Motivation Letter

Hi everyone, I would kindly ask someone to comment on my application for a phd position.

Dear Professors

I am writing to apply for a Ph.D. position at -----------------------------------

I am a graduate student in molecular biology, specializing in molecular pharmacology, from the -----------, Sweden. I think I would be perfect for the research project: “---------------------------------?”. I do not only have a strong interest in neuroscience, but also a passion for physical exercise. Combining them would be a perfect mixture of my personal interests.

I have a strong background and knowledge in molecular biology techniques and extensive experience in receptor pharmacology, including transporters and G-protein coupled receptors. In 2008, I did my bachelor’s thesis in molecular pharmacology aiming to characterize the intracellular signaling of the G protein coupled estrogen receptor, GPR30. I showed that GPR30 activation was coupled to an increase in cAMP turnover in the mouse myoblast cell line C2C12 (data that later led to publication). Moreover, I made a functional antisense construct of the GPR30 gene that has been used for gene silencing in a recent publication (--------- et al., 2011).

In the beginning of 2009 I had the opportunity to do my masters thesis at the department of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics -----------------------. By doing it outside the university, I gained valuable experience of how the industry works and acquired advanced skills and techniques, such as mass spectrometry and HTS, not generally taught at the university. Moreover, I gained knowledge about the kinetics and function of uptake- and efflux transporters that shares similarities with MCTs.

After -------------, I had a firm foundation of experiences and a wide network from both the pharmaceutical industry and the academia. It was a perfect time to nourish my curiosity for travelling. Doing it alone forced me to handle difficult situations independently and I cultivated my social skills. During this time, I became a fitness instructor in Australia and developed an interest in mountaineering, climbing two peaks above 6000 meters in the Andes. Now, I am aware of my goals and committed to take the next step in my scientific career.

In 2012, I returned to the lab where I did my bachelor’s thesis, assisting in the characterization of GPR30 and refining my skills. I am currently constructing a constitutive active GPR30 receptor through site directed mutagenesis that is important to further characterization of the receptor.

Given my broad experience in receptor pharmacology and strong interest in neuroscience combined with a personal passion for physical exercise, I am certain that, if given the opportunity, I will thrive working in this project.. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to meeting you.

Sincerely yours,
Krister