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 will commence in the fall of 2007 and include a stipend in
the low $30K's with $3000 for travel and research plus medical insurance
and benefits. Fellows will 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, and loans. 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 
The applicant should be a recent graduate of a recognized conservation
training program or have equivalent training and experience. The
candidates with the best qualifications will be those who are pursuing a
career in the conservation of material culture of the Indigenous peoples
of 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 
Interested candidates must submit the following materials in English: 

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;

A curriculum vitae including basic biographical information, current and
permanent addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses;

At least two examples of pertinent publications, lectures, or other
written material;

A cover letter explaining candidate's interests and intent in applying
for the fellowship;

Two letters of recommendation from conservation professionals familiar
with the candidate's work and one letter of personal reference.

 
The material must be received by March 15, 2007 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: [log in to unmask]

Finalists will be invited for an interview and asked to submit a
portfolio of completed projects.
All applicants will be notified by May 25, 2007 of the selection
committee's decision.
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