Author: Carmina Lamare-Bertrand

Internship: Artist Initiative, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (San Francisco, CA, USA)

Job Reference # 21761
Application deadline: November 27, 2016
The Artist Initiative
Funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Artist Initiative is a five-year, artist-focused collections research project aligned with the four collecting curatorial departments within the museum (Architecture + Design, Media Arts, Painting and Sculpture, and Photography). During this period of rapid expansion at SFMOMA, the Artist Initiative is facilitating crucial collaborations between artists and museum staff to address challenges associated with the acquisition, presentation and preservation of contemporary artworks. We are dedicated to providing in-depth access to SFMOMA’s collections both at the downtown museum campus and at the Collections Center, the research facility where much of SFMOMA’s collection is housed when not on public view. For more information on the Artist Initiative, please see https://www.sfmoma.org/theme/artist-initiative/.
Duration of Internship
Friday, February 17th, 2017 – Friday, April 28th, 2017
Educational Objective
This internship will provide an increased knowledge of contemporary art and familiarity with innovative museum practices for the acquisition, documentation, display, conservation, and interpretation of artworks in a variety of media. Upon completing the internship, the Artist Initiative intern will be able to assist curators, educators, and conservators with collection information management, as well as bibliographic and material research.
Requirements 

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently, thoroughly, and with attention to detail
  • Familiarity with contemporary art
  • Interest in material studies and working with living artists
  • Experience with independent library research
  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program with relevant coursework in the history of modern and contemporary art
  • Intern must be available to work every Friday

Application Requirements

  • Internship application on our website
  • Resume
  • Cover letter detailing how your background/coursework will contribute to this department and what you wish to gain from this internship
  • Short (one or two page) writing sample
  • Letters of Recommendation (one personal/professional and one academic) in a confidential, sealed envelope with the recommenders’ signature across the seal

Please Mail your letters of Recommendations to:
SFMOMA Internship Program – Artist Initiative
151 Third Street
San Francisco, CA 94103 USA
*Please keep in mind letters of recommendations need to be postmarked on or before November 27th, 2016*
 To learn more about our internship opportunities, visit the Internships Section of our website at: https://www.sfmoma.org/join-the-team/internship-program/

Internship: Summer Internships in Ethnographic Artifact and Textile Conservation – Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (Suitland, MD, USA)

Dates of internship: June 5, 2017 – August 11, 2017
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is offering up to two 10-week internships in ethnographic artifact and textile conservation funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.  The Conservation Laboratory at NMAI’s Cultural Resource Center in Suitland, MD (Metro DC area) is the work site.
Andrew W. Mellon internships focus primarily on the survey and treatment of artifacts for exhibits at NMAI’s facilities in Washington, D.C., and New York City, loans and other ongoing projects.  Candidates who demonstrate a career interest in the conservation of material culture of indigenous peoples of North, South and Central American will be especially welcome to apply. Candidates must be fluent in both spoken and written English. The internships are designed for students currently in or graduated from a graduate program in conservation or practicing conservation professionals. The internships are intended to cultivate practical skills as well as to foster a solid understanding of the contexts of material culture, the philosophies of conservation at NMAI, and the ethics of the conservation profession. Museum programming involves collaboration with Native Peoples in the development of appropriate methods of care for, and interpretation of their cultural materials.
Applications must be completed by midnight, February 1, 2017 (including reference letters).  All applicants will be notified by April 15, 2017.
Application process is via Smithsonian On-Line Academic Appointment system (SOLAA).  For information on application and link to SOLAA visit: nmai.si.edu/explore/collections/conservation/training/#andrew

The 10-week internship includes a stipend.

