Smithsonian Institution, National Museum
of the American Indian
Andrew W. Mellon Advanced Training Fellowships in
Ethnographic and Archaeological Object and Textile Conservation
The National
Museum of the American
Indian (NMAI) is offering two fellowships in ethnographic and archaeological
object and textile conservation, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
These fellowships are for one year with a possible renewal of a second year.
Fellowships commence fall 2009 and include a $32,000 stipend, $5000
travel/research allowance, $2000 for medical insurance, and benefits. Fellows
work on the Conservation Department’s major projects and research related
to the projects and collections. The current projects include the preparation
of artifacts for exhibit at both NMAI sites: Washington,
DC, and New
York City. The fellowships are located in Suitland, MD (outside of Washington, DC).
The fellowships are intended to cultivate practical
skills as well as to foster a solid understanding of the contexts of material
culture, the philosophies of conservation at NMAI, and the ethics of the
conservation profession. Museum programming involves collaboration with Native
Peoples in the development of appropriate methods of care for, and
interpretation of their cultural materials, this may include community
consultations both at NMAI and in the field.
Applicant Qualifications
Applicant should be recently graduated from a
recognized conservation training program or have equivalent training and
experience. The best qualified candidates are those pursuing conservation
careers specializing in material culture of indigenous peoples from North,
Central and South America. The applicant
should have a proven record of research, writing ability, and proficient
English language skills (written and spoken). Fellowships are awarded without
regard to age, sex, race, or nationality of the applicant.
Application Procedure
Applicant is responsible for submitting all the
following materials in English:
·
A cover letter explaining applicant's interests and
intent in applying for the fellowship;
·
A curriculum vitae including basic biographical
information, current and permanent addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail
addresses;
·
Transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses
of academic study with an explanation of the evaluation system if it is not
equivalent to that of the US;
·
At least two examples of pertinent publications,
lectures, or other written material;
·
Two letters of recommendation from conservation
professionals familiar with the applicant's work and one letter of personal
reference.
All material must be received by March 15, 2009 and
sent to:
Marian A. Kaminitz, Head of Conservation
National Museum of the American Indian/Smithsonian
Institution
Cultural Resources
Center, MRC 538
4220 Silver Hill Road
Suitland MD 20746
E-mail address for inquiries only: kaminitzm@xxxxxx
Finalists will be invited for an interview and asked
to submit a portfolio of completed projects.
All applicants will be notified by May 25, 2009 of the selection
committee’s decision.