Job: Gretchen and David Welch Program Post-Graduate Intern

Pay/Hours/Benefits: The post-graduate internship carries a yearly stipend of $50,000 with a yearly $3000 travel/research allowance and yearly $1000 assistance for medical insurance and will have a start date in September 2026.

Institution: Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art,1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20004

Application Deadline: February 2nd, 2026

Brief Description: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, Department of Conservation and Scientific Research (CSR) is pleased to accept applications for the 2026-2027 Gretchen and David Welch Program in Advanced Conservation Training. This one-year term post-graduate internship will be awarded to one applicant interested in focusing on the conservation of works on paper, concentrating on the Islamic, South and Southeast Asian, American and Contemporary collections at NMAA. 

The post-graduate intern takes part in the major activities of CSR and can potentially carry out a research project under the supervision of CSR staff as time and resources allow. Current activities include preparation of collections for exhibit or loan, as well as preventive conservation of the permanent collections both in storage and on view in the galleries. Conservation work may also include condition surveys, and collaboration with other members of CSR.

Contact Info/Link to Online Application: 

Cover letter, resume, and contacts for three references must be submitted to DCSR@si.edu no later than February 2nd, 2026. Finalists will be invited for an interview and asked to submit a portfolio of completed projects.

More information about the posting can also be found here: Jobs | Art Conservation Resources