Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program

Deadline: 15-Oct-26

The Smithsonian Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections support recent graduates and researchers in art and archaeological conservation, materials science, and related disciplines. Fellows conduct independent research in Smithsonian conservation laboratories and receive annual stipends of up to $57,000, plus research and potential relocation support.

About the Smithsonian Conservation Fellowships

The Smithsonian Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections provide research and professional development opportunities for emerging specialists working in museum conservation, art conservation, archaeological conservation, materials science, and related fields. The fellowship enables recipients to work in residence at Smithsonian Institution conservation laboratories, where they can use specialized facilities, museum collections, and professional expertise to conduct independent research. The program is particularly suitable for recent graduates who want to develop advanced expertise in the preservation, analysis, treatment, and conservation of cultural heritage and museum collections. What the Fellowship Supports Fellows are expected to undertake an independent research project related to the conservation of museum collection objects.

Research may involve areas such as:

Art and archaeological conservation Materials science Conservation science Analysis of museum objects and materials Preservation of cultural heritage Scientific examination of collection materials Development of conservation methods and techniques Research into the deterioration and treatment of museum objects Projects must be conducted using the resources and expertise available through Smithsonian conservation laboratories. Fellowship Funding The fellowship provides financial support according to the applicant’s academic level. Postgraduate conservation/predoctoral fellows: $45,000 per year

Postdoctoral fellows: $57,000 per year

Research allowance: Up to $5,000

Minimum fellowship duration: 3 months

Stipends are prorated for appointments shorter than 12 months. Additional support may be available for temporary relocation to the Smithsonian. Supplementary funding from other sources may be permitted with prior approval. Fellowship stipends and allowances are subject to applicable taxes. Who Is Eligible? The program is designed for recent graduates and researchers with academic backgrounds relevant to museum conservation and conservation science.

Eligible applicants include:

Recent graduates of master’s programs in art conservation. Graduates of archaeological conservation programs. Researchers with qualifications in materials science or closely related fields. Individuals who have recently completed doctoral studies. Applicants must be able to conduct their proposed research in Smithsonian conservation laboratories.

The fellowship is open to:

U.S. citizens U.S. permanent residents Non-U.S. citizens International applicants can therefore apply if they meet the academic and fellowship requirements. Research Requirements Applicants must propose a research project that can be undertaken within the Smithsonian’s conservation laboratory environment. The proposed research should clearly explain: The conservation problem or research question. The museum objects, materials, or collections involved. The proposed research methodology. Why the research is important to conservation or museum collections. How Smithsonian facilities and expertise will support the project. The expected research outcomes. The proposed fellowship timeline. A strong proposal should demonstrate both academic quality and practical relevance to museum conservation. Residence and Fellowship Duration Fellows are expected to remain in residence at the Smithsonian throughout the fellowship. Approved absences may be permitted, but the primary research activity must take place at Smithsonian facilities. The minimum fellowship term is three months, while the stipend is adjusted proportionally for appointments shorter than one year. Application Requirements Applicants should prepare their application materials in accordance with the Smithsonian fellowship requirements.

Important considerations include:

Research proposal Academic and professional information Relevant educational qualifications Details of proposed conservation research Supporting application materials requested by the program Evidence of relevant conservation, materials science, or related expertise All application materials must be submitted in English. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate sufficient fluency in written and spoken English to conduct their research and participate effectively in the Smithsonian academic and professional environment. How to Apply Applicants should follow the Smithsonian’s fellowship application process and prepare a research proposal specifically suited to conservation of museum collections.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

Check that your academic background and career stage correspond to the postgraduate/predoctoral or postdoctoral fellowship category.

Step 2: Develop a conservation research project

Identify a focused research question involving museum objects, conservation methods, materials, deterioration, scientific analysis, or related conservation issues. Explain why the Smithsonian conservation laboratories, collections, equipment, or specialist expertise are important for completing the proposed research.

Step 4: Prepare the application

Complete the required application materials and research proposal in English. Make sure the proposal clearly connects your research objectives with museum conservation and the resources available at the Smithsonian.

Step 5: Submit the application

Submit all required materials through the designated Smithsonian fellowship application system before the applicable deadline. Applicants should carefully check the officia