Strengthen your conservation skills working with materials from the National Air and Space Museum's unrivaled collection. 

As fellows, recent graduates will conduct research and analysis on the museum’s diverse collection and hone treatment skills by participating in various exhibition-driven projects with the Museum's Conservation Department. 

The exterior of the National Air and Space Museum.

More About Our Fellowships

This is one of several fellowships offered by the National Air and Space Museum.

Fellowship opportunities are open to researchers and writers at many levels, including predoctoral, postdoctoral, non-academic researchers, and aspiring conservators.

Learn More About the Benefits of Fellowships

Fast Facts About the Engen Conservation Fellowship

Open To

Recent graduates with a Master's degree in Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Duration

12 months, with a potential of renewal for an additional 12 months

Stipend

$45,000

Travel and Research Expenses

$5,000

In Residence

Emil Buehler Conservation Laboratory at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia

Applications Open

Application Deadline

February 15

Start Date

October 1

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Conservation of Cultural Heritage from a recognized program
  • Proven record of research and writing ability
  • Knowledge of ethical and professional principles for the preservation of cultural artifacts
  • Ability to apply theories, principles, techniques, practices, and methodologies used to examine, study, treat, and preserve historic objects
  • Ability to multi-task, work collaboratively, and conduct treatments and research independently
  • Proficient English language skills (written and spoken)

Fellowship Experience

  • Delve into theory and practice with hands-on conservation projects.
    • Choose objects for examination and treatment from the multiple projects in the lab
    • Carry out treatments on small and macro artifacts both independently and with teams.
  • Conduct independent research drawing from the Museum's collection
    • Analytical equipment will be available for material investigations and include: XRF, FTIR, microscopy (binocular, 3D, and polarized light), digital x-radiography, UV and IR photography, and colorimetry. Training with these tools is provided.
    • Guidance is provided on research methodology, experimental design, and hypothesis development.
  • Work closely with a Smithsonian advisor, reporting regularly to them
    • Mentors will work with the fellow to tailor their original research proposal to fit the scope of the Museum’s collection and fellowship timeframe.
    • Mentors will introduce new techniques and tools for a wide range of composite objects, metals, organic materials, and painted surfaces.
    • Mentors will aid in providing access to additional analytical tools and research collaborators from across the Smithsonian and the greater conservation network.
  • Encouraged to publish or present on their independent research
  • Adhere to a 40 hour work week

 

About Transportation

We recommend Engen Conservation Fellows commute to the Udvar-Hazy Center by car. Parking is available onsite. 

The Udvar-Hazy Center is accessible by public transportation from Washington, DC. The trip can take up to two hours. 

Fellows will also have access to the staff shuttle, which travels between various locations in Washington, DC and the Udvar-Hazy Center twice in the morning and twice in the evening. The shuttle trip takes approximately one hour. 

Neil Armstrong's Apollo 11 bullky white spacesuit—lies flat in a conservation laboratory. It is covered in tube connectors, as well as three patches: the NASA insignia, the American flag, and the Apollo 11 Mission patch.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).

To submit an application: 

  1. Create an account at on SOLAA.
  2. Add a new application
  3. Select “National Air and Space Museum” under Office/Museum/Research Center.
  4. Select "Engen Conservation Fellowship."
  5. Please ensure the current year is selected and read the special instructions for the application.
  6. Fill out the application and submit.

As you work on your application, you can save your progress and resume your application as needed.

Apply Now

Your Application Should Include

A research proposal

No more than two pages, in 12-point font. 

The proposal should contain:

  • Topics for research you find intriguing. (Examples: refining treatment methods, or analytical process, exploring issues related to under-reported materials used for cultural objects or ethical issues.)
  • The methodology you will use.
  • The importance of the work, in relation to the broader discipline and to your own scholarly goals.
     

Two letters of recommendation

Two references from conservation professionals familiar with your work.

A completed budget request form

Complete the attached form. 

Curriculum vitae

Including basic biographical information with current and permanent addresses, telephone numbers, and an email address.

Smithsonian staff advisor

Malcolm Collum and Lauren Horelick are available to be advisors for this fellowship. 

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study.

If you’re transcript is from outside the United States, please include an explanation of the evaluation system.

Cover Letter

Including a cover letter is optional. 

A woman leans over a painting.

How to Pick a Smithsonian Staff Advisor

All applicants must identify a Smithsonian staff advisor. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to potential advisors before applying.

Malcolm Collum and Lauren Horelick are available to be advisors for this fellowship. 

Staff Profiles

How Applications Will Be Evaluated

Applications will be read by Museum staff. The application and reviewer comments will then be compiled and submitted to the selection committee.

Selection will be based on: 

  • Clarity of concept and writing in the research proposal.
  • Extent of pre-program conservation experience and chemistry coursework.
  • Strength of reference letters from conservation professionals.
  • Meets outlined qualifications
     

Previous Projects Include

7
  • A composite image of many different goggles with various signs of wear. On some, the rubber is crumbling. On others then lens are compromised.
  • A woman wearing purple gloves holds a silver spacesuit.
  • A pair of hands wearing purple gloves picks up a hard yellow substance.
  • A woman examines a metal object.
  • A composite image showing an x-ray of a battery and Japanese packaging.
  • woman looks at aircraft paint
  • Anne Morrow Lindbergh Flight Helmet, After Treatment.

Questions?

 Email our Conservation staff. 

People at work in the conservation lab. In the foreground, a man holds a flashlight over a bronze cylinder with wires on it. In the background women sit at tables, the objects they're working on cannot be seen.
More About the

Fellowship Program

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