Applications are currently being accepted for the Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opporunity and apply for it.
About Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program
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.
Benefits of Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program
Postgraduate Conservation/Predoctoral Fellowship: $45,000 per year; research allowance up to $5,000.
Postdoctoral Fellowship: $57,000 per year; research allowance up to $5,000.
- Stipends are pro-rated for periods of less than twelve months.
- Smithsonian fellowship stipends are not salary or compensation. They are meant to support study and research during the tenure of the appointment and cannot be issued retroactively.
- The Office of Academic Appointments and Internships cannot provide funds for the travel or living expenses of dependents.
- All funds provided under Smithsonian Institution fellowships, including base stipends, research, and travel relocation allowances are subject to tax. Fellows awarded stipends receive a financial summary at the end of each calendar year and are responsible for meeting their own state and federal tax obligations.
- In addition to a base stipend, awardees may receive allowances to assist with the fellow’s research-related expenses and for temporary relocation to the Smithsonian. The budget for the research allowance should not include costs for relocation to the Smithsonian, which is awarded separately. A maximum research allowance of $5,000 is available. The amount awarded will be determined based upon the budget and justification presented by the applicant.
- Financial support, in addition to a Smithsonian fellowship, for such purposes as research travel and equipment may be received from other sources, provided that no special demands are made upon the fellow’s time. Permission to receive additional stipend support must be requested in writing from the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships.
Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program Requirements
- Open to U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, & Non-US Citizens
- Recent Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Students - recent graduates of master’s programs in art and archaeological conservation (or the equivalent), materials science, or closely related fields, as well as individuals who have recently completed doctoral studies.
- Applicants must propose to conduct research in the conservation of objects in museum collections in conservation laboratories at the Smithsonian Institution.
- Past or current Smithsonian fellowship recipients are eligible to apply for future Smithsonian awards.
- Applicants whose native language is not English are expected to have the ability to write and converse fluently in English. All application materials must be presented in English (foreign transcripts may be translated).
Application Date and Process
- Click on the link to the application website to apply.
Application Deadline
15 October, 2026
Opportunity Application
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Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program
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