RNA biology - phd position in germany motivation letter

Letter of Motivation (for PhD)
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
In 2010, an Airblue plane crashed in Islamabad, just a few kilometers from my home. The victims were identified using DNA. At the time, I had just learned in school that all humans share the same DNA, and it struck me: if our DNA is the same, how could investigators tell one body from another? I could not stop thinking about it. This question stayed with me for years and it slowly grew into a fascination with how the same genome can produce so many different cells and traits. This eventually led me to study epigenetics, where chemical modifications and regulatory networks shape cellular identity.
I read in an article that m6A is associated with varying immune responses in different people. This insight influenced the direction of my Master's thesis. I received a 3.89/4.0 GPA for my MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In my Master's thesis, I examined single nucleotide polymorphisms in the core promoter region of KIAA1429, a critical m6A writer gene, and its potential relationship with COVID-19 severity. To investigate how this alteration may affect disease outcomes, I used in silico analysis as well as experimental validation. For in silico analyses, I used EPD, UCSC Genome Browser, SNP2TFBS, and MEME Suite. DNA extraction, ARMS-PCR, and gel electrophoresis were done for experimental validation to genotype patient samples. Despite carefully following instructions, my first PCR attempts failed to produce amplification. I was so frustrated at first but it pushed me to check each step carefully. After improving the extraction procedures, I was thrilled to achieve reliable and consistent findings. It gave me a true sense of accomplishment. This made me realize that perseverance in the lab is not just about following protocols but also critically evaluating each step. In addition to my technical skills, I gained expertise in GraphPad Prism and SPSS. I am now learning R to extend my computational expertise into bioinformatics. Alongside my research, I worked as a lecturer and received an award for promoting higher education in Swabi, Pakistan. The role strengthened my ability to collaborate across departments and manage both teaching and administrative duties. In parallel, I co-authored two research articles, which strengthened my scientific writing skills.
What excites me most about the IMPRS for Molecules to Life is its unique interdisciplinary environment, which integrates molecular biology, epigenetics, RNA biology, and computational approaches. The program's collaborative structure, where students can engage with multiple research groups and gain exposure to diverse techniques and perspectives, aligns perfectly with my goal of developing a broad yet deep understanding of molecular regulation. I am particularly interested in exploring how RNA modifications and epigenetic mechanisms orchestrate cellular processes and influence disease outcomes, a theme that resonates with the program's focus on understanding molecular dynamics in development and health.
IMPRS also offers unparalleled opportunities to expand both experimental and computational skills, from advanced sequencing and molecular assays to bioinformatics pipelines and data analysis, which will be invaluable for my growth as a scientist. Beyond technical training, I am drawn to the program's culture of mentorship, seminars, and interdisciplinary collaboration, which I see as a platform to exchange ideas, tackle challenging questions, and refine my research vision. I am eager not only to learn from this environment but also to contribute actively, bringing my experience in RNA biology, SNP analysis, and laboratory research to collaborative projects. By joining IMPRS, I hope to build a strong foundation to pursue my long-term goal of bridging molecular insights with biomedical applications, particularly in RNA- and epigenetic-based therapeutics.
Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to contribute to and grow within the IMPRS-ML community
Sincerely,

You need to simplify the letter. It is highly technical in content, making it uninteresting to read. Consider that while you believe that your application will be reviewed by a panel of experts in the same field, in actuality, it could be read by simple people who do not have a highly technical background in epigenetics or are not interested in the topic. So you need to keep this lively, interesting, and informative in a manner that even a lay person will be able to understand and gain an interest in your application. Consider the plane crash that you mentioned at the start. A lay person would be interested in learning how that crash and the DNA investigation might relate to your interest in DNA analysis. You can also do the same for the Covic 19 reference.

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im applying for PhD at IMPRS Germany. do a critical analysis of Motivation letter for me.

Dear Selection Committee,
In 2010, an Airblue plane crashed near my hometown in Islamabad. I remember hearing that the victims could only be identified through DNA. At school, I had just learned that all humans share the same DNA, and I could not understand how scientists could tell one person from another. That single question stayed with me and first sparked my fascination with genetics. A decade later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw how molecular differences, small changes invisible to the eye could decide whether someone recovered quickly or struggled with severe disease. These moments, one very close to home and the other shared by the entire world, shaped my decision to explore how tiny molecular marks on DNA and RNA influence health and disease.
During my Master's in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (GPA 3.89/4.0), I focused on one such modification, m6A RNA methylation, which is known to shape immune responses. I studied single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of KIAA1429, a key m6A writer gene, to see how they might influence COVID-19 severity. To explore this, I combined computational tools with lab work: genome browsers, motif analysis, DNA extraction, ARMS-PCR, and gel electrophoresis. My first PCR attempts failed, which was frustrating, but troubleshooting taught me that the issue lay in DNA quality rather than primer design. By refining the extraction protocol, I achieved reliable results. This experience gave me more than data. It showed me that science requires patience, persistence, and the courage to question every step. Along the way, I also built skills in GraphPad Prism, SPSS, and I am now learning R to extend my analysis into bioinformatics.
Beyond research, I worked as a lecturer at Women University Swabi, Pakistan. I was recognized for promoting higher education in my Swabi district. Teaching and collaborating with colleagues across departments strengthened my ability to communicate science clearly and manage responsibilities under pressure. I also co-authored two research articles, which sharpened my writing and teamwork skills.
What excites me most about the IMPRS-ML is its collaborative and international environment, where experimental biology and computational approaches come together. I want to contribute my laboratory experience, growing computational skills, and teaching background to this community, while learning from researchers who are pushing the boundaries of RNA biology and epigenetics. My long-term goal is to develop RNA-based therapeutic strategies, bridging fundamental research with practical applications. I believe IMPRS-ML offers the ideal environment to shape me into an independent researcher capable of making this transition.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to and grow within the IMPRS-ML community.