Getting a faculty position at a university requires a well-crafted application letter. This crucial document needs to showcase your qualifications, teaching philosophy, research interests, and why you’re the perfect fit for the position. Many qualified candidates fail to land interviews simply because their application letters don’t effectively communicate their value to the hiring committee.
A strong faculty application letter can make all the difference in your academic job search. The right approach helps you stand out from dozens or hundreds of other applicants and persuades the search committee to place your application in the “must interview” pile rather than the rejection stack.
Sample Letters of Application for Faculty Position
Here are fifteen professionally crafted sample letters to help guide your own faculty position application.
1. Assistant Professor of Biology Application
Subject: Application for Assistant Professor of Biology Position (Job Reference: BIO-2025-AP)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Chair, Biology Department Search Committee
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720
Dear Dr. Johnson and Members of the Search Committee,
My name is Dr. Michael Chen, and I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor of Biology position advertised on the University of California, Berkeley website. With a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Stanford University and four years of postdoctoral research experience at Harvard Medical School, I believe my background aligns perfectly with your department’s needs.
My research focuses on cellular regeneration mechanisms, specifically how certain gene expressions activate tissue repair. This work has resulted in five publications in high-impact journals including Nature and Cell, and has attracted $450,000 in grant funding over the past three years. My teaching experience includes undergraduate courses in General Biology and Cell Biology, as well as graduate seminars in Regenerative Medicine.
What draws me to UC Berkeley is the exceptional reputation of your Biology Department and the opportunity to collaborate with researchers like Dr. Lisa Wong, whose work on stem cell differentiation complements my own research agenda. I am particularly excited about the potential to contribute to your department’s Cellular and Molecular Biology initiative.
My teaching philosophy centers on active learning strategies that engage students in the scientific process. At Harvard, I redesigned the Cell Biology laboratory course to include authentic research experiences, which resulted in a 35% increase in biology majors continuing to graduate programs.
My enclosed CV details my academic background, research accomplishments, teaching experience, and service activities. I have also included a research statement, teaching philosophy, and three selected publications that showcase my scholarly contributions.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experiences and vision align with your department’s goals. I can be reached at michael.chen@email.com or (555) 123-4567.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Chen
Associate Research Fellow
Harvard Medical School
Enclosures: CV, Research Statement, Teaching Philosophy, Selected Publications
2. Associate Professor of English Literature Application
Subject: Application for Associate Professor Position in Victorian Literature (Ref: ENG-VP-2025)
April 8, 2025
Professor Robert Williams
Head, Department of English
Yale University
New Haven, CT 06520
Dear Professor Williams and Search Committee Members,
This letter expresses my strong interest in the Associate Professor position in Victorian Literature at Yale University. As a tenured Assistant Professor at Brown University with eight years of teaching experience and an established publication record, I am ready to bring my passion for Victorian studies to your prestigious department.
Victorian literature has always fascinated me because of how it reflects a society grappling with rapid industrialization, social change, and scientific discovery—themes that resonate with our current moment. My book, “Machines and Morality: Technology in Victorian Fiction” (Oxford University Press, 2023), explores these connections and has been cited in over 30 scholarly articles since its publication.
The opportunity to join Yale’s English Department excites me for several reasons. Your department’s strength in interdisciplinary approaches to literature aligns with my own research methodology. Additionally, the Victorian Studies Collection in your library would be an invaluable resource for my second book project on Victorian women writers and scientific discourse.
My teaching record demonstrates both breadth and depth. I have taught survey courses on British Literature, specialized seminars on Dickens and Eliot, and graduate courses on Victorian material culture. Student evaluations consistently praise my ability to make complex literary theory accessible and my skill at facilitating meaningful discussions. I have supervised five M.A. theses and served on three Ph.D. committees.
Beyond teaching and research, I have served as Undergraduate Studies Coordinator at Brown, where I revised the English major curriculum and created a popular minor in Book Studies. I also organized a regional Victorian Studies conference that attracted 150 participants and resulted in a special journal issue.
I have attached my curriculum vitae, teaching portfolio, research statement, and writing sample. Letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my references.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further and can be reached at elizabeth.taylor@email.com or (555) 987-6543.
