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

Fellowship: Samuel H. Kress Mid-Career Fellow

Applications for 2017 funding are now being accepted. Applications must be submitted by October 26, 2016, 11:00 p.m. EST. 
Research grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to one mid-career professional whose research project relates to the appreciation, interpretation, preservation, study and teaching of European art, architecture and related disciplines from antiquity to the early 19th century, in the context of historic preservation in the United States. Potential Kress Fellow projects could include the exploration of shared European and American influences in style, design, materials, construction techniques, building types, conservation and interpretation methodologies, philosophical and theoretical attitudes, and other factors applicable to preservation in both Europe and America.
Funding for the Kress Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the www.kressfoundation.org
Criteria for Evaluation
Applications are reviewed by the Fitch Trustees. Projects will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • The project will make a meaningful contribution to the academic and/or professional field of historic preservation in the United States
  • The applicant has a realistic plan for the dissemination of research and/or final work product
  • The project has a clear and realistic goals, timeframe, work plan, and budget
  • The project demonstrates innovative thinking, original research and creative problem solving and/or design

Eligibility

  • Grants are awarded only to individuals, not organizations. The Foundation does not fund university-sponsored research projects or dissertation research.
  • Applicants must be mid-career professionals with at least 10 years experience in historic preservation or related fields, including architecture, landscape architecture, architectural conservation, urban design, environmental planning, archaeology, architectural history, and the decorative arts.
  • Applicants must be legal residents or citizens of the United States.

Please email cpena@fitchfoundation.org with any questions concerning criteria for evaluation or project eligibility.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

  1. Cover page, including Project Title; Name of Applicant(s), including primary contact person; Applicant Address; Phone; Email. Also, please specify whether you are applying for the Fitch Mid-Career Grant or the Richard L. Blinder Award; and specify the amount of grant money requested.
  2. Brief description of project, including how the final work product will be disseminated. Applicants are encouraged to be succinct and the description is not to exceed three (3) pages.
  3. Detailed work schedule and project budget, showing the grant amount requested from the Fitch Foundation and how this money will be spent.
  4. Curriculum Vita, including professional and academic background, and past and present grants received.
  5. Two (2) letters of support for the project to be included with the application.

Applications must be submitted electronically, in PDF format.
Selection Process & Completion of Grant
Grants are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation. Recipients will be notified by email in the Spring of 2016. Projects must be completed within twelve (12) months of the grant award. All grantees will be assigned a Trustee advisor who will provide feedback and guidance throughout the project.
Typically, grant awards are divided into equal payments, the first being presented upon the award of the grant. Substantial written progress reports are required for all subsequent payments. The final payment is awarded only upon completion of the project.
The Foundation shall be acknowledged in all publications. The Trustees reserve the right to publish the results if the recipient does not. The grant recipient must sign a release to the Foundation permitting such publication. Proper credit will be given to the grant recipient.
For more information visit: http://fitchfoundation.org/grants/kress/

Fellowship: The Fitch Mid-Career Fellow

Applications for 2017 funding are now being accepted. Applications must be submitted by October 26, 2016, 11:00 p.m. EST. 
Research grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to one or two mid-career professionals who have an academic background, professional experience and an established identity in one or more of the following fields: historic preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, environmental planning, architectural history and the decorative arts. The James Marston Fitch Charitable Foundation will consider proposals for the research and/or the execution of the preservation-related projects in any of these fields.
Criteria for Evaluation
Applications are reviewed by the Fitch Trustees. Projects will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • The project will make a meaningful contribution to the academic and/or professional field of historic preservation in the United States.
  • The applicant has a realistic plan for the dissemination of research and/or final work product.
  • The project has a clear and realistic goals, timeframe, work plan, and budget.
  • The project demonstrates innovative thinking, original research and creative problem solving and/or design.

Eligibility

  • Grants are awarded only to individuals, not organizations. The Foundation does not fund university-sponsored research projects or dissertation research.
  • Applicants must be mid-career professionals with at least 10 years experience in historic preservation or related fields, including architecture, landscape architecture, architectural conservation, urban design, environmental planning, archaeology, architectural history, and the decorative arts.
  • Applicants must be legal residents or citizens of the United States.

