Kenneth Jay Boss Fellowship in Invertebrate Zoology
The Kenneth Jay Boss Fellowship supports graduate student research on invertebrate zoology using Smithsonian collections, with a focus on systematics, morphology, and conservation (excluding insects, arachnids, myriapods).
Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates: September 1, 2026 (Fall) | March 1, 2027 (Spring)
Funding Amounts: $1,000/week stipend (1–6 months); up to $2,000 for research supplies; up to $1,000 relocation allowance
Summary: Supports graduate student collections-based research in invertebrate zoology (excluding insects, arachnids, myriapods) at the National Museum of Natural History.
Key Information: Applicants must contact a Smithsonian advisor in advance; local DC-area researchers are ineligible.
Description
This fellowship provides short-term funding for graduate students to conduct independent, collections-based research in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History (NMNH). The fellowship is designed to facilitate hands-on research utilizing the museum's extensive invertebrate collections and resources, advancing work in systematics, phylogeny, biogeography, comparative morphology, and species conservation. Proposals focused on mollusks are given preference, but other invertebrate groups (excluding insects, arachnids, and myriapods) are also considered.
Fellows gain access to advanced imaging and microscopy facilities, histology labs, and both general and specialized library resources. The goal is to foster professional development and scientific advancement in invertebrate zoology through immersive, collections-driven research experiences.