Respectfully,
Dr. Elizabeth Taylor
Assistant Professor of English
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
3. Assistant Professor of Computer Science Application
Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Artificial Intelligence (Position #CS-AI-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. David Kim
Chair, Computer Science Faculty Search Committee
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA 02139
Dear Dr. Kim and Members of the Search Committee,
Please accept my application for the Assistant Professor position in Artificial Intelligence at MIT’s Department of Computer Science. With a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University and three years as a Research Scientist at Google DeepMind, I offer both academic excellence and industry experience in AI systems.
My research bridges the gap between theoretical machine learning and practical applications, with a focus on developing trustworthy AI systems that can explain their decision-making processes. This work has produced 12 peer-reviewed publications at top conferences including NeurIPS, ICML, and AAAI, with my paper on “Interpretable Deep Learning for Medical Diagnosis” winning the Best Paper Award at ICML 2024.
MIT’s Computer Science Department stands out for its collaborative approach to AI research and its commitment to addressing real-world challenges. I am particularly drawn to the opportunity to work alongside researchers in your AI and Ethics initiative and to contribute to interdisciplinary projects with the Media Lab.
During my time at DeepMind, I led a team of five researchers working on explainable AI systems for healthcare applications. This project resulted in a system now being piloted at three major hospitals, with early results suggesting a 28% improvement in diagnostic accuracy for complex cases. I have also maintained academic connections through guest lectures at UC Berkeley and by supervising two Master’s students remotely.
As an educator, I believe in combining theoretical foundations with hands-on projects that solve meaningful problems. At Carnegie Mellon, I served as a Teaching Assistant for both undergraduate and graduate courses, receiving the Outstanding TA Award. I have developed and taught workshops on machine learning for medical professionals, which has honed my ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
My attached materials include my CV, research statement, teaching statement, diversity statement, and copies of my three most significant publications. Five letters of recommendation will be sent separately.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be happy to provide any additional information and can be reached at alex.patel@email.com or (555) 234-5678.
With appreciation,
Dr. Alex Patel
Research Scientist
Google DeepMind
Mountain View, CA 94043
4. Professor of Psychology Application
Subject: Application for Full Professor Position in Clinical Psychology (Position ID: PSY-CP-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Maria Rodriguez
Chair, Psychology Department
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Dear Dr. Rodriguez and Distinguished Search Committee Members,
I am writing to apply for the Full Professor position in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan. As a tenured Associate Professor with 15 years of experience and Director of Clinical Training at Northwestern University, I bring a substantial record of research, teaching, and clinical supervision to this role.
Throughout my career, I have built a research program examining how early childhood trauma affects cognitive development and emotional regulation across the lifespan. This work has been continuously funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, totaling over $3.5 million in grant support. My lab has produced 45 peer-reviewed articles, two books, and 12 book chapters, with our findings informing trauma-informed care practices nationwide.
The University of Michigan’s Psychology Department attracts me because of its strong emphasis on translational research and its renowned child development research facilities. The possibility of collaborating with your Trauma Recovery Center presents exciting opportunities to expand the clinical applications of my research.
Leadership has been a central aspect of my professional identity. As Director of Clinical Training at Northwestern, I oversee an APA-accredited Ph.D. program with 40 students and coordinate relationships with 15 practicum sites. I spearheaded a curriculum revision that strengthened our program’s emphasis on cultural competence and evidence-based practice, which led to a 30% increase in applications from underrepresented minority students.
My teaching encompasses both undergraduate and graduate courses, including Abnormal Psychology, Advanced Psychopathology, and Evidence-Based Interventions for Trauma. I have mentored 12 Ph.D. students to completion, with 75% securing academic positions and the remainder obtaining competitive clinical positions. My mentorship was recognized with Northwestern’s Excellence in Graduate Mentoring Award in 2023.
Professional service includes serving as Associate Editor for the Journal of Traumatic Stress, membership on three NIH grant review panels, and two terms on the Board of Directors for the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.
My application package includes my curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, diversity statement, and five selected publications. Letters of recommendation will follow separately.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be delighted to discuss my qualifications further and can be reached at jennifer.wilson@email.com or (555) 345-6789.
