Gap Year: NIH Pt 2 (cover letters)

Updated March 2, 2021

How do you apply to the NIH Postbac Program?

In order to begin the application process, you will need to create an account on the NIH IRTA (Intramural Research Training Award) site:

This is where you will be filling out, submitting, and keeping track of your application throughout the year. Your application consists of the following components: basic information, transcript, cover letter, three letters of recommendation (listed as references on the site), and CV/resume. All of these items will have to be typed manually into the portal and formatted as HTML text. Your application will be considered complete only after all of these items have been submitted (letters of recommendation included). A complete application is then available on a centralized NIH database to all Principal Investigators (PI’s), who can then find your application by typing key search words that you would have indicated in your application.

How do you write a cover letter for the NIH?

Your cover letter should address your education information including university/major and your interest in either a one or two-year postbaccalaureate training. The body of the letter should address your previous research experiences, relevant coursework, and most importantly, what skills you have gained and why you would be a good fit in the scientific research community. Make sure to also address your current research interests while keeping it somewhat broad and open - interests that are too specific might make it difficult for PI’s to approach you. Your cover letter should be single spaced, formatted in 12 point Times New Roman/Arial, and approximately 1-1.5 pages in length. Here is a sample:

Dear Principal Investigator,

I am interested in pursuing a (one or two)-year, full-time research position in the IRTA program at the NIH. Currently, I am a (year) at (university) and will be graduating with a B.S. in Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology. My interests in Neuroscience include chronic and acute pain, the molecular mechanisms of pain, and pharmacological approaches to discovering therapeutics for achieving long-term analgesic effects.

As a Neuroscience major with a Systems focus, I have pursued the appropriate coursework necessary for my success in a research lab. Intermediate courses such as Neuroscience: Cellular and Systems I and II have provided me with sufficient knowledge of the cellular and molecular biology of neurons, as well as the structure and function of the nervous system. Furthermore, my success in upper levels such as Diseases and Disorders of the Nervous System, Structure of the Nervous System, Behavioral Endocrinology, and Neuropsychopharmacology have provided me with an extensive, comprehensive framework of the nervous system and will enable me to utilize my neuroscience background in a relevant, meaningful manner. Additionally, I have gained adequate technical skills and hands-on experience in Neuroscience Lab, in which I had the opportunity to use anatomical and neuro-physiological techniques to examine animal brain structures and record from a single neuron obtained from dissecting aplysia. Therefore, my courses have instilled two essential factors that will help me thrive in the lab: a strong scientific background as well as the ability to work in a team efficiently.

Outside of the classroom, I have spent the past three years as an undergraduate researcher in the lab of (PI) in the department of (institute). During the 500+ hours that I have devoted to this lab, I have had the opportunity to be a key contributor to a research project… (explain your research and list any grant awards if applicable).

My current interests lie in both the molecular mechanisms of pain as well as the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic drugs that are being developed to target the neural underpinnings of various conditions involving neuropathic pain such as diabetic neuropathy, cancer, and trauma. As a result, I am eager to take on any approaches that target pain signaling and explore both its molecular and clinical aspects.

Having presented my research to my peers and faculty, I possess effective communication skills, especially when delivering scientific presentations. Furthermore, I am highly organized, meticulous, punctual and demonstrate constructive leadership. As stated earlier, I am also an efficient team worker. I look to take on the position that I am offered with enthusiasm, with the hope of making successful and meaningful contributions to the lab, as well as adding to my current knowledge base.

Most sincerely,

(Signature)

General Tips

It is preferred that your recommenders have known you in a capacity that is suitable for working in research. For example, your PI, postdoctoral fellow, lab professor, or science course professor would be great options. Note that a PI and postdoctoral fellow from the same lab can write two of the three letters.
Make sure you approach your recommenders well ahead of time, as your application will not be complete until they have uploaded their letters. Simply enter their email information into the site and with further steps taken it will send them a link to upload letters. You should receive an email notification when a letter is uploaded.
Make sure your cover letter is written in an open and approachable manner. Most often, PI’s look for flexibility in time commitment (some may want two years when you are looking for one) so ensure that your tone indicates you are open to discussion to retain opportunities.that you are open to discussion to retain opportunities.

Aishwarya Pradeep

Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa

Year: M0