Summary
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) provides fully funded, in-residence opportunities for independent research and study utilizing Smithsonian collections, facilities, and staff expertise. Administered by the Smithsonian’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships, these fellowships enable emerging and established scholars to collaborate with Smithsonian research staff who serve as advisors and hosts across various museums and research centers.
Designation / Fellowship Categories
- Graduate Student Fellow (10-Week term)
- Predoctoral Fellow (3 to 12 months)
- Postdoctoral Fellow (3 to 12 months; up to 24 months for Science disciplines)
- Senior Fellow (3 to 12 months)
Fellowship Overview Table
| Fellowship Category | Appointment Duration | Stipend | Research Allowance |
| Ten-Week Graduate Student | 10 Weeks | $10,000 | N/A |
| Predoctoral Fellow | 3 to 12 Months | $45,000 / year (prorated) | Up to $5,000 |
| Postdoctoral Fellow | 3 to 12 Months (up to 24 mos. in Science) | $60,000 / year (prorated) | Up to $5,000 |
| Senior Fellow | 3 to 12 Months | $60,000 / year (prorated) | Up to $5,000 |
| Earth & Planetary Sciences (Postdoctoral / Senior) | 3 to 12 Months | $65,000 / year (prorated) | Up to $5,000 |
Research Areas
The program supports independent and interdisciplinary research across the following fields:
- Animal behavior, ecology, and environmental science (with tropical emphasis)
- Anthropology (archaeology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, and physical anthropology)
- Astrophysics and astronomy (Note: Applicants for Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory should review SAO guidelines)
- Earth sciences and paleobiology
- Evolutionary & systematic biology
- Folklife
- History of science and technology
- History of art (American, contemporary, African, Asian art, 20th-century American crafts, and decorative arts)
- Materials research & Molecular biology
- Social and cultural history of the United States
Location
In-residence at Smithsonian Institution facilities, museums, and research centers (primarily based in Washington, D.C. and affiliated Smithsonian research facilities worldwide, including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama).
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Ten-Week Graduate Student Fellowship:
- Must be actively enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at an accredited degree-granting institution.
- Must have completed at least one full-time semester (or equivalent) by the application deadline.
- Typically intended for students who have not yet advanced to Ph.D. candidacy.
- Predoctoral Fellowship:
- Must be enrolled as a doctoral candidate conducting Ph.D. dissertation research.
- Must have completed all doctoral requirements except the dissertation (must pass proposal defense before fellowship begins).
- Postdoctoral Fellowship:
- Open to scholars who have held a Ph.D. or equivalent for less than 5 years.
- Current doctoral students may apply if they will complete all degree requirements before the appointment start date.
- Senior Fellowship:
- Open to researchers and scholars who have held a Ph.D. or equivalent degree for 5 or more years.
Job / Fellowship Description & Responsibilities
- Conduct high-level, independent scholarly or scientific research utilizing the Smithsonian’s extensive collections, laboratories, archives, and research assets.
- Work in consultation with designated Smithsonian research staff advisors and co-advisors.
- Participate in departmental seminars, scholarly discussions, and academic community events at the host facility.
- Present or document research findings upon completion of the fellowship appointment in accordance with program reporting guidelines.
How to Apply
- Identify an Advisor: Review Smithsonian staff research profiles (via the SIOR / Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study) to identify potential advisors and establish contact before submitting.
- Online Application Portal: Create an account and submit all application materials online through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) at solaa.si.edu.
- Required Application Components:
- Research proposal describing the project and rationale for conducting research at the Smithsonian
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- Academic transcripts (where applicable)
- Letters of reference/recommendation submitted directly via SOLAA
- Budget and research timeline
- Inquiries: Contact the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships via email at
InternsAndFellows@si.edu.
Last Date to Apply
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
- Decision Notifications: Mid-March via the SOLAA system.
