Smithsonian Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Powerful Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections 2026

The Smithsonian Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections are offering an exciting opportunity for emerging conservation professionals and researchers to conduct independent research within Smithsonian conservation laboratories.

The fellowship supports recent graduates, postgraduate researchers and postdoctoral scholars working in areas such as art conservation, archaeological conservation, materials science, conservation science and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Fellows gain access to specialized Smithsonian facilities, museum collections and professional expertise while developing research that can contribute to the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage.

Smithsonian Conservation Fellowships 2026 – Overview

• Programme: Smithsonian Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections
• Field: Museum Conservation, Conservation Science, Materials Science, Art & Archaeological Conservation
• 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 Institution conservation laboratories, USA
• Citizenship: U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens may apply
• Application Language: English
• Deadline: October 15, 2026

About the Smithsonian Conservation Fellowship

The fellowship provides research and professional development opportunities for individuals seeking to build advanced expertise in the conservation and scientific study of museum collections.

Selected fellows are expected to undertake an independent research project that addresses a specific conservation problem or research question. Their work should make effective use of Smithsonian conservation laboratories, collections, equipment and specialist expertise.

The programme is particularly valuable for researchers interested in the intersection of conservation, archaeology, art history, materials science, museum studies and cultural heritage preservation.

What Does the Fellowship Support?

Research projects may focus on a wide range of conservation-related topics, including:

• Art and archaeological conservation
• Materials science
• Conservation science
• Scientific analysis of museum objects
• Preservation of cultural heritage
• Analysis of collection materials
• Development of conservation methods
• Deterioration and treatment of museum objects
• Scientific examination of artworks and artifacts
• Innovative approaches to museum collection preservation

Applicants should develop a clearly defined research project that can realistically be conducted using resources available through Smithsonian conservation facilities.

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Fellowship Funding and Benefits

The Smithsonian fellowship provides financial support based on the fellow’s academic level.

Postgraduate/Predoctoral Fellows

Eligible postgraduate or predoctoral conservation fellows receive a stipend of up to $45,000 per year.

Postdoctoral Fellows

Postdoctoral fellows can receive a stipend of up to $57,000 per year.

Additional Research Support

Fellows may also receive a research allowance of up to $5,000. Additional support may be available for temporary relocation to the Smithsonian, subject to applicable programme conditions.

For fellowships lasting less than 12 months, stipends are prorated according to the length of the appointment. Fellowship stipends and allowances may be subject to applicable taxes.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is designed for recent graduates and researchers with relevant academic and professional backgrounds.

Potential applicants include:

• Graduates of master’s programmes in art conservation
• Graduates of archaeological conservation programmes
• Researchers in materials science and related disciplines
• Individuals who have recently completed doctoral studies
• Postdoctoral researchers proposing relevant conservation research
• Researchers with expertise applicable to museum conservation and conservation science

The fellowship is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens, provided they meet the relevant academic, research and programme requirements.

Research Proposal Requirements

A strong application should present a focused research project that can be completed within the Smithsonian conservation laboratory environment.

Applicants should clearly explain:

1. The conservation problem or research question being investigated.
2. The museum objects, materials or collections involved.
3. The proposed methodology and research approach.
4. The significance of the research to conservation or museum collections.
5. Why Smithsonian facilities and expertise are important to the project.
6. Expected research outcomes and potential contributions.
7. The proposed fellowship timeline.

Applicants should avoid overly broad research topics and demonstrate a clear connection between their project and practical museum conservation.

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Fellowship Location and Duration

Fellows are expected to conduct their research in residence at Smithsonian conservation laboratories.

The minimum fellowship appointment is three months, while longer appointments may be possible depending on the fellowship arrangement and project requirements.

Fellows are expected to remain in residence during the fellowship, although approved absences may be permitted.

Application Requirements

Applicants should prepare their materials according to the current Smithsonian fellowship requirements.

Typical application materials may include:

• Research proposal
• Academic and professional information
• Educational qualifications
• Details of proposed conservation research
• Evidence of relevant expertise
• Supporting documents requested by the fellowship programme

All application materials must be submitted in English.

Applicants whose native language is not English should be able to demonstrate sufficient written and spoken English proficiency to conduct their research and participate effectively in the Smithsonian academic and professional environment.

