Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program

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.
• Postdoctoral researchers proposing relevant conservation research.

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.

Step 3: Identify appropriate Smithsonian resources

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 official call for the current deadline and any additional documentation requirements.

Important Conditions

Applicants should keep the following conditions in mind:

• Research must be conducted in Smithsonian conservation laboratories.
• Fellows are expected to be in residence during the fellowship.
• The minimum appointment is three months.
• Fellowship stipends are prorated for shorter appointments.
• All application materials must be in English.
• Non-native English speakers must demonstrate written and spoken English proficiency.
• Smithsonian employees and contractors generally cannot hold a fellowship while employed or contracted by the Institution.
• Individuals employed by the Smithsonian during the previous year may require special approval to apply.
• Supplementary funding requires prior approval.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The fellowship provides more than financial assistance. It gives emerging conservation professionals the opportunity to conduct research within a major museum and research environment.

The experience can help fellows:

• Develop advanced conservation expertise.
• Conduct original conservation research.
• Work with museum collections and specialized laboratory facilities.
• Build professional relationships with conservation specialists.
• Strengthen their academic and research profile.
• Develop practical solutions for preserving cultural heritage.
• Gain experience relevant to museums, galleries, research institutions, and heritage organizations.

For researchers working at the intersection of conservation science, materials science, archaeology, art history, and museum studies, the program can provide valuable access to specialist resources and professional networks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by avoiding common weaknesses.

• Submitting a broad research topic: Define a specific conservation problem and research question.
• Ignoring the Smithsonian connection: Clearly explain why Smithsonian facilities and collections are necessary for the project.
• Focusing only on academic theory: Demonstrate how the research can contribute to museum conservation practice.
• Underdeveloped methodology: Explain how the proposed research will be conducted and evaluated.
• Ignoring residence requirements: Ensure your schedule allows you to conduct the research primarily at Smithsonian facilities.
• Submitting incomplete documents: Review all application requirements before submission.
• Overlooking language requirements: International applicants should ensure they can demonstrate the required English proficiency.
• Failing to justify the budget: Clearly explain how requested research or relocation support will contribute to the project.

Key Details at a Glance

• Program: Smithsonian Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections
• Focus: Museum conservation, conservation science, art and archaeological conservation, materials science
• Postgraduate/Predoctoral stipend: $45,000 per year
• Postdoctoral stipend: $57,000 per year
• Research allowance: Up to $5,000
• Minimum duration: 3 months
• Location: Smithsonian conservation laboratories
• Residence: Required during the fellowship, subject to approved absences
• Citizenship: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-U.S. citizens may apply
• Application language: English

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Smithsonian Conservation Fellowship?

Recent graduates in art conservation, archaeological conservation, materials science, and related disciplines, as well as individuals who have recently completed doctoral studies, may be eligible.

How much funding does the fellowship provide?

Postgraduate or predoctoral conservation fellows receive a base stipend of $45,000 per year, while postdoctoral fellows receive $57,000 per year. A research allowance of up to $5,000 is also available.

Is the fellowship open to international applicants?

Yes. The program accepts U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-U.S. citizens, subject to the fellowship’s academic and other eligibility requirements.

Where must fellows conduct their research?

Fellows are expected to conduct their research in Smithsonian conservation laboratories and remain in residence at the Smithsonian for the duration of their fellowship, except for approved absences.

What is the minimum fellowship duration?

The minimum appointment is three months. Stipends are prorated for appointments shorter than 12 months.

Do applicants need to submit their materials in English?

Yes. All application materials must be submitted in English. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate fluency in both written and spoken English.

Can Smithsonian employees apply for the fellowship?

Smithsonian employees and contractors are generally not eligible to hold a fellowship while employed or contracted by the Institution. Individuals employed by the Smithsonian during the previous year may need special approval before applying.

Conclusion

The Smithsonian Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections offer an opportunity for emerging conservation professionals and researchers to conduct independent research in a world-class museum conservation environment. With stipends of up to $57,000 per year, research support of up to $5,000, and access to Smithsonian conservation laboratories, the fellowship can help researchers advance conservation science and contribute to the long-term preservation of museum collections.