Professional Recommendation Letter for a Postdoctoral Position
This adaptable template helps a research supervisor, principal investigator, professor, or department head recommend a qualified candidate for a postdoctoral position. The person providing the recommendation should replace every bracketed field with accurate information and include specific evidence of the candidate’s contributions.
[REFEREE’S FULL NAME]
[Academic Title and Position]
[Department]
[University or Research Institution]
[Institutional Address]
[Professional Email]
[Telephone Number]
[Date]
[Recipient’s Full Name]
[Recipient’s Position]
[Department or Research Group]
[University or Institution]
[Institutional Address]
Subject: Recommendation for [Candidate’s Full Name] — [Postdoctoral Position or Research Area]
Dear [Dr./Professor Surname or Members of the Selection Committee],
I am pleased to recommend [candidate’s full name] for the [exact postdoctoral position title] in [department, laboratory, or research group] at [institution]. I have known [candidate’s surname] for [length of time] in my capacity as [doctoral supervisor, principal investigator, professor, department head, or collaborator] at [institution]. During this period, I have observed [their] development as a researcher and gained direct knowledge of [their] abilities in [research specialization, methodology, or technical area].
[Candidate’s surname] completed [their] [PhD or relevant degree] in [field] at [university] in [year]. [Their] doctoral research, titled “[dissertation title],” examined [brief description of the research problem]. The project required expertise in [methods, theory, software, datasets, laboratory techniques, or fieldwork]. [Candidate’s surname] demonstrated the ability to formulate relevant research questions, evaluate scholarly literature, select appropriate methods, and interpret complex findings with care.
One of [candidate’s surname]’s strongest contributions was [describe a specific project, experiment, study, analysis, or theoretical contribution]. [They] were responsible for [specific responsibilities] and used [method or technology] to [purpose]. This work resulted in [publication, dataset, prototype, presentation, new method, report, finding, or other verifiable outcome]. In particular, [describe what the candidate personally contributed and why it mattered]. This example illustrates [their] strengths in [independent research, technical expertise, critical analysis, creativity, or problem-solving].
[Candidate’s surname] has also demonstrated a strong record of scholarly communication. [They] have [published, submitted, or presented] work on [topic] through [journal, conference, seminar, report, or other venue]. In preparing [specific output], [they] showed particular skill in [academic writing, data visualization, responding to peer review, presenting complex ideas, or interdisciplinary communication]. [Their] work was [describe an accurate response, recognition, or impact without exaggeration].
As a colleague and member of our research community, [candidate’s surname] is [two or three appropriate professional qualities]. During [project or collaboration], [they] worked with [team members, departments, institutions, or stakeholders] to [objective]. When the team encountered [specific challenge], [candidate’s surname] [describe the candidate’s action], helping us to [result]. [They] communicate reliably, respond constructively to feedback, and contribute thoughtfully to research discussions.
[Candidate’s surname] has shown substantial independence while also recognizing when consultation is appropriate. [They] plan work carefully, maintain accurate records, and meet agreed deadlines. In [specific situation], [they] independently [action], while keeping collaborators informed about [relevant issue]. These qualities would enable [them] to manage postdoctoral responsibilities effectively and contribute productively to a research group.
In addition to research, [candidate’s surname] has contributed to [teaching, mentoring, supervision, laboratory management, academic service, or public engagement]. For example, [they] [specific responsibility or action]. This work helped [students, junior researchers, the department, or a wider audience] to [outcome]. [Their] ability to explain [technical or complex subject] clearly would be an asset in collaborative, teaching, and mentoring activities.
The proposed postdoctoral work in [research area] is a strong match for [candidate’s surname]’s background in [relevant expertise]. [Their] experience with [specific methods, theories, systems, or populations] would allow [them] to contribute to [project or research group objective]. At the same time, the position would provide an appropriate opportunity for [them] to extend [their] expertise into [new area, method, or collaboration].
Based on my direct experience supervising and working with [candidate’s full name], I recommend [them] [strongly/without reservation/with confidence] for the [postdoctoral position title]. [They] possess the research preparation, professional judgment, collaborative ability, and commitment required to succeed in a demanding postdoctoral role. I am confident that [they] would make a valuable contribution to [institution, department, laboratory, or project].
Please feel free to contact me at [professional email address] if you require further information.
Yours sincerely,
[Referee’s Signature, if appropriate]
[Referee’s Full Name]
[Academic Title]
[Department]
[University or Research Institution]
Optional version for a shorter recommendation
Dear [Dr./Professor Surname or Members of the Selection Committee],
I am pleased to recommend [candidate’s full name] for the [postdoctoral position title] at [institution]. I have known [candidate’s surname] for [length of time] as [their] [doctoral supervisor, principal investigator, professor, or collaborator] at [institution].
During [their] research on [topic], [candidate’s surname] demonstrated strong abilities in [methods, technical skills, or scholarly areas]. [They] made an important contribution to [specific project] by [candidate’s action], resulting in [verifiable output or result]. This work showed [their] capacity for independent research, critical analysis, and effective scholarly communication.
[Candidate’s surname] is also a dependable and constructive colleague. [They] collaborated with [team or partners] on [objective] and responded effectively to [specific challenge]. [Their] experience in [relevant expertise] aligns well with the proposed work in [postdoctoral research area].
I recommend [candidate’s full name] [strongly/without reservation/with confidence]. I believe [they] have the preparation and professional qualities needed to contribute successfully to [research group or institution]. Please contact me at [email] if additional information would be helpful.
Yours sincerely,
[Referee’s Full Name]
[Title and Institution]Preparation notes
Recommendation-Letter Preparation Notes
- The referee-not the candidate-should review, approve, and submit the final letter.
- Use institutional letterhead when appropriate.
- Explain how long and in what capacity the referee has known the candidate.
- Support positive assessments with specific examples.
- Distinguish the candidate’s contribution from the work of the larger team.
- Mention publications and research outputs accurately.
- Tailor the letter to the postdoctoral project and selection criteria.
- Use comparisons only when they are honest and supportable.
- Do not include confidential, medical, or protected personal information.
- Avoid exaggeration and generic praise unsupported by evidence.
- Confirm the recipient, institution, position title, and submission deadline.
- Sign the letter when required by the institution.