Please email cpena@fitchfoundation.org with any questions concerning criteria for evaluation or project eligibility.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit the following materials:

  • Cover page, including Project Title; Name of Applicant(s), including primary contact person; Applicant Address; Phone; Email. Also, please specify whether you are applying for the Fitch Mid-Career Grant or the Richard L. Blinder Award; and specify the amount of grant money requested.
  • Brief description of project, including how the final work product will be disseminated. Applicants are encouraged to be succinct and the description is not to exceed three (3) pages.
  • Detailed work schedule and project budget, showing the grant amount requested from the Fitch Foundation and how this money will be spent.
  • Curriculum Vita, including professional and academic background, and past and present grants received.
  • Two (2) letters of support for the project to be included with the application.

Applications must be submitted electronically, in PDF format.
Selection Process & Completion of Grant
Grants are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation. Recipients will be notified by email in the Spring of 2016. Projects must be completed within twelve (12) months of the grant award. All grantees will be assigned a Trustee advisor who will provide feedback and guidance throughout the project.
Typically, grant awards are divided into equal payments, the first being presented upon the award of the grant. Substantial written progress reports are required for all subsequent payments. The final payment is awarded only upon completion of the project.
The Foundation shall be acknowledged in all publications. The Trustees reserve the right to publish the results if the recipient does not. The grant recipient must sign a release to the Foundation permitting such publication. Proper credit will be given to the grant recipient.
For more information visit: http://fitchfoundation.org/grants/fitch-kress/

Fellowship: Mellon Fellowship in Paper Conservation – Museo de Arte de Ponce (Ponce, PR, USA)

Fellowship Summary
Under general supervision by Paper Conservator, the Fellow Conservator will assist all duties related to the performance of preventive conservation treatments, the item-by-item condition reports and the substitution of storage conservation materials of the permanent paper collection. The successful candidate will also assist with the day-to-day conservation tasks, preservation education and exhibition-related projects.
Duration of Fellowship
The Museo de Arte de Ponce offers a two and a half year fellowship, from the 17th of January 2017 to the 14th of June 2019.
Stipend and Allowance
The Fellow will receive a stipend of $32,000 a year (plus Health Care, Social Security and 15-day vacation), with an additional $2,000 allowance for travel.
Requirements
– Bachelor Degree in science or arts;
– Master’s Degree in Art Conservation, specialized in Paper Conservation from a recognized institution;
– Intern experience in paper conservation in museum environment;
– Good communication skills and willing to work enthusiastically with colleagues;
– Ability to work in a wide range of conservation activities; and
– Flexibility to adjust to unplanned changes.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a cover letter summarizing their interest, a resume and the three (3) references to: Mariela Vera, Human Resources and Volunteer Coordinator, by sending an e-mail to mvera@museoarteponce.org. Please combine the cover letter, resume and references into a one document.
Deadline to apply is October 24, 2016 at 11:59 pm EST.
Museum Background
Founded in 1959, the Museo de Arte de Ponce holds one of the most important collections of European art in the Caribbean and Latin America. The museum is devoted to exhibiting, studying, and conserving visual art of the Western tradition from the fourteenth century to the present. There are around 4,500 objects in the collection, of which the strongest areas are Italian paintings from 1600-1750, French and Spanish painting and sculpture from 1600-1900, and British painting from 1800-1900. Visitors will also find works by Caribbean artists (and some Latin American) from the eighteenth century to the present.

Apply Now for Fellowships at The Met (NYC)

Metropolitan Museum of ArtThe Metropolitan Museum of Art annually welcomes a vibrant group of graduate students, museum professionals, and senior scholars from around the world to undertake research and independent study as Metropolitan Museum fellows. The diversity of fellows’ projects reflects the historic and geographic diversity of the Museum’s collection. The community of fellows becomes immersed in the life of the Museum and takes part in a robust program of colloquia, round-table seminars, research-sharing workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, conversations with Museum staff, and tours of the collection and exhibitions. As they discuss research questions, look closely at objects, and share the experience of living in New York City, fellows form long-lasting professional relationships.
Applications open now. Please follow the link for more information.
http://www.metmuseum.org/research/internships-and-fellowships/fellowships