How to Apply for the Smithsonian Conservation Fellowship

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that your academic background, research experience and career stage correspond to the postgraduate/predoctoral or postdoctoral fellowship category.

Step 2: Develop a Focused Research Project

Identify a specific conservation problem involving museum objects, materials, conservation techniques, deterioration, scientific analysis or related areas.

Step 3: Connect Your Project to Smithsonian Resources

Explain why Smithsonian laboratories, collections, equipment or specialist expertise are necessary for successfully completing your proposed research.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application

Complete the required application materials and prepare a strong research proposal in English.

Make sure your proposal clearly explains your research question, methodology, significance, expected outcomes and timeline.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Submit the completed application and all required supporting documents through the designated Smithsonian fellowship application system before the applicable deadline.

Applicants should verify the official programme information for any updated requirements before submitting their applications.

Important Conditions

Applicants should be aware of several important fellowship conditions:

• Research must be conducted within Smithsonian conservation laboratories.
• Fellows are expected to remain in residence during their fellowship.
• The minimum appointment is three months.
• Stipends are prorated for appointments shorter than one year.
• Application materials must be submitted in English.
• Non-native English speakers must demonstrate adequate 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.
• Supplementary funding may require prior approval.

Why Apply for the Smithsonian Conservation Fellowship?

The programme offers much more than financial support. Fellows have the opportunity to conduct original research within one of the world’s leading museum and research environments.

The fellowship can help participants:

• Develop advanced conservation expertise
• Conduct original research
• Access specialized conservation laboratories
• Work with museum collections
• Learn from experienced conservation professionals
• Build international professional networks
• Strengthen their academic and research profile
• Develop practical approaches to cultural heritage preservation
• 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 fellowship can provide valuable professional and academic exposure.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

1. Choosing an overly broad topic

A strong proposal should address a specific conservation problem or research question rather than attempting to cover an entire field.

2. Failing to explain the Smithsonian connection

Applicants should clearly demonstrate why Smithsonian facilities, collections, equipment or expertise are necessary for their proposed research.

3. Focusing only on theory

The proposed research should demonstrate relevance to practical museum conservation and the preservation of collections.

4. Providing a weak methodology

Explain clearly how the research will be conducted, analyzed and evaluated.

5. Ignoring the residence requirement

Applicants should ensure that their proposed schedule allows them to conduct the majority of their research at Smithsonian facilities.

6. Submitting incomplete documentation

Carefully review the current application requirements before submission.

7. Overlooking English-language requirements

International applicants should ensure they can demonstrate the required level of written and spoken English.

Key Details at a Glance

Category	Details
Programme	Smithsonian Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections
Focus Areas	Museum Conservation, Conservation Science, Materials Science, Art & Archaeological Conservation
Postgraduate/Predoctoral Stipend	Up to $45,000 per year
Postdoctoral Stipend	Up to $57,000 per year
Research Allowance	Up to $5,000
Minimum Duration	3 months
Location	Smithsonian conservation laboratories, USA
Residence	Required
Eligible Citizenship	U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens
Application Language	English
Deadline	October 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Smithsonian Conservation Fellowship?

Recent graduates and researchers in areas such as art conservation, archaeological conservation, materials science, conservation science and related disciplines may be eligible, depending on the fellowship category and programme requirements.

How much does the fellowship pay?

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 may also be available.

Can international applicants apply?

Yes. The programme is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens who meet the applicable academic and fellowship requirements.

Where will fellows conduct their research?

Research is expected to take place within Smithsonian conservation laboratories, with fellows remaining in residence for the duration of their fellowship subject to approved absences.

What is the minimum fellowship duration?

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

Must applications be submitted in English?

Yes. All application materials must be submitted in English, and applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate adequate written and spoken English proficiency.

Can Smithsonian employees apply?

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.

Conclusion

The Smithsonian Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections 2026 provide an outstanding opportunity for emerging conservation professionals and researchers to advance their expertise while conducting independent research in a world-class museum environment.

With stipends of up to $57,000 per year, research support of up to $5,000, access to specialized conservation laboratories and opportunities to work alongside experienced specialists, the programme can help researchers strengthen their careers and contribute to the long-term preservation of cultural heritage.

Application deadline: October 15, 2026.

Interested applicants should review the official Smithsonian fellowship information carefully and submit their applications through the designated application system before the deadline.

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