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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
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Department of Anthropology

Opportunities

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Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA)

The Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA) is an intensive four-week residential training program in museum research methods for graduate students in cultural anthropolgy. It uses the Smithsonian's anthropological resource as a "field site," giving students hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing data from collections in conjunction with formal training methods, all centered around individual research projects.

Visiting Researchers

The Department welcomes scholars, artists, and other researchers from around the world who are interested in utilizing the collections and facilities of the NMNH. Visiting researchers must request an appointment well in advance (at least 1 month) of the anticipated arrival date to ensure the accessibility of collections and the availability of staff to assist them. Please contact us for more information.

Fellowships

Fellowships provide an opportunity for scholars to conduct resident, independent study under the guidance of an NMNH staff advisor.

Fellowships for research and study in the Department are available through the Smithsonian Institution Fellowship Program (SIFP), which provides funding for graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, and senior investigators to conduct research in association with Smithsonian scientists. Fellowship appointments range from three months to three years depending on fellowship category. 

The Department hosts fellows through the Peter Buck Fellowship Program for full-time, resident, independent research focused on utilizing the NMNH collections and facilities. Multi-year postdoctoral fellowships are generally awarded, often 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.

For a complete listing of fellowship opportunities available for placement at NMNH visit the Smithsonian Office of Fellowships.

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Internships

Internships offer undergraduate, graduate and advanced high school students a mentor-guided experience designed to meet their learning objectives.

Through the Natural History Research Experiences Internship Program, undergraduate students are paired with a scientific mentor at NMNH to develop and investigate a research project.

A variety of other long-term and short-term internship opportunities are available, including paid and unpaid appointments, and both resident and virtual projects. For a complete listing of internship opportunities at NMNH visit the Smithsonian Office of Internships.

For a complete listing of internship opportunities at the Smithsonian, many available for placement at NMNH, visit the Smithsonian Office of Internships.

Volunteering

The Department hosts many volunteers who assist in research and collections tasks. A minimum commitment of 3 consecutive months, and at least 6 hours per week, is required.

For more information visit our volunteer page.