Search

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Hero image
Department of Vertebrate Zoology

Opportunities

Visiting Researcher

The Department 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.  Visiting researchers must request a visit well in advance of the anticipated arrival to ensure approvals, availability of collections, appropriate workspace, and other details. Researchers must comply with all export compliance regulations. For additional information contact the appropriate division. 

Fellowships

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

Sara E. and Bruce B. Collette Postdoctoral Fellowship in Systematic Ichthyology supports full-time, resident, independent research focused on the study of systematics, comparative morphology, and field investigations of fishes utilizing the NMNH collections. This is a two-year award.

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 durations 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 Internships & Fellowships.

Internships

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

Students selected for participation in the Natural History Research Experiences Internship Program may be placed in the Department. Through NHRE undergraduate students are paired with a scientific mentor of their choice to develop and investigate a research project.

 

A variety of other internship opportunities are available, including paid and unpaid appointments, resident and virtual projects, and short and long-term tenure. 

For a complete listing of internship opportunities at NMNH visit the Smithsonian Office of Internships & Fellowships.

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

Volunteering

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

For more information visit our volunteer page.