Internship: Getty Graduate Internships (Los Angeles/Malibu, CA, USA)

Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on December 1, 2016.
Applications for the 2017/2018 internship period are now available.
Getty Graduate Internships are offered in the four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust—the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Research Institute, the Getty Conservation Institute, and the Getty Foundation, as well as in Getty Publications—to students who intend to pursue careers in fields related to the visual arts. Training and work experience placements are available in areas such as curatorial, education, conservation, research, publications, information management, public programs, and grant making.
To find out more and apply online, visit: www.getty.edu/foundation/initiatives/current/gradinterns/index.html

Fellowship: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Conservation Science – The Getty Conservation Institute (Los Angeles, CA, USA)

Deadline: November 15, 2016.
The Getty Conservation Institute’s (GCI) postdoctoral fellowship is a two-year program designed to provide recent PhDs in chemistry and the physical sciences with experience in conservation science. The 2017-2019 Postdoctoral Fellow will be an integral part of the GCI Science’s Technical Studies research area, and as such will work closely with conservation and curatorial colleagues from across the Getty, gaining experience in cultural heritage research as conducted within a museum environment – http://www.getty.edu/conservation/about/science/index.html.
Applicants should have a recent (2010 or later) PhD in a relevant field, including but not limited to, computer/imaging science, analytical/physical chemistry, optical/electrical engineering or materials science. Experimental research experience and strong instrumental analysis skills are also desirable. Demonstrable aptitude for self-directed learning and for working across academic disciplines is critical, as are excellent written and verbal communication skills. Candidates should have an interest in the visual arts and a serious interest in pursuing a career in conservation science within the museum environment.
The fellowship runs from September 2017 to August 2019. In addition to an annual stipend, the fellow will be provided an annual study trip allowance and generous benefits including travel to, and housing in, Los Angeles and full health benefits.
How to Apply
A completed online application (which includes uploading a Statement of Interest; Doctoral Dissertation Plan or Abstract; Curriculum Vitae; Writing Sample; and Confirmation of Degree) must be received by the deadline. Two Confidential Letters of Recommendation must be sent separately from your recommenders to GCIPostDoc@Getty.edu.
Interested candidates should apply through the Getty’s Job Opportunities webpage: https://jobs-getty.icims.com/jobs/2835/gci-postdoctoral-fellow/job

Fellowship: Conservation Guest Scholars – The Getty Conservation Institute (Los Angeles, CA, USA)

Deadline: November 1, 2016.
Application period for 2017–2018 scholar residencies is now open. Apply via The Getty Foundation.
The Getty Conservation Institute’s guest scholar program supports new ideas and perspectives in the field of conservation, with an emphasis on the visual arts (including sites, buildings, and objects) and the theoretical underpinnings of the field. The program provides an opportunity for senior professionals to contribute to the field of conservation by pursuing their research in a focused and interdisciplinary manner at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
To find out more and apply online, please visit: www.getty.edu/conservation/our_projects/education/scholars/index.html

Job posting: Chief Conservator – The Field Museum (Chicago, IL, USA)

The Chief Conservator will undertake conservation planning, programming, and implementation. The individual in this position will also be responsible for the management of conservation programs, facilities, and staff, as well as the examination, documentation, and treatment of objects and specimens in the Museum collections. The Chief Conservator will report to and strongly collaborate with the Head of Anthropology Collections and will consult with the appropriate Collections Administrative Teams. The Chief Conservator will initiate and support awareness and fundraising efforts for collection preservation and the Museum mission.
Duties and Responsibilities

  • Spearheads production and implementation of long range collection conservation planning. Develops and implements collections policies and procedures in collaboration with curators, collection managers, and registrars.
  • Surveys collections in collaboration with curators and collection managers to assess the condition of objects and specimens and determine preservation and treatment needs
  • Documents, examines, and performs conservation treatments and procedures on objects and specimens in the collections.
  • Provides conservation guidance to Collections, Exhibits, and other Museum staff to establish, monitor, and maintain proper environmental conditions in storerooms, exhibits, and work areas as well as to prescribe, review, and upgrade methods and materials used for the storage and packing of objects and specimens
  • Coordinates exhibition conservation program. May perform conservation work for incoming, outgoing, and in-house exhibits including conditioning and overseeing installation
  • Assesses, recommends, and provides treatment of objects and specimens for outgoing loans to borrowing institutions for exhibitions and research. Provides guidance on exhibition mounts. May travel as courier to borrowing institutions to condition report and oversee installations and de-installations
  • Prepares conservation funding proposals
  • Performs research leading to improved methods, materials, and procedures for conservation, storage, and exhibit of specimens; disseminates results in publications and oral presentations
  • Participates in professional meetings, workshops, and other activities to keep current in the field of conservation and enhance professional knowledge and skills
  • Conducts tours and public presentations when needed
  • Supervises and manages all conservation staff as well as volunteers, interns, and visitors as required
  • Responsible for managing the daily operation of the conservation laboratories including the organization, maintenance and ordering of equipment and supplies
  • Performs other conservation and collections-related activities as assigned

