CommLab CoverLetter3 Faculty Annotated

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Postdoctoral Fellow 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Building

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139–4307
Chemical Engineering Phone

Email
November 1, 2015
Faculty Search Committee
Department of Chemical Engineering
Dear Faculty Search Committee,

Unique background
I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at
I believe that my background in chemical biology and polymer science will allow me to build an innovative
research group at . My research focus on developing macromolecular chemical tools to study important,
fundamental questions in biology will help attract a diverse group of talented, motivated students and strengthen its
already world-class program. In addition, my enthusiasm for mentoring and teaching will help develop students into
independent scientists and, more broadly, encourage them to pursue careers in science-related fields.
broader impact
academic My research interests are at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and materials science and are motivated by a goal to
pedigree improve human health. I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry at in the laboratory of
For my doctoral research, I developed bioconjugation reactions for the selective modification of proteins
and created new targeted imaging agents based on virus-like particles for the detection of cardiovascular disease. To broaden
my training to include an engineering perspective, I decided to pursue postdoctoral research with in the
Chemical Engineering Department at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. As a postdoctoral fellow, I have focused on
determining the principles that govern the liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes
and applying this coacervate phase to create biocatalytic coatings. shows breadth of projects and approaches
branding again
In my independent career, I plan to draw on my training in both chemical biology and polymer science to create new protein-
based materials to study and modulate the immune system. My expertise in protein modification, materials synthesis and
characterization, and cell culture will enable me to accomplish the proposed research program. The highly interdisciplinary
research program I have proposed will provide both chemical insights into protein-polymer hybrid materials and excellent
training for students. Specifically, research within my group will create a tag for protein self-assembly to purify proteins and
create synthetic vaccines (proposal 1), polymeric photoswitches to control cytokine signaling (proposal 2), and biomimetic
antimicrobial peptides to function as dual-action antibiotics (proposal 3). Together, these avenues of research will produce
novel protein materials and an enhanced understanding of the interplay between components of the immune system.
application fundamental science
I believe that my proposed program of research will complement the active areas of research in your department and will
thrive at . In particular, the
will equip my group with the infrastructure and expertise needed to accomplish our
research goals. I am excited about the possibility of working with and learning from colleagues who are creative scientists and
dedicated mentors. "I will fit into your department"
be quantitative
I also genuinely enjoy teaching and mentoring students. I have had the opportunity to mentor several students who have
become productive independent scientists capable of designing and performing their own experiments. This experience has
solidified my desire to lead a group of scientific colleagues. At and , I also gained valuable experience
teaching a range of courses, which resulted in recognition with two teaching awards. My interdisciplinary background will
allow me to teach multiple courses in the department.
Enclosed are my curriculum vitae, summaries of my previous research and proposed research plans, a teaching philosophy
statement, and representative publications. Letters of reference will be provided by my research advisors and mentors: Profs.
, , and . Thank you for your time and consideration of my application.
Best regards,
All rights to original document reserved by the author.

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Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Postdoctoral Fellow 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Building

Chemical Engineering Phone

Dear Faculty Search Committee,

All rights to original document reserved by the author.

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