With respect,
Dr. Jennifer Wilson
Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Training
Department of Psychology
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL 60208
5. Assistant Professor of Economics Application
Subject: Application for Assistant Professor of Economics (Reference: ECON-2025-AP)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Thomas Lee
Chair, Department of Economics
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ 08544
Dear Dr. Lee and Economics Department Search Committee,
I am applying for the Assistant Professor position in Economics at Princeton University with a focus on Development Economics. Having recently completed my Ph.D. at the London School of Economics with a dissertation on microfinance innovations in rural communities, I am eager to begin my career at an institution known for its rigorous scholarship and global impact.
My research uses randomized controlled trials to test the effectiveness of different microfinance models in promoting entrepreneurship among women in South Asia. This work challenges conventional approaches by showing that group lending models are most effective when combined with basic business training. My job market paper from this research won the Best Paper Award at the Development Economics Workshop at Harvard last year.
Princeton’s Department of Economics appeals to me because of its strong focus on empirical methods and policy-relevant research. I am particularly interested in potential collaborations with the Center for Economic Policy Studies and contributing to Princeton’s initiatives in developing countries.
My teaching experience includes serving as primary instructor for an undergraduate course on Development Economics and as a teaching assistant for Econometrics and Microeconomic Theory. Student evaluations placed me in the top 10% of instructors at LSE, with particular praise for my ability to connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications and my accessibility to students outside of class.
Beyond research and teaching, I have practical experience as a summer consultant with the World Bank, where I helped evaluate the impact of a large-scale microfinance program in Bangladesh. This experience strengthened my commitment to research that directly informs economic policy and development practices.
My application includes my curriculum vitae, job market paper, research statement, teaching statement, and diversity statement. Three letters of recommendation will be sent by my advisors.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my research agenda and teaching approach would contribute to Princeton’s Economics Department. I can be reached at rakesh.sharma@email.com or (555) 456-7890.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rakesh Sharma
Ph.D. Graduate
Department of Economics
London School of Economics
London, UK WC2A 2AE
6. Associate Professor of Nursing Application
Subject: Application for Associate Professor Position in Nursing Education (Ref: NURS-2025-07)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Patricia Garcia
Dean, School of Nursing
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21218
Dear Dean Garcia and Search Committee Members,
This letter and the attached materials constitute my application for the Associate Professor position in Nursing Education at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. As a tenured Assistant Professor at the University of Washington with nine years of experience in nursing education, I am ready to bring my expertise in simulation-based education and nursing pedagogy to your prestigious institution.
My career has focused on transforming nursing education through technology-enhanced learning and evidence-based teaching strategies. My research program examines how high-fidelity simulation impacts clinical decision-making skills among nursing students. This work has been funded by the National League for Nursing and has resulted in 18 peer-reviewed publications and 25 conference presentations.
Johns Hopkins’ reputation for innovation in healthcare education and its state-of-the-art simulation center make it an ideal setting for the next phase of my career. I am particularly impressed by your school’s commitment to preparing nurses for leadership roles in an increasingly complex healthcare system.
As Director of the Simulation Learning Center at the University of Washington, I led the implementation of a curriculum-wide simulation program that is now used across all levels of our nursing program. This initiative reduced clinical placement bottlenecks by 40% while improving student performance on clinical competency assessments by 25%. I also secured a $750,000 equipment grant to upgrade our simulation facilities.
My teaching experience spans undergraduate and graduate levels, including courses in Health Assessment, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Nursing Education. I have chaired four Ph.D. committees and served as a member on seven others. My teaching has been recognized with the University of Washington’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 2023.
Service has been an important component of my academic work. I serve as an accreditation site visitor for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and as a manuscript reviewer for three nursing education journals. At the University of Washington, I chaired the BSN Curriculum Committee during a major program revision that increased NCLEX pass rates to 98%.
My application packet contains my curriculum vitae, statements on research, teaching, and diversity, and copies of my five most cited publications. Letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my references.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to Johns Hopkins’ tradition of excellence in nursing education. I can be reached at susan.thompson@email.com or (555) 567-8901.