Qualifications

  • Degree in conservation from a recognized training program with a specialization in objects and ethnographic conservation
  • Demonstrated extensive conservation experience with management and supervisory responsibilities
  • Demonstrated working knowledge and practice of conservation ethics, theory, method, and literature
  • Working knowledge of lab equipment and chemicals
  • Strong manual skills and attention to detail
  • Demonstrated superb organizational skills
  • Proven verbal and written communication skills
  • Conservation grant writing experience
  • Leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team, to enlist the cooperation and involvement of others
  • Demonstrated experience in mentoring conservators, students, and volunteers
  • Demonstrated experience in collection care policy, planning, and implementation
  • Demonstrated experience in resource and project management
  • Skilled in negotiation and resolution of non-routine problems
  • Proven experience with standard digital conservation photography as well as computer proficiency with museum collections databases, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel. Working knowledge of KE EMu highly desirable
  • Experience with natural history collections conservation desirable

Candidates without the requisite experience for Chief Conservator may be considered for a conservation position focusing on ethnographic objects.
To apply to this job online and for more information, visit: www.fieldmuseum.org/about/careers
Although applying via our online application system is preferred, you may also mail your resume and cover letter to:
The Field Museum
Attn: Human Resources
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request reasonable accommodation. Please email us at accessibility@fieldmuseum.org if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application as a result of your disability.
The Field Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Posting: Paper Conservator – ICA Art Conservation (Cleveland, OH, USA)

Position open until filled.
Full time, Exempt Position (Benefits Eligible)
Position Summary
The Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA), a regional not-for-profit art conservation center established in 1952 located on the near Westside of Cleveland, just minutes from downtown, is seeking a conservator of paper-based materials to carry out examinations and conservation treatments, and to assist in the preservation planning for the paper-based collections of the ICA’s 40 member institutions as well as varied private and corporate clients.
The Paper Conservator has responsibilities which involve the examination and treatment of artwork at the ICA facility and on site. S/he will participate as necessary in the implementation and oversight of conservation projects which involve coordinating staff and subcontractors. S/he interacts professionally with board and committee members, clients and the general public. S/he agrees to abide by the AIC (American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
This position reports to the Executive Director of the ICA.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Conservation

  • Carry out examinations and conservation treatments on artwork from the collections of private and public institutions, corporations, government agencies and private collectors.
  • Conduct research to determine appropriate interpretation of the object and to support the recommended treatment.
  • Prepare cost and time estimates for conservation projects and preservation assessments. Assemble bids for Request for Proposals (RFPs). Coordinate with Registrar to communicate with clients.
  • Perform on site field work which may involve collections surveys, examination, and treatment.
  • Participate in interdepartmental projects as needed. Act as lead conservator for such projects when appropriate.
  • Supervise conservation support staff (assistants, preparators, interns, volunteers). Manage and oversee subcontractors for commercial and industrial processes involved in treatments, shipping, and installations.
  • Monitor condition of objects in storage and perform appropriate housekeeping of the area.
  • Stay current with theoretical discourse and best practices in the field through literature review and attending presentations, conferences and mid-career training.

