Fellowship Opportunities

Since 1983 the conservation division has offered fellowships to enable graduates of conservation programs to participate in the Gallery's mission to care for the collections. The program allows emerging conservation professionals (ECPs) to practice and refine their skills through the examination and treatment of works of art.

The fellowships are supported by both the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Charles E. Culpeper Foundation. Fellows serve for a three-year period in one of the following conservation departments: objects, painting, paper, photograph, preventive, scientific research, or textiles. Occasionally two departments will share a fellowship position. A stipend, health benefits, and travel funds are awarded with each fellowship. ECPs focus on two aspects: the treatment of the collection and research that culminates in a publishable paper. Lectures, symposia, and informal discussion contribute to the program, as do the significant resources of the Gallery.

Candidates should be graduates of a recognized training program or have equivalent training. They should have no more than five years of work experience and a proven record of research and writing ability. Candidates must possess English-language skills. Finalists who are not United States citizens must provide proof of their own healthcare coverage during the fellowship period.

Conservation departments that are accepting fellowship applicants are listed below in the "Current Announcements" section. Please read the fellowship overview carefully as it contains pertinent details including application deadlines. Fellowship candidates will need to prepare the following materials in English when a position is open for recruitment: transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study; a curriculum vitae including basic biographical information, current and permanent addresses and telephone numbers; a brief statement of interest and intent in applying for the fellowship; offprints of any publications or lectures; two supporting letters of recommendation from conservation professionals familiar with the candidate's work; and one letter of personal reference.

Current Announcements

Charles E. Culpeper Advanced Training Fellowship in Painting Conservation
Deadline: March 15, 2023

Inquiries should be emailed to: [email protected]