Postdoctoral fellowship

by Kyung Hyun Yoo
(Seoul, Korea)

I am writing to apply for the position of Postdoctoral Research Fellow in your laboratory. I am currently a postdoctoral research associate in the laboratory of Developmental Biology and Genomics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea (2009 ~ present) working on the molecular mechanisms of cyst formation. I believe that my strong publication record, ability to perform independent research, and friendly personality make me an excellent candidate for a postdoctoral research associate position in your laboratory.

I received my B.S. and M.S. in Biology at Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea and completed Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine Lab. under the supervision of Dr. Jong Hoon Park at the same institution. During my Ph.D. and postdoctoral program, my research has focused on role of Mxi1 in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). We have shown that Mxi1 plays a critical role in kidney cyst formation, inflammation, proliferation, and fibrosis using Microarray, proteomic analyses, and Mxi1-deficient mice. These results are published in many journals such as Proteomics (2009), Journal of Biological Chemistry (2009), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Reports (2008), Molecules and cells (2008), and Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (2007).

My research expertise includes knock-out mice handling, mice-related work such as mouse embryonic fibroblast culture, organ culture and immunohistochemistry, molecular biology (cloning, real time RT-PCR, Southern, Northern and Western blotting etc.), and cell culture work (3-D culture, immunocytochemistry, and reporter gene assay etc.). In addition, I have two-year experience of teaching undergraduates Genetics, Genomics Advanced Molecular Medicine II and Understanding Life Science. I trained and supervised many of graduates, undergraduates, and lab technicians.


As far as the grant proposals are concerned, I have been involved in many national grants as a research scientist. Although I have not been able to submit the proposal as a Principal Investigator, I have plenty of experience in writing papers and devising research schemes and I am sure that I will be ready to write my own training grant.

I would like to continue my research career in the field of “Cancer Research” and eventually establish my career as a faculty. I am confident to say that I am one of the very few people who can design and perform experiments independently, integrate the data into the publication, and know ways to interact with lab personnel. I am sure that I can bring the benefits to your research.

Response from Carl: Thanks Kyung. I don't have much experience with academic or research positions so I'll have to take your word for it! I like what you've written in that you mention a number of your accomplishments and skills and give the reader plenty of reasons to consider you. Perhaps another visitor with experience in the academic world can offer some advice for you.

Carl