Public Outreach

  • Interact professionally with a broad range of clients concerning conservation and preservation projects, both in person and over the phone/email.
  • Prepare documentation for grant applications in which the ICA is included, and review grant applications if requested by the client.
  • Actively participate in the ICA’s educational programs, including teaching classes, giving lectures and leading tours.
  • Participate in board and staff committee work.
  • Assist in interviewing and hiring new staff.
  • Represent the ICA in meetings with potential clients, donors and other professionals.

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree from a recognized training program in conservation or equivalent experience. Experience in treating Asian Art would be desirable.
  • Experience working in the field of conservation either in an institutional or private practice setting. Title and salary will be commensurate with experience.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Photoshop desirable.
  • Travel to onsite projects in surrounding region required.

Send letter of interest and CV to:
Attn: Andrea Chevalier, Senior Conservator
ICA – Art Conservation
2915 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH  44113, USA
E-mail: achevalier@ica-artconservation.org
For more information, contact Dottie Cooper at ica@ica-artconservation.org.

Fellowship: Dibner Library Resident Scholar Program – Smithsonian Institution Libraries (Washington, D.C., USA)

Deadline: January 15, 2017 for appointments between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018. We are currently accepting applications.
The Dibner Library Resident Scholar Program awards stipends of $3,500.00 per month for up to six months for individuals working on a topic relating to the history of science and technology who can make substantial use of the Dibner Library’s Special Collections. Doctoral students and post-doctoral scholars are welcome to apply.
The core of the holdings of the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology consists of approximately 10,000 rare books and manuscripts that were generously donated to the nation by the Burndy Library (founded by Bern Dibner) on the occasion of the nation’s Bicentennial (1976). The collection has since grown to 35,000 rare books and 2,000 manuscript groups. The strengths of the Dibner Library’s holdings are in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, classical natural philosophy, theoretical physics (up to the early twentieth century), experimental physics (especially electricity and magnetism), engineering technology (from the Renaissance to the late nineteenth century), and scientific apparatus and instruments.
To learn more about the collection, please visit the Dibner Library’s website. Our holdings are searchable via the Smithsonian Libraries’ online catalog, SIRIS.
Scholars wanting to do research in other areas of SI Libraries’ Special Collections should apply for the Baird Society Resident Scholar Program.
This award is supported by the family of Frances K. Dibner
About the Award
To be competitive, the applicant should describe in detail how he/she intends to use the Special Collections of the Dibner Library. While the Libraries’ extensive general collections may be used to support scholars’ research, the proposed project must center on use of the Dibner Library’s Special Collections.
The selection of scholars is based on:

  • The need to consult specific Dibner Library holdings (application must include a bibliography of specific titles or a description of specific collections to be used).
  • Evidence of the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed research (as outlined in letters of reference, reviews of previous work, publication record, etc.).
  • The quality of the proposal (importance of topic, its originality and sophistication of approach, the feasibility of research objectives, and relevance to the collections).

We welcome international scholars. Applicants whose native language is not English must be able to demonstrate the ability to write and converse fluently in English. In addition, depending on the topic and specific research materials required, applicants should have an understanding of Latin or other foreign languages sufficient to make substantive use of Special Collections materials. English translations are not always available.
The residency must occur between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018, but does not have to be taken all at one time. Scholars are expected to be in residence at the Smithsonian full-time during their award tenures (plans to be away should be discussed in advance, if possible), to devote full-time effort to the research proposed, and to be regular users of the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology. The scholar will have access to the Smithsonian Libraries’ other collections and patron privileges such as interlibrary loan services. Scholars will be invited to address an informal colloquium of Smithsonian Institution staff and fellows on the topic of his or her research.
Stipends are not disbursed until after the scholar’s arrival but can be used for any purpose, including travel. No additional allowances are available. The Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Internships (OFI) manages the award procedures.
In submitting an application for the program, the applicant does not incur any obligation to accept the award if selected.
If you have further questions about the Dibner Library Resident Scholar Program or the collection, email SILResidentScholars@si.edu, or call +1 202-633-3872.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA). You will be required to create an account. You may review the SOLAA User’s Guide on their website to familiarize yourself with application procedures. Technical assistance is available via email from the SOLAA site.
In addition to completing the online application form, applicants must also provide the following to complete their application package on SOLAA:

