About the Fellowship
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP) offers a prestigious opportunity for graduate students, predoctoral candidates, postdoctoral scholars, and senior researchers to conduct in-residence research at one of the world’s leading museums and research centres. Fellows engage in innovative studies across disciplines such as natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts, leveraging the Smithsonian’s extensive collections, archives, and facilities. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship with Smithsonian staff, and professional growth. It aligns with global research priorities by encouraging projects that advance knowledge, diversify scholarly inquiry, and contribute to public understanding. Fellows gain hands-on experience in archival research, field studies, or laboratory work, making this fellowship a significant stepping-stone for academic and research careers.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP)
- Host Institution: Smithsonian Institution
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Smithsonian Institution
- Location: Washington D.C., USA
- Research Field(s): Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts
- Fellowship Type: Graduate, Predoctoral, Postdoctoral, Senior Research Fellowship
- Level: Early-career, Mid-career, Senior-level
- Fellowship Duration: 10 weeks (Graduate) / Up to 12 months (Predoctoral, Postdoctoral, Senior)
- Expected Start Date: Flexible, 2025–2026
- Working Hours: Full-time, as per institutional norms
- Funding/Compensation:
- The fellowship provides competitive stipends and allowances depending on the category:
- Ten-Week Graduate Student Fellowships: $10,000 stipend
- Predoctoral Fellowships: $45,000 per year, plus up to $5,000 research allowance
- Postdoctoral Fellowships: $57,000 per year, plus up to $5,000 research allowance
- Senior Fellowships: $57,000 per year, plus up to $5,000 research allowance
- Earth and Planetary Sciences Senior and Postdoctoral Fellowships: $62,000 per year, plus up to $5,000 research allowance
Supported Research Fields / Areas
Main subject(s):
- Anthropology
- Biology
- History
- Cultural Studies
- Earth & Planetary Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
Interdisciplinary fields or specialisations eligible:
- Archival research
- Fieldwork
- Laboratory studies
- Collections-based research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Relevant academic qualifications in the chosen discipline
- Research proposal aligning with Smithsonian’s facilities and collections
- Predoctoral applicants must be enrolled in a graduate programme
- Postdoctoral and Senior applicants must hold a PhD
Preferred Qualifications:
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience in interdisciplinary or collaborative research
- Familiarity with museum collections, field research, or archival work
Not Eligible:
- Applications outside the scope of Smithsonian research disciplines
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Monthly stipend or salary according to fellowship category
- Health insurance coverage
- Travel allowance for conferences, fieldwork, or relocation
- Visa sponsorship and relocation support
- Research allowance up to $5,000
- Access to Smithsonian labs, collections, and resources
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent, high-quality research at the Smithsonian
- Collaborate with Smithsonian staff and researchers
- Prepare research outputs, publications, or presentations
- Participate in seminars, workshops, and professional development activities
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Submit the application form via the Smithsonian Fellowship portal
- Attach CV, research proposal, and recommendation letters
- Ensure submission before the deadline
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or project summary
- Recommendation letters
- Optional supporting documents (publications, endorsements)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Rolling / Annual cycle
- Deadline: 15th October 2025, 11:59 PM EST
- Interview Period: If applicable, after initial screening
- Final Results Notification: Early March 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: Flexible, 2025–2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Smithsonian Institution
- Official Fellowship Notification: Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program
- Apply Online Here: SIFP Application Portal
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