The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is home to a broad spectrum of diverse opportunities for students and scholars interested in enriching their natural history pursuits through participation in academic programs, appointments, research visits, and formal affiliation. Whether interested in engaging with the public, contributing to the administration and operation of the museum, or pursuing scientific endeavors, through our academic opportunities we offer something for everyone.
Visiting Researchers
NMNH welcomes qualified scholars and professionals from around the world who are interested in utilizing the collections and facilities of the NMNH for on-site research and study. Each science department, library, and laboratory has specific visitor guidelines and contact staff. Please review the policies and processes for the unit most relevant to your area of study. Visiting researchers must notify the appropriate NMNH staff well in advance of the anticipated arrival to ensure approvals, availability of collections, appropriate workspace, and other details.
Permission is required before any permanent alteration of a specimen such as dissection, clearing and staining, SEM, TEM, or tissue sampling is allowed.
NMNH complies with all U.S. export and sanctions laws, as well as fish, wildlife and other regulations applicable to the importation and exportation of specimens and research materials. All specimens, samples, objects or materials shipped to NMNH or hand carried must be properly licensed, if applicable, and otherwise comply with U.S. law. This includes the transfer of objects, samples, data or information, collaboration with individuals, or travel.
Research visitors planning to bring artifacts/specimens must review Smithsonian’s current policies on export compliance prior to travel and request approval. Please allow at least 6 weeks for request evaluation. You will need to secure permission and receive specific guidance from the host department collections manager before specimens/objects will be permitted in facilities, and may be subject to sterile entry protocols.
Fellows and Fellowships
Our fellowships provide an opportunity for scholars to conduct resident, independent study under the guidance of an NMNH staff advisor. Fellowships may be made competitively or non-competitively, may be paid or unpaid, and are available to US and non-US citizens.
As part of our academic community, fellows have access to the world’s largest natural and cultural history collections, including 145 million natural history specimens and state-of-the-art analytical equipment.
Established with an endowment in 2011, the Peter Buck Fellowship Program is considered the most important contribution to the intellectual vibrancy and influence of Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in its 100+-year history. The purpose of the Peter Buck Fellowship program is to support full-time, resident, independent research focused on utilizing the NMNH collections and facilities. Awardees are expected to be actively involved in the scholarly activities of the Museum.
The two central goals of the Peter Buck Fellowship Program are to train the next generation of scientists and museum professionals, and to increase the flow of new ideas, perspectives, and skills into the Museum community through full-time resident fellowships. To accomplish this we mainly award multi-year postdoctoral fellowships, generally paired with first year awards through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP), to external postdoctoral scholars who have received a Ph.D. or equivalent within the last five years. Peter Buck fellowships are open to citizens of any country for them to conduct resident research as part of the NMNH community under the advisorship of an NMNH staff scientist.
Our internships offer undergraduate, graduate and advanced high school students a mentor-guided experience designed to meet their learning objectives and provide personal insight into career pathways that lead toward academic and professional success. An internship at NMNH is a prearranged, structured learning opportunity under the direct supervision of an NMNH staff member who serves as a mentor.
In addition to learning from their mentors, interns may join focused enrichment and social activities. During the summer, we host a series of behind-the-scenes tours, workshops, demonstrations, discussions and group events to provide interns a broader understanding of the natural history sciences, museum education and outreach, and science administration. We bring new and returning interns into our diverse community year-round, with tenure ranging from one week to six months.
The NHRE is a formal, paid, 10-week internship appointment that seeks to pair undergraduate college students with NMNH researchers. No previous research experience is necessary to apply. Appointees work closely with a scientific mentor of their choice to develop and investigate a research project. At the end of their project, appointees create a research poster and host an informal seminar for all NMNH staff. Appointees also have opportunities to attend development and enrichment opportunities, such as department- related lectures, museum collection tours, and opportunities to explore topics like applying to graduate school, research ethics, and professional image. NHRE is funded by the National Science Foundation (REU Site, EAR-1062692, 1560088). For more information on the NHRE and directions on how to apply visit the NHRE home page.
The Youth Engagement through Science (YES!) internship is a career immersion and science communication program for youth between the ages of 14-19, who are currently enrolled in high school (grades 9-11) in the Washington D.C. region. The YES! program, which runs from June-October, gives interns practical experience through a hands-on science internship with Smithsonian science staff. Through YES!, teens may join behind-the-scenes tours and field trips, creative studio workshops, college preparatory classes, and the opportunity to create their own science communication video.
Key components include:
Research project with a Smithsonian science mentor.
Training courses focused on learning how to effectively engage public audiences and peers in science topics.
Connecting with teens who share similar science interests.
Field trips and behind-the-scenes tours.
College preparation courses presented by YES! alumni and visits to local college.
Stipend of $2,500.
For more information and directors on how to apply, visit the YES! page.