  1. Statement of research (not more than 1000 words, double-spaced), which should include the following:
  • Full description of the research you plan to undertake at the Dibner Library.
  • The importance of the project both in relation to the broader discipline and to your own research goals.
  • Justification for conducting your research at the Smithsonian and using the Dibner Library’s Special Collections.
  1. Selected bibliography of titles or collections in which are relevant to your research proposal.
  1. Curriculum Vitae, reflecting your education, previous or current fellowships, grants, and awards, and a brief description of your research interests. Include undergraduate and graduate institutions, inclusive dates or study, areas of study, degrees earned, and major publications.
  1. Two letters of reference (these will be uploaded directly by the referees).

Letters of reference: You are responsible for contacting two individuals familiar with your scholarly work who will evaluate your proposal. You must provide each referee with a complete copy of your proposal sufficiently in advance for them to prepare a letter of support in time to meet the deadline. Include with your proposal a copy of the Referee Letter (see the pdf below) so that they are aware of SOLAA application procedures. You may monitor your application, including whether or not letters of reference have been submitted, via your SOLAA account. Letters of reference must be submitted by the deadline for the application to be considered complete.
For more information, visit: http://library.si.edu/about/internships-and-fellowships/fellowships/dibner-library-resident-scholar-program
Dibner Library Resident Scholar Referee Letter 

Fellowship: Baird Society Resident Scholar Program – Smithsonian Institution Libraries (Washington, D.C., USA)

Deadline: January 15, 2017 for appointments between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018. We are currently accepting applications.
The Baird Society Resident Scholar Program, funded by the many annual donors to the Smithsonian Libraries, was established to support the study of some of the Smithsonian Libraries’ most unique and valuable holdings: our rare books and Special Collections. Stipends of $3,500 per month for up to six months are available for individuals working on a topic relating to these collections. These collections are located in in Washington, DC and New York City, and include:

  • 19th- and early 20th-century World’s Fair printed materials
  • Manufacturers’ commercial trade catalogs in the National Museum of American History Library (285,000 pieces representing 30,000 companies from the 1840’s to the present) used to study American industrialization, mass production, and consumerism
  • Natural history rare books in the Cullman Library (pre-1840 works on topics such as botany, zoology, travel & exploration, museums & collecting, geology, and anthropology)
  • Air and space history in the National Air and Space Museum Library’s Ramsey Room for the study of ballooning, rocketry, and aviation from the late 18th to early 20th centuries
  • James Smithson’s library in the Cullman Library
  • European and American decorative arts, architecture, and design in the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Library, which span from the 18th to the 20th century
  • History of art and artists, exhibition catalogs, catalogues raisonnés, serials and dissertations concentrated in the area of American art, history, biography, and nearly 100,000 vertical files filled with artists’ ephemera.

Detailed descriptions of collections eligible for Baird funding can be found here.
Scholars wishing to use the history of science and technology rare materials in the Dibner Library as their primary resource should apply for the Dibner Library Resident Scholar Program.
About the Award
Doctoral students and post-doctoral scholars are welcome to apply. To be competitive, the applicant should describe in detail how he/she intends to use the Special Collections of the Smithsonian Libraries. While the Libraries’ extensive general collections may be used to support scholars’ research, the proposed project must center on use of our Special Collections. The Smithsonian Institution Libraries holdings may be browsed in our online catalog, SIRIS.
The selection of scholars is based on:

  • the need to consult specific eligible holdings in Special Collections (application must include a bibliography of specific titles or a description of specific collections to be used).
  • evidence of the applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed research (as outlined in letters of reference, reviews of previous work, publication record, etc.).
  • the quality of the proposal (importance of topic, its originality and sophistication of approach, the feasibility of research objectives, and relevance to the collections).

