Hi there,

My name is Martin and I want to send an e-mail to a Professor in the UK whose research I'm interested in. I would like to join his team as a PhD student.
He doesn't know me and it's the first time I'm contacting him. No open position is posted online but it seems to be quite common to inquire about the possibility to do research at someone's institute and find some kind of funding on your own.
The text below will just be included in the e-mail and I will attach my CV.

I would greatly appreciate if you could read my cover letter and give some advice about expressions etc.!

Kind regards
Martin



Dear Professor (surname),

My name is (name) and I recently obtained my master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of (location), Germany. During my studies I developed a strong fascination for problems in the field of structural dynamics. This is particularly true for research performed on vibrations in aircraft engines. Therefore, I am now looking for a PhD project in this area.

While reading your papers about the identification of nonlinear contact parameters in gas turbine flanges I gained the impression that your research focus is in excellent agreement with what I would want to do during a PhD. In the course of my studies I was enthusiastic about working on rotor dynamics, aircraft engines as well as on experimental modal analysis. In my master’s thesis I developed an approach that allows identifying the dynamics of high speed spindles during metal cutting operation and FRF predictions for different assemblies through substructure coupling. During a six month internship in the A350 power plant integration department at (company) in (location) I was able to gain a deep technical understanding of various engine-related problems that occurred during flight tests. My task was to analyse and categorize malfunctions of the new Trent XWB propulsion system; in this context I was also awarded as a ‘High performing intern’.

I am convinced that my strong analytical thinking is an excellent basis for the successful completion of a PhD; in the past it allowed me to obtain highest grades in lectures as well as in research projects. My high level of commitment during my studies, which I partially completed in France and Canada, also led to several awards and scholarships. Furthermore, I was able to demonstrate my capability to explain complex issues in a simple way in the course of various employments as a research assistant at my home university.

Since I see the participation in your highly interesting research as the perfect opportunity to further specialise in the field of vibrations in aircraft engines, I would like to know whether you are generally open to new PhD student applications. My CV is attached for your information. In case you are interested in my profile, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my motivation and my qualifications as well as a possible research topic. Currently I am reviewing different scholarships that would allow funding my project.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

(name)