Biomedical scientist cover letter with template and example

Updated 28 March 2023

When applying for a biomedical scientist role, it's often necessary to include a cover letter with application documents. An effective biomedical scientist cover letter that describes skills and work experience can create a positive impression on hiring managers. Learning how to write a strong, concise letter for this role can help you secure an interview with potential employers. In this article, we offer a step-by-step guide to writing a cover letter for a biomedical scientist position, outline valuable tips and provide a template and example to help you write your own.

How to write a biomedical scientist cover letter

A biomedical scientist cover letter is a one-page document describing the qualities, work experience and accomplishments that make a candidate an ideal choice for the position. The document accompanies your CV and outlines your reasons for applying for the job. Review the following steps on how to write an effective cover letter that highlights your skills and strengths:

1. Analyse the job description

Before writing the cover letter, ensure you review the position's job description to determine the relevant responsibilities. You can find this information on the company's website or social media platform. Some responsibilities you may include in your cover letter for a biomedical scientist position include the following:

performing standard and specialised analytical tests on biological samples
maintaining the laboratory's quality management system
adhering to applicable health and safety laws
processing results according to schedules
ensuring results meet reporting turn-around times
identifying abnormal results
following up on results with requesting clinicians
recording data accurately, writing reports and sharing results

2. Include your contact details

Start your cover letter with your name, address, phone number and email address at the top of the page. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to contact you to follow up on your application. You can also add your professional social media profile name and link.

3. Write an introductory paragraph

Introduce yourself in the first paragraph and describe your interest in the job you're applying for. Mention the degree you attained at university and discuss how it prepared you for the role. A compelling introduction can encourage a hiring manager to read the rest of your document. The following tips can help you write an impressive introduction:

Mention that you're applying for a biomedical scientist position in the first paragraph.
Highlight your enthusiasm for both the role and the organisation.
Discuss why you believe you're a suitable candidate for the position.

4. Highlight your skills

The second paragraph of your cover letter allows you to elaborate on the skills you've mentioned in your CV. Indicate any relevant hard or soft skills that make you an ideal candidate for the position, including those you gained at university or through work experience. Examples of skills necessary for a biomedical scientist include the following:

Analysis: Biomedical scientists use these skills to evaluate test results. They also apply them when engaging with large data sets during research projects.
Laboratory skills: As a biomedical scientist, knowing how to handle laboratory equipment helps you produce accurate scientific results. Examples of technical abilities include handling spectrophotometers, microscopes and centrifuge machines.
Collaboration: Biomedical scientists use teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues. Working together with team members can improve productivity and facilitate a positive work environment.

5. Describe your work experience and accomplishments

In this section, mention and quantify your achievements. You can also add any work experience in medical laboratories or facilities that have helped advance your career. It may improve your chances of securing a job if you indicate achievements that can benefit the organisation. Review the following tips to discover how you can highlight your work experience:

Include extra certifications. Review relevant online certifications you've pursued that you can highlight in your cover letter. For instance, consider mentioning a certificate in a speciality, such as immunology or genetics, to show potential employers you can add value.
Highlight your volunteer experience in medical facilities. You can include relevant experience as a volunteer or entry-level scientist in a medical facility to show the skills you've gained throughout your career. For instance, you can mention how volunteering has enabled you to understand how to use laboratory equipment effectively.
Mention work goals. Consider highlighting your professional short- and long-term goals in relation to the organisation's mission. For example, if a hospital's goal is to improve the quality of health care, you can emphasise your ambition to help the hospital achieve this by providing accurate laboratory results.

6. Write a concluding statement

Include a closing statement in the last paragraph highlighting how your skills, experience and ambitions can help you achieve the organisation's goals. End with a call to action that states how you look forward to hearing from the hiring manager. At the end of the statement, close by adding your name and signature on a separate line. Use a standard closing statement, such as Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully.

Related: How to end a cover letter

7. Proofread your document

After finishing your cover letter, ensure you proofread it for any spelling or grammatical inaccuracies. You can use a software spell or grammar checker programme to scan for errors. Check that you have the correct format and that your document is easy to read. Ask a family member or trusted friend to review your document to gain a further perspective.

Tips on how to improve your cover letter

A well-written cover letter can impress a hiring manager, improving a candidate's chances of securing a biomedical science position. Review the following list to discover tips you can use to refine your letter:

Use keywords. Consider using relevant keywords to increase your chances of passing the applicant tracking system tests. Examples of keywords you can mention include test analysis, culture assay or data management, which indicate specific hard skills that may impress hiring managers.
Quantify your achievements. Outline your accomplishments with supporting figures where possible. For example, you can state that you analysed trial antibiotics that confirmed a 98% bactericidal effect on a specific bacterial species.
Include references. Offer reputable references that describe your work ethic and performance. These can come from business partners, previous and current employers or academic teachers.

Cover letter template for a biomedical scientist

Review this cover letter template to help you write one:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City]

[Date]

[Company name]

Dear [Hiring manager's first name] [Hiring manager's last name],

[Express excitement for the position, including the role title and the company name.] [Introduce yourself by explaining why you're applying for the job, how the job aligns with your career goals and what specifically draws you to the company.]

[Explain your relevant experience and qualifications without repeating what's in your CV.] [Highlight one to two relevant achievements with facts and data when possible.] [Explain why you'd be a good fit for the company.] [Optional - address employment gap or career transition.]

[Express gratitude]. [Summarise qualification]. [Restate interest in the role]. [Call to action + availability and preferred contact method].

[Complimentary close],
[Signature]

Cover letter example for a biomedical scientist

Examine this cover letter example as a guide when you write your own:

Peter Jackson, BSc Biomedical Sciences
07523 786546 | pjackson@email.com | York

10th November 2022

Remedy Facilities

Dear Robert Clarkson,

This letter accompanies my application for the biomedical scientist position advertised on your website. I believe I have the qualities you're looking for, and I'm confident that my experience can help your organisation grow.

I recently graduated from Wilkins University with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. In addition, I have four years' experience as a biomedical scientist at Kranken Institution. I'm proficient in using laboratory equipment such as centrifuge machines, microscopes and incubators. My research interests include immunology, cellular biology and biochemistry. I also have experience in DNA sequencing, PCR tests, ELISA assays and molecular cloning.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I'm positive I can offer quality services to enable your organisation to discover new scientific concepts, and I look forward to discussing how I can be a valuable asset to your team. Please contact me via email or phone. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,
Peter Jackson

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.