Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program
Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program supports graduates and researchers in museum-object conservation research and training to advance their work.
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Funder: Smithsonian Institution
Due Dates: October 15, 2026, 11:59 PM EST (Application) | April 15, 2027 (Status notification)
Funding Amounts: $45,000/year postgraduate or $57,000/year postdoctoral stipend, plus up to $5,000 for research; appointments of 3–12 months
Summary: Supports conservation research and further training with museum collection objects in Smithsonian conservation laboratories.
Key Information: Applicants must contact Smithsonian staff before applying; fellows must be in residence except during approved absences.
Description
The Smithsonian’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships offers these fellowships for research and further training in the conservation of museum collection objects. The program serves recent graduates of master’s programs in art and archaeological conservation, materials science, or closely related fields, as well as researchers who have recently completed doctoral studies. Proposed work must take place in conservation laboratories at the Smithsonian.
The fellowship combines conservation research with continued training and access to Smithsonian research staff, collections, and facilities. Applicants must establish the feasibility of their projects and the availability of resources with Smithsonian staff before applying. Materials research graduate students and scientists seeking independent research should instead apply through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program.
