-off like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
Remember, a cover letter should be customized for each job application, reflecting the specific skills and experiences that make you a good fit for the role. And as always, proofread your letter before sending it to avoid any typographical or grammatical errors.
Tips on How to Write Your Biology Cover Letter
Now that you’re inspired, here are our top tips before you write your own cover letter:
- Don’t rewrite your resume—tell a story and share your passion.
- Nothing will get you eliminated from the application pool faster than typos.
- Address your cover letter to a specific person, with their full name and preferred pronoun.
- Numbers and details are your friend. Speak to what you did and why it matters.
- Name dropping pays off, so mention anyone you know at the company.
- It’s not all about you. Focus on how you’ll add value for the employer.
Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment or the “perfect” version of your cover letter. Start today. Draft your cover letter, revise it, seek feedback, and when you’re ready, hit that ‘submit’ button with confidence. Also, don’t forget to read our accompanying biology resume sample here.