With appreciation,
Dr. Susan Thompson, Ph.D., RN
Assistant Professor and Director of Simulation Learning
School of Nursing
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195
7. Assistant Professor of Physics Application
Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics (Ref: PHYS-ECM-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. James Wilson
Chair, Physics Department Search Committee
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA 91125
Dear Dr. Wilson and Members of the Search Committee,
Please consider my application for the Assistant Professor position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics at Caltech. Having completed my Ph.D. at the University of Tokyo and spent four years as a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich, I am excited about the prospect of establishing my independent research program at an institution renowned for its groundbreaking physics research.
My work focuses on quantum materials, specifically the design and fabrication of novel topological superconductors with potential applications in quantum computing. Using advanced scanning tunneling microscopy techniques, my research has revealed unexpected quantum states at material interfaces that could lead to more stable qubits. This research has produced 14 publications, including articles in Science, Nature Physics, and Physical Review Letters.
Caltech appeals to me because of its exceptional research facilities and collaborative environment. The proximity of the Institute for Quantum Information and Matter would provide unique opportunities to translate my fundamental materials research into practical quantum devices. I am also drawn to Caltech’s small size, which facilitates cross-disciplinary collaborations.
My experimental expertise includes ultra-low temperature measurements, device nanofabrication, and synchrotron-based spectroscopy. At ETH Zurich, I built a specialized measurement system that achieves sub-10 mK temperatures while allowing simultaneous electrical transport and spectroscopic measurements. This setup has attracted collaborations with five research groups across Europe.
Teaching is a passion that I have cultivated alongside my research. At ETH Zurich, I designed and taught a graduate seminar on Topological Materials and assisted with undergraduate courses in Quantum Mechanics and Solid State Physics. I enjoy mentoring students and have supervised four Master’s students and two undergraduate research projects. My approach emphasizes hands-on learning and connecting theoretical concepts to experimental realities.
My application package includes my curriculum vitae, research plan, teaching statement, diversity statement, and three selected publications. Four letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my references.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to discuss my research vision and teaching philosophy with you. Please contact me at keiko.tanaka@email.com or (555) 678-9012 with any questions.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Keiko Tanaka
Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Physics
ETH Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland CH-8093
8. Professor of Law Application
Subject: Application for Professor of Constitutional Law Position (Job ID: LAW-CON-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dean Michael Foster
Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee
Harvard Law School
Cambridge, MA 02138
Dear Dean Foster and Members of the Appointments Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Professor of Constitutional Law position at Harvard Law School. As a tenured Professor at Columbia Law School with 18 years of teaching experience and a substantial body of scholarship on constitutional interpretation, I believe I can make significant contributions to Harvard’s distinguished Constitutional Law program.
My scholarship examines how constitutional interpretation has evolved in response to social movements and technological change. My recent book, “Constitutional Adaptation: How Foundational Texts Survive Centuries of Change” (Harvard University Press, 2023), received the American Bar Association’s Silver Gavel Award and has been adopted in constitutional law courses at 24 law schools nationwide.
Harvard Law School has long been at the forefront of constitutional scholarship, and the opportunity to join such an illustrious faculty is compelling. I am particularly interested in contributing to the Constitutional Law Workshop and collaborating with scholars at the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice on projects related to equal protection jurisprudence.
My teaching experience spans the core law school curriculum and specialized advanced courses. At Columbia, I regularly teach Constitutional Law, Federal Courts, and First Amendment, as well as seminars on Comparative Constitutional Law and Constitutional Theory. I have received Columbia’s Willis L.M. Reese Prize for Excellence in Teaching three times. Beyond the classroom, I have supervised 15 S.J.D. candidates and served on over 30 doctoral committees.
Professional service and public engagement have been central to my career. I have filed amicus briefs in five Supreme Court cases, served on the Board of Directors of the American Constitution Society, and regularly provide commentary on constitutional issues for major news outlets. Within academia, I serve as an Associate Editor of the Harvard Law Review and on the executive committee of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Constitutional Law.
My application includes my curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching evaluations, and copies of my three most recent law review articles. Letters of recommendation will be sent separately.
Thank you for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and vision for teaching constitutional law at Harvard. I can be reached at daniel.morris@email.com or (555) 789-0123.
