Charles E. Culpeper Advanced Training Fellowship in Conservation Science

With an endowment from the Charles E. Culpeper Foundation, the National Gallery of Art is offering a fellowship in the scientific research department. The fellowship, which may be held until September 30, 2024, includes a monthly stipend of $4,000, plus modest support for research-related travel. The fellow will conduct research into conservation materials or artists’ materials as well as analytical methods related to the preservation and understanding of the Gallery’s collections. Experimental research into the study of noninvasive analysis and sampling methods is preferred.

Working under the guidance of the Gallery’s scientists, the fellow will learn to apply the widest variety of investigative methods available at the Gallery, and will collaborate with scientists, conservators, and curators. The fellow will have access to the Gallery’s collections and to advanced analytical instrumentation available in the scientific research department. Lectures, symposia, and informal discussions at the National Gallery of Art contribute to the fellowship program. The fellow will be expected to produce one or more publishable papers based on research completed during the fellowship period.

Eligibility

Candidates should have an advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in one of the sciences, or equivalent training. The degree must have been obtained within the last five years. Candidates should be familiar with relevant scientific instrumentation such as infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and x-ray fluorescence. A strong interest in art conservation and/or art history is required and previous experience in art-related research is desirable. English-language skills and a proven record of research and writing ability are required. At the present time, J-1 visas are not being issued for foreign nationals to participate in this fellowship program. Applications will be restricted to United States citizens and green-card holders.

Application Procedure

Interested candidates must submit the following materials in English:

• Transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• A curriculum vitae including basic biographical information and current and permanent addresses and telephone numbers
• A short proposal (no more than two single-spaced pages) of the candidate’s research interests and intent in applying for the fellowship
• Reprints in PDF format of publications
• Two letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the candidate’s work and one letter of personal reference (emailed directly to the address below)

File naming convention for submissions:

Last Name_First Name_Document type (e.g., Transcripts) _Date (Year-Month-Day)

Formal applications and supporting materials must be submitted in PDF format by email to [email protected] and arrive at the Gallery no later than November 22, 2020.

The fellowship may begin on or after January 31, 2021, and will end September 30, 2024. The start date for the fellowship might be delayed due to the Gallery currently operating in a modified manner resulting from restrictions related to the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

For inquiries, please contact:

Michelle LeBleu, Program Assistant
Conservation Division
National Gallery of Art
2000 South Club Drive
Landover, MD 20785
[email protected]