We welcome international scholars. Applicants whose native language is not English must be able to demonstrate the ability to write and converse fluently in English. In addition, depending on the topic and specific research materials required, applicants should have an understanding of Latin or other foreign languages sufficient to make substantive use of Special Collections materials. English translations are not always available.
The residency must occur between September 1, 2017 and August 31, 2018, but does not have to be taken all at one time. Scholars are expected to be in residence at the Smithsonian full-time during their award tenures (plans to be away should be discussed in advance, if possible), to devote full-time effort to the research proposed, and to be regular users of Smithsonian Libraries special collections. The scholar will have access to the Smithsonian Libraries’ other collections and patron privileges such as interlibrary loan services. Scholars may be invited to address an informal colloquium of Smithsonian Institution staff and fellows on the topic of his or her research.
Stipends are not disbursed until after the scholar’s arrival but can be used for any purpose, including travel. No additional allowances are available. The Smithsonian Office of Fellowships and Internships (OFI) manages the award procedures.
In submitting an application for the program, the applicant does not incur any obligation to accept the award if selected.
If you have further questions about the Baird Society Resident Scholar Program or the collections, email SILResidentScholars@si.edu, or call +1 202-633-3872. Feel free to contact the individual branches if you have specific questions about their collections.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA). You will be required to create an account. Please review the SOLAA User’s Guide on their website to familiarize yourself with general application procedures. Technical assistance is available via email from the SOLAA site.
In addition to completing the general application form, applicants must also provide the following to complete their application package on SOLAA:

  1. Statement of your research (not more than 1000 words, double-spaced). Your proposals should include the following:
  • Full description of the research you plan to undertake at the Smithsonian Libraries
  • The importance of the project both in relation to the broader discipline and to your own research goals
  • Justification for conducting your research at the Smithsonian and using the special collections at the Smithsonian Libraries
  1. Selected bibliography of titles or collections which are relevant to your research proposal.
  1. Curriculum Vitae, reflecting your education, previous or current fellowships, grants, and awards, and a brief description of your research interests. Include undergraduate and graduate institutions, inclusive dates or study, areas of study, degrees earned, and major publications.
  1. Two letters of reference (these will be uploaded directly by the referees).

Letters of reference: You are responsible for contacting two individuals who will evaluate your proposal and are familiar with your scholarly work. You must provide each referee with a complete copy of your proposal sufficiently in advance for them to prepare a letter of support in time to meet the deadline. Include with your proposal a copy of the Referee Letter (see the pdf below) so that they are aware of SOLAA application procedures. You may monitor your application, including whether or not letters of reference have been submitted, via your SOLAA account. Letters of reference must be submitted by the deadline for the application to be considered complete.
For more information, visit: http://library.si.edu/about/internships-and-fellowships/fellowships/baird-society-resident-scholar-program
Referee Letter Baird

Fellowship: 2017-2018 Smithsonian Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Fellowships in Conservation of Museum Collections Program (Washington DC, USA)

All applications must be submitted by December 1, 2016
Purpose
This fellowship program is offered by the Smithsonian Institution to provide opportunities for recent graduates of masters programs in art and archaeological conservation or the equivalent or conservation scientists, including those at the postdoctoral level, who wish to conduct research and gain further training in Smithsonian conservation laboratories for conservation of objects in museum collections.
These fellowships are offered through the Smithsonian’s Office of Fellowships and Internships. They are administered under the charter of the Institution, 20 U.S. Code section 41 et seq. Fellowship awards under this program are contingent upon the availability of funds.
This fellowship program is offered by the Smithsonian Institution to provide opportunities for recent graduates of masters programs in art and archaeological conservation or the equivalent or conservation scientists, including those at the postdoctoral level, who wish to conduct research and gain further training in Smithsonian conservation laboratories for conservation of objects in museum collections.
These fellowships are offered through the Smithsonian’s Office of Fellowships and Internships. They are are administered under the charter of the Institution, 20 U.S. Code section 41 et seq. Fellowship awards under this program are contingent upon the availability of funds.
Eligibility

  • 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.
  • No employee or contractor of the Smithsonian Institution may hold a Smithsonian fellowship during the time of his/her employment or contract, nor may an award be offered to any person who has been employed by or under contract to the Institution in the previous year, without the prior approval of the Office of Fellowships.
  • 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, see below).