With highest regards,
Dr. Daniel Morris, J.S.D.
Professor of Law
Columbia Law School
New York, NY 10027
9. Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Application
Subject: Application for Assistant Professor Position in Robotics (Position #ME-ROB-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Laura Chen
Chair, Mechanical Engineering Search Committee
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA 30332
Dear Dr. Chen and Search Committee Members,
I am pleased to submit my application for the Assistant Professor position in Robotics in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech. With a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and three years of postdoctoral experience at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), I am eager to launch my independent academic career at an institution known for its excellence in robotics research and education.
My research focuses on bio-inspired soft robotics, specifically developing flexible actuators and sensors that mimic natural organisms. My most significant contribution has been the creation of a new class of pneumatic artificial muscles that achieve higher power-to-weight ratios than previous designs while maintaining compliance for safe human-robot interaction. This work has led to 9 journal publications, 12 conference papers, and a patent application.
Georgia Tech’s reputation as a leader in robotics research makes it my top choice for starting my faculty career. I am particularly excited about potential collaborations with the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines and the opportunity to contribute to Georgia Tech’s growing emphasis on human-centered robotics.
At EPFL, I have gained valuable experience managing a research team of three Ph.D. students and two Master’s students working on different aspects of soft robotics. This role has prepared me to build and lead my own research group. I have also secured competitive funding, including a Swiss National Science Foundation Early Career Grant ($180,000) to develop soft robotic prosthetics.
Teaching is a passion that I have developed throughout my academic career. At EPFL, I co-taught a graduate course on “Advanced Robotic Systems” and created a new seminar on “Soft Materials in Robotics.” As a graduate student at Michigan, I served as a teaching assistant for four courses, receiving the College of Engineering Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award. My teaching philosophy emphasizes project-based learning and the integration of research into the classroom.
My application package includes my curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, diversity statement, and copies of my three most significant publications. Three letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my references.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be thrilled to discuss how my research program and teaching approach would contribute to Georgia Tech’s School of Mechanical Engineering. I can be reached at carlos.rodriguez@email.com or (555) 890-1234.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carlos Rodriguez
Postdoctoral Researcher
Laboratory for Intelligent Systems
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
Lausanne, Switzerland CH-1015
10. Associate Professor of History Application
Subject: Application for Associate Professor of African American History (Position #HIST-AA-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. William Taylor
Chair, History Department
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Dear Dr. Taylor and Search Committee Members,
I am writing to apply for the Associate Professor position in African American History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a tenured Assistant Professor at Emory University with eight years of experience and a strong publication record, I am ready to bring my expertise on African American political movements to your distinguished department.
My scholarship examines African American grassroots organizing in the South during the 20th century, with particular attention to rural communities and their survival strategies under Jim Crow. My first book, “Beyond the Visible Movement: Rural Black Resistance in the Deep South, 1930-1960” (University of North Carolina Press, 2022), won the Southern Historical Association’s Charles S. Sydnor Award and has been widely reviewed as offering a new perspective on civil rights organizing before the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
UNC-Chapel Hill’s History Department stands out for its strength in Southern history and its connections to the Southern Oral History Program. The opportunity to collaborate with scholars across your department and to utilize the extensive collections at Wilson Library makes UNC an ideal setting for my second book project on Black women’s leadership in community survival organizations.
During my time at Emory, I have taught undergraduate surveys of African American History, specialized courses on Civil Rights Movements, and graduate seminars on Race and Social Movements. Student evaluations have consistently ranked in the top 15% of the department. I have also mentored 10 undergraduate honors theses and served as primary advisor for three Ph.D. students, with two more in progress.
My service record includes chairing Emory’s African American Studies Curriculum Committee, serving on the Executive Committee of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, and working as a historical consultant for the National Park Service on their Civil Rights Trail project.
My application includes my curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching portfolio, diversity statement, and writing sample. Letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my references.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my research, teaching, and service would contribute to UNC’s History Department. I can be reached at angela.washington@email.com or (555) 901-2345.
