The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Department of Conservation and Scientific Research (CSR) is pleased to accept applications for the 2024-25 Gretchen and David Welch Program in Advanced Conservation Training. This one-year term fellowship will be awarded to one applicant interested in focusing on the conservation of either Asian three-dimensional objects or works on paper. Fellowships in paper conservation will concentrate on Islamic, South and Southeast Asian, American and Contemporary collections. The fellowship carries a yearly stipend of $50,000 with a yearly $3000 travel/research allowance and yearly $1000 assistance for medical insurance. The fellowship will have a start date in September 2024.

The fellow carries out a research project under the supervision of CSR staff and takes part in the major activities of CSR. Current activities include preparation of collections for exhibit or loan, as well as preventive conservation of the permanent collections in storage and on view in the galleries. Conservation work may also include condition surveys, and collaboration with other members of CSR.  

The fellowship cultivates practical skills and fosters a solid understanding of the cultural contexts of materials, conservation philosophy, and the ethics of the conservation profession in general and the conservation of Asian art in particular.  The fellow will participate in education and outreach activities, a strong component of the CSR mission, and as part of the fellowship will produce outreach materials related to their research project.  

Applicant Qualifications: Applicants should be recent graduates from a recognized conservation training program or have equivalent training and experience. The best qualified candidates are those interested in pursuing a conservation career specializing in the arts of Asia. The applicant should have a proven record of research, writing ability, and fluency in English language skills (written and spoken). Fellowships are awarded without regard to age, sex, race, or nationality of the applicant.

Deadline: Cover letter, resume, and contacts for three references must be submitted to DCSR@si.edu no later than May 15th, 2024.

Finalists will be invited for an interview and asked to submit a portfolio of completed projects.