Kenneth Jay Boss Fellowship in Invertebrate Zoology
Supports graduate student research in invertebrate zoology systematics, phylogeny, and conservation using Smithsonian NMNH collections and resources, with preference for mollusk-focused projects.
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates: September 1, 2026 (Fall application deadline) | March 1, 2027 (Spring application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $1,000/week stipend (housing & subsistence); up to $2,000 for research supplies; up to $1,000 relocation allowance; 1 week–3 months (up to 6 months) duration
Summary: Supports graduate students for independent, collections-based research in invertebrate zoology at the National Museum of Natural History.
Key Information: Must contact an invertebrate zoology research scientist as advisor before applying; local DC-area investigators are not eligible.
Description
The Kenneth Jay Boss Fellowship in Invertebrate Zoology provides financial support to graduate students conducting independent, collections-based research within the Department of Invertebrate Zoology at the National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Smithsonian Institution. The fellowship is designed to foster research in systematics, phylogeny, biogeography, comparative morphology, and species conservation, leveraging the museum's extensive invertebrate collections and resources. While proposals focused on mollusks are given preference, research on other invertebrate groups (excluding insects, arachnids, and myriapods) is also considered.
Fellowship terms typically range from one week to three months, with the possibility of extending up to six months. Fellows gain access to advanced imaging, microscopy, and histology facilities, as well as specialized library resources.