How it Works
Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Conservation Fellowships are usually awarded for one year, but applications for shorter periods will be considered with three months being the minimum. In accepting an appointment, the fellow is expected to be in residence at the Smithsonian except for approved absences.
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 Fellowships.
Postgraduate/Postdoctoral Conservation Fellows will conduct research and study in conservation laboratories at the Smithsonian Institution. The prospective fellow must first contact the conservator or scientist with whom he or she would like to work and is encouraged to seek direction with crafting an effective proposal. Previously successful proposals have benefited from the proposed mentor’s guidance in navigating the Smithsonian collections. Applicants should consult the Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study (SORS) in advance to select a proposed advisor who can assist with accessing facilities and necessary equipment. The amount of support services available to the fellow will be determined by the workload of the department and the policy of the department chairperson and/or unit director. Additional analytical facilities may be available at the Museum Conservation Institute (MCI). Fellows have access to the Smithsonian Institution Libraries with privileges which include borrowing library materials, inter-library loans, document delivery, database searching, and reference assistance.
It is important that applicants consider the following factors carefully when choosing the dates for the proposed fellowship:

  • The schedule of their proposed adviser/host and the availability of required resources.
  • The dates of tenure proposed in the application (and any change of dates if the fellowship is awarded) should be selected in agreement with the proposed principal adviser.
  • In submitting an application for a fellowship at the Institution, the applicant does not incur any obligation to accept the appointment if selected.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact staff members (listed below) to help identify potential advisers, determine the feasibility of the proposed research being conducted at the Smithsonian Institution, and the availability of relevant resources such as staff, collections, archives and library materials during the proposed tenure dates. Additional facilities may be available to museum or archives fellows for analytical work at the Museum Conservation Institute (MCI).
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Kira Eng-Wilmot, Senior Textile Conservator, (decorative/applied arts: textiles, paper, three-dimensional objects) +1 212-849-8462; engwilmots@si.edu
Freer and Sackler Galleries
Andrew Hare, Supervisory Conservator, East Asian Painting, (objects, paper, and Asian paintings; and conservation science) +1 202-633-0370; harean@si.edu Special note: Due to museum construction, the Freer and Sackler Galleries are not currently accepting applications for fellowships in this cycle; however they do welcome inquiries from persons interested in developing a project at a future date.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Gwynne Ryan, Chief Conservator, (modern materials) +1 202-633- 2728; ryangw@si.ed
Museum Conservation Institute
Carol Grissom, Senior Objects Conservator, +1 301-238-1236, grissomc@si.edu
National Air and Space Museum
Malcolm Collum, Engen Conservation Chair, (objects) +1 703-572-4361; collumm@si.edu
National Museum of African Art
Dana Moffett, Senior Conservator, (objects) +1 202-633-4614; moffettd@si.edu Special note: The National Museum of African Art is not accepting applications for the Smithsonian Conservation fellowships but will have other fellowship opportunities available for the 2017-2018 cycle. More information please contact: moffettd@si.edu
National Museum of American History
Janice Ellis, Senior Paper Conservator, (books and paper) +1 202-633-3623; ellisjs@si.edu
Sunae Park Evans, Senior Costume Conservator, (costumes and textiles) +1 202-633-3629; evanssu@si.edu
Beth Richwine, Senior Objects Conservator, (objects) +1 202-633-3639; richwineb@si.edu
National Museum of Natural History
Catharine Hawks, Natural History Conservator, (natural history and anthropological objects) +1 202-633-0835; hawksc@si.edu
National Portrait Gallery
Lou Molnar, Head of Conservation, (paintings and paper) +1 202-633-5822; molnarl@si.edu
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Tiarna Doherty, Chief of Conservation, (colonial to contemporary paintings, paper, objects, and frames) +1 202-633-5802; dohertyt@si.edu
Smithsonian Institution Archives
Nora Lockshin, Senior Conservator, (archives, books, and paper) +1 202-633-5913; lockshinn@si.edu
HOW TO APPLY
*All applications must be submitted by December 1, 2016
*Notification of decisions will be made no later than April 1, 2017.
General Application Information
All applications should be sent through our SOLAA system.
Once registered and logged in you will need to complete the requested information regarding mailing address, academic history, current university or college etc.
You can find the application for the opportunity under the Office of Fellowships and Internships.
Files you will need to upload
Abstract: An abstract of the proposed research, not more than one page (please upload this in the same file with your Research Proposal).
Research Proposal: The full statement of your research, maximum THREE PAGES typescript. It should be double spaced, excluding all other parts of the application, such as the abstract and bibliography. Do not use type smaller than 12 point font. In preparing your proposal, be sure to provide and address the following:

  • A description of the research you plan to undertake at the Smithsonian Institution, including the methodology to be utilized.
  • The importance of the work, both in relation to the broader discipline and to your own scholarly goals.
  • Justification for conducting your research at the Smithsonian and utilization of research facilities and resources.
  • Identification of the member of the Smithsonian’s research staff who might serve as your principal adviser/host. Also identify potential co-adviser(s) and/or consultant(s), if applicable. The publication, Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study (SORS), contains the necessary information on staff research specialties and current departmental interests to help you determine which staff members are best suited to your research needs. Research staff may be named by applicants to serve as principal advisers, co-advisers or consultants. Affiliated research staff may be named as co-advisers or consultants if they will be in residence during at least a portion of the tenure period proposed. You are strongly encouraged to correspond with your proposed adviser(s) as you prepare your proposal.

Budget and Justification: Budget and justification for equipment, supplies, research-related travel costs, and other support required to conduct the research itself (excluding stipend and relocation costs). You are encouraged to discuss potential research costs with your proposed adviser(s) before submitting your application. If the funds required to support the research exceed the maximum research allowance of $4,000, please explain the source of additional funds.
Bibliography: A bibliography of literature relevant to the applicant’s proposed research.
Curriculum Vitae: Curriculum vitae, including previous and current fellowships, grants, and/or awards, and a description of your research interests. If English is not your native language, describe the level of your proficiency in reading, conversing, and writing in English.
Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable): Transcripts (or other materials when transcripts are not issued) from all appropriate institutions are required, except for senior fellowship applications. Applicants for postdoctoral fellowships need only submit graduate transcripts. If transcripts or other materials are not in English, the applicant should provide translations.
References:

  • You will need the names and email addresses of two persons familiar with your work. Please note that all reference letters are considered confidential unless confidentiality has been specifically waived by the referee. Do not list Smithsonian staff members as your referees; they will have the opportunity to review your application after it is submitted.
  • Please provide a copy of your proposal and a copy of Letter to Referee (downloadable pdf) to your referees.
  • All reference letters will be considered confidential and the contents will not be revealed to the applicant unless confidentiality has been specifically waived by the referee. Therefore, please have the reference submit in sufficient time to meet the application deadline.
  • The application, consisting of the proposal, academic records, and two supporting letters, will be reviewed by members of the Smithsonian’s research staff. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the proposal’s merit, the ability of the applicant to carry out the proposed research and study, and the extent to which the Smithsonian, through its staff members and resources, can contribute to the proposed research.
  • Through the system (SOLAA) you will send an email to these referees so they can provide references through the web.

Selection Criteria:
Applications are evaluated by a Smithsonian Peer Review Committee made up of scholars in appropriate fields. Fellows are selected based on the following:

  • Proposal’s merit
  • Applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed research and study
  • Likelihood that the research could be completed in the requested time
  • Extent to which the Smithsonian, through its research staff members and resources, could contribute to the proposed research.

The Fellowship Program does not discriminate on grounds of race, creed, sex, age, marital status, condition of handicap, or national origin of any applicant.
For more information visit: Fellowships & Internships