Research aviation and space history for publication or a doctoral dissertation.
Analyze major trends, developments, and accomplishments in the history of aviation or space studies.
Work on a book project about aerospace history.
Conduct scientific research in Earth and planetary studies.
Strengthen your conservation skills working with materials from the Museum's unrivaled collection.
Additional Fellowship opportunities are supported centrally by the Smithsonian Institution.
Deadlines may differ from Museum deadlines.
Open Now
*The Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences applications open in February or March.
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.
January 16, 2026
*The Engen Conservation Fellowship accepts letters until February 15 and the Postdoctoral Earth and Planetary Sciences Fellowship until late March.
March
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.
Applicants must apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).
Application requirements vary based on the fellowship, but all applications will include:
Verville Lindbergh Chair Guggenheim Earth and Planetary Sciences Engen Conservation
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.
The expertise and knowledge of our staff are as rich as the Museum's collection of artifacts. Our scholars are award-winning experts in their fields who consult on projects worldwide.
The Museum's archives contain photographs, film, a major collection of technical manuals and engineering drawings, and other documentary materials.
The library holds over 29,000 book volumes and 11,000 serial volumes.
Photographs, images, and digital data of the planets and their satellites, as well as cartographic products generated from these images.
The National Air and Space Museum holds over 60,000 artifacts. From the first flight, to recent trips to space, our collection documents rich aerospace history.
Engen Conservation fellows will work directly on artifacts in the collection. Other fellows can explore our collections database, with select access to the collection.
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.
A starting date should be mutually selected by the fellow and the Smithsonian advisor.
Extension or renewal of appointments depend on the fellowship and are competitive, not automatic.
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.
Income taxes are not withheld from stipends. Fellows are also excluded from Social Security coverage.
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.
The Smithsonian Office of Academic Appointments and Internships (OAAI) offers and administers all awards.
Successful applicants can only hold a fellowship once.
However, applicants are welcome to apply for other fellowships in the future.
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.
Email us for more information.