About
The Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP), administered by the Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI), invites applications for in-residence research fellowships. The program supports independent research using the Smithsonian’s collections, laboratories, archives, libraries, and other research facilities, with guidance from Smithsonian researchers.
Fellowships are available for graduate students, predoctoral researchers, postdoctoral scholars, and senior investigators across a wide range of disciplines, including biology, anthropology, ecology, molecular biology, earth sciences, history of science, art history, materials research, and related interdisciplinary fields.
Eligibility
Applicants must propose an independent research project that aligns with the Smithsonian’s research priorities.
Eligible fellowship categories include:
- Graduate Student Fellowship
- Must be enrolled in a graduate degree program.
- Must have completed at least one full-time semester before the fellowship begins.
- Predoctoral Fellowship
- Open to Ph.D. candidates who have advanced to doctoral candidacy and completed all degree requirements except the dissertation.
- Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. by the fellowship start date.
- Generally intended for researchers within five years of earning their doctorate.
- Senior Fellowship
- Applicants must have held a Ph.D. (or equivalent) for at least five years.
How to apply
- Identify a Smithsonian researcher who can serve as your proposed advisor/host.
- Prepare a detailed research proposal explaining why the Smithsonian is the appropriate institution for your project.
- Submit your application through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).
Application Portal: https://fellowships.si.edu/SIFP
Deadline
15 October 2026 (11:59 PM ET).
Contact details
- Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI)
- Email: InternsAndFellows@si.edu