Sunday, 5 September 2010

Dream Job - Application Letter





 Company   Acumen Research Laboratories
 Job Title   Internship - Junior Research Associate with Acumen Research Laboratories
 Location   Singapore





Responsibilities

Job Scope:
Training will be provided, under guidance & supervision of a senior scientist, the roles of the above position as follows:

1. Perform experiments in cell & molecular biology; followed by data analysis & recording
2. Prepare weekly and monthly project reports
3. Support the Business Development & Project teams in preparing client reports
4. Work collaboratively with marketing, business development and project teams;

Specific projects / learning outcomes:
1. Apply knowledge learnt in classes in industry lab
2. Experience in translational research & industry R&D processes (vs academic)
3. Appreciate startups as a mechanism of commercialization of science & technology

Duration of internship (in weeks): 12

Start date: May End date: August

Working hours (start & end time): 8am-6pm

Termination notice period: 1 month

Company url: www.acumen-research.com

Please submit your application and cover letter online.

Kindly attention your cover letter to
Ong Siew Hwa
Director and Chief Scientist
237 Alexandra Road, #07-03 The Alexcier

Requirements

1. Cell culture, handling DNA & bacteria
2. Good organization skills for time management, prioritize effectively and handle deadlines;
3. Ability to work in a team environment with a customer service focus and mind; as well as independently when needed to
4. Year 3 or 4 Life Science student (with understanding of topics such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics, preferably statistical analysis)
5. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral in English; capability with Excel
6. Attention to detail, Ability to work accurately and precisely, motivated, demonstrated good judgment and time management
7. The ideal candidate will be comfortable in a fast-paced environment, have a can-do attitude, entrepreneurial, can handle multiple tasks and work effectively with timelines
 ______________________________________________________


Chin Gek Choo
Block ***C Woodlands Dr**
#0*-*0
Singapore **3***
(65) 81** - ****
Alicia_2501@hotmail.com

September 5th 2010

Ong Siew Hwa
Director and Chief Scientist
237 Alexandra Road
#07-03
The Alexcier

Dear Madam,
I read about the internship offered by your company, Acumen Research Laboratories, from the website http://www.science.nus.edu.sg on August 29th. I have the requirements to fulfil the job duties as a Junior Research Associate and find that the job scope is very much related to my interest and field of knowledge.
I am an undergraduate from National University of Singapore (NUS), currently pursuing the third year in Biological Sciences, specializing in Biomedical Science. NUS is an elite local university well known for its Science courses, specifically the Life Science course. I am certain that what I have learned thus far will greatly aid me in succeeding the requirements needed for the internship.
Firstly, I have in-depth understanding of the cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics and statistical analysis topics. The enclosed resume will provide the list of modules taken in NUS in relation to the knowledge needed for this internship.
Secondly, I have a lot of experience in handling cell cultures throughout the life science modules taken. Having learned the module LSM2202A, which is Experimental Molecular and Cell Biology, I am specially trained in different laboratory techniques especially dealing with experiments in cell and molecular biology. I believe that the training provided by Acumen Research Laboratories will further strengthen my knowledge and heighten my laboratory skills.
Your company has always been an aspiration with its mission of providing a comprehensive range of customized, high-quality contract R&D services. The internship offered is also very familiar to me in terms of the requirements and knowledge needed, I believe it will train me to be a better life science analyst and in the process gain exposure to working in a translational research environment.
Do allow me to have an interview with you to discuss more about my knowledge background. I am available to meet you any day from 12pm onwards, at your convenience.

Thank you

Yours sincerely,

(Signature)

Chin Gek Choo

3 comments:

  1. Hi Alicia,

    The general outline of your cover letter is neat and consistent. However, I do have some suggestions :

    Instead of blatantly saying "I have the requirements"..perhaps it'll be better to phrase it into "I believe I have the requirements"

    "NUS is an elite local university well known for its Science courses, specifically the Life Science course. " As for this sentence, I think its quite unnecessary to have it.

    It'll be great not to use Firstly or Secondly in a cover letter as this is not an essay.

    I'm not sure if you research on Mdm Ong's background but she's apparently an NUS alumni so I'm sure she'll know that the limited practical lessons we have in the curriculum doesn't really help to train your lab technique. Perhaps it'll be good not to mention 2202 and instead tell them you're exposed to different cell culture techniques.

    "Do allow me to have an interview with you to discuss more about my knowledge background."
    This comes across as demanding so perhaps you could phrase it to sound more like a request.

    The suggestions above is just from my personal take on your cover letter.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Alicia!

    Wow, I think the requirements listed in the job advertisement is indeed a long one!
    The format of your application letter is clear and coherent in general, good job there! (:

    Just a few points to add:

    1)Since you know the name of the recepient, is it better to use "Dear Ms Ong" instead of "Dear Madam"?

    2)"I have in-depth understanding of the cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, proteomics and statistical analysis topics."
    I feel that instead of merely listing down what the job advertisement asked for, perhaps you would like to consider emphasizing more on the laboratory skills you have acquired during your 2 years of undergraduate studies? That would make your experiences more concrete and complete as well (:

    3)Lastly, I don't think it is necessary to tell them the module code LSM2202 as it would be quite meaningless to them if they are not from NUS Faculty of Science?

    But overall, I like your well structured aplication letter in each paragraphs, coupled with your relevant knowledge in the field of research! It would be even more impressive if you could add in a paragraph on your soft skills (a list which goes on and on in the job ad) with some experiences you had! All the best to you! (:

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Alicia,

    I like your application letter as it is well structured.
    However i figured that you failed to mention how the company would benefit from hiring you. I guess that is very important. You have focused on how the company will benefit you and not vice versa.

    All in all , a good application letter. :)

    ReplyDelete