Find the Fellowship That's Right For You

Timeline

Applications Open

Open Now

*The Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences applications open in February or March. 

Applications Due

January 16, 2026

*The Engen Conservation Fellowship accepts applications until February 15 and the Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences Fellowship accepts applications until late March. 

Letters of Recommendation Due

January 16, 2026

*The Engen Conservation Fellowship accepts letters until February 15 and the Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences Fellowship until late March.

Fellows Selected

March

Start Dates

Typically between July 1 and September 15*

*The Lindbergh Chair starts a year after being selected. For instance, applicants selected in spring 2026 will start in fall 2027. 

*The Engen Conservation Fellowship starts on October 1.

How to Apply

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

Using SOLAA

  1. Create an account
  2. Add a new application
  3. Select "National Air and Space Museum" under Office/Museum/Research Center
  4. Fill out the application and submit

Application Requirements

Application requirements vary based on the fellowship, but all applications will include: 

  • A research proposal
  • Letters of recommendation or references
  • CV or résumé
  • The name of a Smithsonian staff advisor

More About Individual Application Requirements

Verville      Lindbergh Chair      Guggenheim      Earth and Planetary Sciences      Engen Conservation

Two men look at a shiny plate on a piece of spacecraft.

How to Find a Smithsonian Staff Advisor

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

Explore the expertise areas of all National Air and Space Museum staff through our staff profiles. 

As a Fellow at the National Air and Space Museum, You'll Have Access To:

The National Air and Space Museum Building on the National Mall

And More

Washington, DC is a hub for research. All other Smithsonian libraries, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives are a short walk or metro ride away.  

If Selected

Start Dates

A starting date should be mutually selected by the fellow and the Smithsonian advisor. 

Renewals

Extension or renewal of appointments depend on the fellowship and are competitive, not automatic.

Facilities

Each fellow will be provided with an appropriate workspace and supplies to conduct research, including a computer and telephone. Secretarial service is not generally available. 

Taxes

Income taxes are not withheld from stipends. Fellows are also excluded from Social Security coverage. 

Relocation

Fellows are eligible to receive a travel allowance for the cost of one round trip ticket from the nearest airport to assist their temporary relocation to DC.

Receiving Your Stipend

The Smithsonian Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI) offers and administers all awards. 

One-Time Only

Successful applicants can only hold a fellowship once.

However, applicants are welcome to apply for other fellowships in the future. 

Visas

The Smithsonian Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI) will assist with the necessary arrangements for visas for foreign nationals who do not already have visas or who wish to change the type of permit. 

Normally, visas arranged by the Smithsonian will give the fellow the status of "Foreign Exchange Visitor" (J-visa). A spouse and minor children may travel on the same visa. 

Questions?

Email us for more information.