With appreciation,
Dr. Angela Washington
Assistant Professor
Department of History
Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30322
11. Professor of Marketing Application
Subject: Application for Full Professor of Marketing Analytics Position (Reference: BUS-MKT-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Richard Martinez
Chair, Marketing Department
Wharton School of Business
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Dear Dr. Martinez and Distinguished Search Committee Members,
I am applying for the Full Professor position in Marketing Analytics at the Wharton School of Business. As a tenured Associate Professor at the Kellogg School of Management with 14 years of experience bridging marketing theory and data science, I bring a proven track record of research impact, teaching excellence, and industry engagement.
My research program explores how firms can leverage big data and machine learning to optimize marketing decisions and enhance customer relationships. My work has appeared in top marketing journals, including six articles in the Journal of Marketing Research, four in Marketing Science, and three in the Journal of Marketing. According to Google Scholar, my research has been cited over 3,500 times, with an h-index of N24. My 2020 paper on dynamic pricing algorithms received the INFORMS John D.C. Little Award for the best marketing paper of the year.
The Wharton School’s combination of analytical rigor and practical relevance makes it the perfect environment for the next phase of my career. I am particularly drawn to the opportunities for collaboration with the Wharton Customer Analytics Initiative and the possibility of working alongside scholars who are pushing the boundaries of marketing science.
My teaching portfolio includes both MBA and Ph.D. courses in Marketing Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Customer Relationship Management. At Kellogg, I developed a popular MBA elective on “AI-Driven Marketing” that consistently receives teaching evaluations above 4.8/5.0. I have chaired seven doctoral dissertations, with graduates securing positions at institutions including UCLA, Cornell, and London Business School.
Beyond academia, I maintain strong connections with industry partners. I have served as a consultant to companies including Amazon, Microsoft, and American Express on their marketing analytics initiatives. These relationships have not only informed my research but also enriched my classroom teaching with real-world applications and case studies.
Professional service has been a priority throughout my career. I serve as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Marketing Research and on the editorial boards of two other top marketing journals. Within the field, I have served as Program Chair for the INFORMS Marketing Science Conference and on the Executive Committee of the American Marketing Association’s Academic Council.
My application package includes my curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, and copies of my five most cited publications. Letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my references.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my expertise would contribute to Wharton’s continued excellence in marketing education and research. I can be reached at sophia.liu@email.com or (555) 012-3456.
With highest regards,
Dr. Sophia Liu
Associate Professor of Marketing
Kellogg School of Management
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL 60208
12. Assistant Professor of Political Science Application
Subject: Application for Assistant Professor of International Relations (Position #POLS-IR-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Margaret Williams
Chair, Department of Political Science
Duke University
Durham, NC 27708
Dear Dr. Williams and Members of the Search Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in International Relations at Duke University. Having recently completed my Ph.D. at Columbia University and with two years of postdoctoral experience at the University of Chicago, I am excited about the prospect of joining Duke’s distinguished Political Science Department.
My research examines how emerging powers navigate international institutions, with a focus on regional organizations in the Global South. My dissertation, “Strategic Institution Building: Regional Powers and Multilateral Governance,” challenges conventional wisdom by showing that middle powers often create regional institutions not just to balance against global powers but to establish favorable governance frameworks for economic development. This work combines quantitative analysis of institutional design features with qualitative case studies based on extensive fieldwork in Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia.
Duke University stands out as an ideal setting for my research and teaching due to its strengths in both international relations scholarship and regional studies. The opportunity to engage with the Duke Center for International Development and the Duke University Center for International and Global Studies would provide valuable interdisciplinary perspectives on my work.
During my postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago, I designed and taught an undergraduate course on “Regional Organizations in World Politics” and co-taught a graduate seminar on “Power Transitions in International Relations.” Student evaluations praised my ability to connect theoretical debates to contemporary global challenges and my effectiveness in facilitating productive discussions across ideological differences.
My research has begun to gain recognition in the field, with articles published in International Organization and Review of International Organizations, and a manuscript under review at International Studies Quarterly. I have presented my work at major conferences including the American Political Science Association, International Studies Association, and the annual meeting of the International Political Economy Society.
My application package includes my curriculum vitae, dissertation abstract, research statement, teaching statement, diversity statement, and writing sample. Three letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my references.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my research agenda and teaching approach would contribute to Duke’s Political Science Department. I can be reached at gabriel.santos@email.com or (555) 123-4567.
