About the opportunity
The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship is a research opportunity for doctoral candidates from member universities to conduct scholarship at the Smithsonian Institution. The program aims to support students who have completed all coursework and are in the dissertation phase of their PhD, allowing them to collaborate with Smithsonian advisers to further the development of their theses. Research must be conducted at the Smithsonian in specific areas including animal behavior, anthropology, earth sciences, evolutionary biology, folklife, history of science and technology, art history, materials research, molecular biology, or US social and cultural history.
Who can apply?
- Currently enrolled in a Big Ten Academic Alliance member university.
- Must have completed all coursework for their program.
- Must have been admitted into doctoral candidacy and satisfied all requirements except completion of the dissertation by the time the appointment begins.
- Open to US citizens and Non-US citizens.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must be able to write and converse fluently in English.
Required documents
- All application materials must be presented in English.
When to apply
- All applications must be submitted by October 15, 2026, 11:59 pm ET.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Doctoral candidates enrolled in Big Ten Academic Alliance member universities who have finished their coursework.
- PhD students ready for dissertation research in fields such as anthropology, evolutionary biology, history of science, or materials research.
- Researchers seeking direct collaboration opportunities with Smithsonian Institution advisers.
What should you think carefully about?
- Applicants must be admitted to doctoral candidacy and have satisfied all pre-dissertation requirements before the appointment begins.
- Non-native English speakers must prove fluent writing and conversational skills in English.
- Research must be conducted on-site at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fellowship provides a $45,000 annual stipend and up to $5,000 in research allowances, offering doctoral candidates dedicated financial and institutional support to advance their thesis work.
Our take
Eligible Big Ten doctoral candidates looking to execute dissertation research at the Smithsonian should apply by October 15, 2026.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