Sincerely,
Dr. Gabriel Santos
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Political Science
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL 60637
13. Associate Professor of Education Application
Subject: Application for Associate Professor of Educational Technology (Job Code: EDU-ET-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Jessica Brown
Dean, School of Education
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
Dear Dean Brown and Members of the Search Committee,
Please accept my application for the Associate Professor position in Educational Technology at Stanford University’s School of Education. As a tenured Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin with seven years of experience at the intersection of learning sciences and technology design, I am eager to bring my expertise to Stanford’s innovative educational environment.
My research explores how emerging technologies can enhance learning experiences while addressing educational inequities. My work is organized around three interconnected strands: 1) designing and evaluating collaborative learning technologies, 2) studying technology integration in diverse K-12 settings, and 3) preparing teachers to leverage technology effectively. This research has attracted over $2.2 million in external funding from the National Science Foundation, the Spencer Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Stanford’s School of Education is particularly attractive to me because of its commitment to bridging research and practice and its strong connections to both the technology sector and local school communities. The opportunity to collaborate with scholars at the Stanford Learning Lab and to contribute to Stanford’s teacher education program aligns perfectly with my professional goals.
At the University of Texas, I have taught undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral courses on topics including Educational Technology Integration, Design of Learning Environments, and Research Methods in Learning Sciences. I have chaired four doctoral dissertations to completion and currently supervise three Ph.D. candidates. My teaching has been recognized with the College of Education’s Teaching Excellence Award in 2023.
A defining feature of my work has been community-engaged scholarship. I have established partnerships with 12 schools serving predominantly low-income communities to co-design technology-enhanced learning environments that address locally identified challenges. This collaborative approach has not only produced more effective educational innovations but has also created valuable learning opportunities for my graduate students.
Professional service has included serving as Program Chair for the International Conference of the Learning Sciences, Associate Editor for the Journal of the Learning Sciences, and a member of the American Educational Research Association’s Technology as an Agent of Change in Teaching and Learning Special Interest Group Executive Committee.
My application includes my curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching statement, diversity statement, and copies of three representative publications. Letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my references.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be delighted to discuss how my research program and teaching philosophy align with Stanford’s mission and goals. I can be reached at maya.patel@email.com or (555) 234-5678.
With appreciation,
Dr. Maya Patel
Assistant Professor
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
14. Assistant Professor of Public Health Application
Subject: Application for Assistant Professor of Epidemiology Position (Job #SPH-EPI-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Robert Johnson
Chair, Department of Epidemiology
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Boston, MA 02115
Dear Dr. Johnson and Members of the Search Committee,
I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor of Epidemiology position at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. With a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and three years of postdoctoral training at the CDC, I am prepared to establish an independent research program focused on infectious disease epidemiology and global health security.
My research investigates the social and environmental factors that influence infectious disease transmission in low-resource settings. During my postdoctoral fellowship with the CDC’s Division of Global Health Protection, I led a multi-country study on community-based surveillance systems for early detection of emerging infectious diseases. This work has resulted in eight peer-reviewed publications and practical surveillance protocols now implemented in four countries across Southeast Asia.
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health represents an ideal environment for advancing this research agenda given its commitment to addressing global health challenges and its strong interdisciplinary networks. I am particularly enthusiastic about potential collaborations with the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics and the opportunities to work with colleagues across Harvard’s various global health initiatives.
My methodological expertise includes spatial epidemiology, infectious disease modeling, and mixed-methods approaches to understanding health systems. I have implemented field research in challenging settings, including leading data collection during the 2023 cholera outbreak response in South Sudan. This experience has shaped my approach to developing epidemiological methods that function effectively in resource-constrained environments.
As an educator, I have guest lectured in epidemiology courses at Emory University and developed a short course on outbreak investigation for field epidemiologists that has been delivered to over 200 public health professionals in five countries. My teaching philosophy emphasizes applied learning through case studies and practical exercises that prepare students to address real-world public health challenges.
At the CDC, I have mentored MPH students completing their practicum experiences and supervised two predoctoral fellows. These mentoring experiences have reinforced my commitment to training the next generation of epidemiologists who can work effectively across disciplines and cultural contexts to address complex health threats.
My application package includes my curriculum vitae, research and teaching statements, diversity statement, and three selected publications. Three letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my references.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my research focus aligns with Harvard’s public health priorities. I can be reached at natalie.coleman@email.com or (555) 345-6789.
Sincerely,
Dr. Natalie Coleman
EIS Officer and Postdoctoral Fellow
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Atlanta, GA 30333
15. Professor of Chemistry Application
Subject: Application for Professor of Organic Chemistry Position (Reference: CHEM-OC-2025)
April 8, 2025
Dr. Andrew Wilson
Chair, Department of Chemistry
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL 60637
Dear Dr. Wilson and Distinguished Members of the Search Committee,
I am pleased to submit my application for the Professor of Organic Chemistry position at the University of Chicago. As a tenured Full Professor at the University of California, San Diego with 20 years of experience in synthetic organic chemistry and catalysis research, I am excited about the prospect of bringing my research program to Chicago’s dynamic scientific environment.
My research has focused on developing sustainable catalytic methods for carbon-carbon bond formation, with particular emphasis on transition metal catalysis and photoredox chemistry. This work has led to the development of several widely used synthetic methodologies now employed in pharmaceutical development. My group has published over 125 papers in high-impact journals including Science, Nature Chemistry, and the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Our research has been continuously funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, with current active grants totaling $2.8 million.
What attracts me to the University of Chicago is its culture of scientific excellence and collaborative inquiry. The Chemistry Department’s strengths in chemical biology and materials science present exciting opportunities for expanding the applications of my synthetic methodologies. I am particularly interested in potential collaborations with the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering to develop catalytic systems for sustainable materials production.
Throughout my career, I have been committed to excellence in teaching across all levels of the chemistry curriculum. At UCSD, I regularly teach undergraduate organic chemistry courses and advanced graduate seminars in catalysis and synthetic methods. I have completely restructured our department’s approach to teaching organic chemistry laboratory courses, introducing green chemistry principles and modern synthetic techniques that better prepare students for contemporary research challenges. This curriculum redesign has been adopted by several other universities.
Mentorship has been a central focus of my academic career. I have supervised 28 Ph.D. students to completion and mentored 15 postdoctoral scholars, with 80% of these trainees now holding faculty positions at research universities or leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Five of my former students have received NSF CAREER awards or NIH K awards, achievements that reflect my commitment to preparing independent scientists. I was honored to receive UCSD’s Distinguished Mentor Award in 2022.
My professional leadership includes serving as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Organic Chemistry, chairing the American Chemical Society Division of Organic Chemistry, and serving on the NIH Synthetic and Biological Chemistry Study Section. I have organized three Gordon Research Conferences on Organic Reactions and Processes and served on the advisory boards of three pharmaceutical companies.
My application package includes my curriculum vitae, research statement, teaching philosophy, diversity statement, and five representative publications. Letters of recommendation will be sent separately by my colleagues.
Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my research program and educational vision would contribute to Chicago’s tradition of scientific leadership. I can be reached at victoria.ramirez@email.com or (555) 456-7890.
With highest regards,
Dr. Victoria Ramirez
Professor of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA 92093
Wrap-up
Writing an effective faculty application letter takes careful thought and planning. The best letters showcase your unique qualifications while demonstrating why you’re an excellent fit for the specific position and institution. As shown in these sample letters, successful applicants clearly highlight their research accomplishments, teaching experience, and service contributions in ways that align with departmental needs.
Remember that search committees review hundreds of applications for each position. Your letter must quickly grab attention and make a compelling case for your candidacy. Focus on what sets you apart from other qualified applicants and explain why you’re excited about this particular opportunity.
Pay close attention to details like formatting, addressing the letter correctly, and following all application instructions. Proofread carefully to eliminate errors that might suggest carelessness. Ask trusted colleagues to review your letter before submission to catch blind spots or unclear sections.
Faculty application letters represent the first step in what might become a years-long professional relationship with your future colleagues. Approach this communication with professionalism, authenticity, and enthusiasm for the contributions you hope to make in your new academic home.