Beckman Center Fellowships - Curatorial Fellowships (2 years) Grant

Beckman Center Fellowships - Curatorial Fellowships (2 years) Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Science History Institute
Last Updated: December 03, 2025

Summary

The Beckman Center Fellowships at the Science History Institute offer unique two-year curatorial fellowships for scholars interested in the history of science. These positions provide career training, mentorship, and a platform for independent research. Applicants with advanced degrees are encouraged to apply, benefiting from a supportive community and a competitive salary of $55,000, along with a $1,500 annual stipend for professional development. A cover letter and CV are required for application.

Overview

Fellowships and Travel Grants With around 20 scholars in residence each year, the Science History Institute is home to the largest private fellowship program in the historical study of science, medicine, and technology in the United States. Researchers travel from all over the world to use our collections and take part in a vibrant scholarly community. Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry The Beckman Center at the Science History Institute offers fellowships on an annual cycle for scholars whose research would benefit from the use of our collections. While in residence, fellows are expected to participate in regular informal writing groups, give at least one lecture, and more generally contribute to the vitality of our fellowship community. Curatorial Fellowships (2 years) These two-year positions integrate fellows as members of staff across the Institute, assisting with specific curatorial and interpretive projects. Curatorial fellows will enjoy multiple career training, portfolio building, networking, and mentorship opportunities in either the library or museum field. Twenty percent of the fellows’ time is reserved for independent research with the aim of producing a publication appropriate for their professional goals. These fellowships are intended for individuals with advanced degrees who are seeking professional opportunities outside of academia. Graduate, early career, and career-changing researchers are encouraged to apply. This is a benefits-eligible staff position with a salary of US$55,000 per year and an annual US$1,500 stipend for travel and professional development. All applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, short writing sample for a non-specialist audience, and contact information for three professional references.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Scholars from any relevant field with a demonstrated interest in the history of science will be considered.Applicants for curatorial fellowships must hold an advanced degree in their field (MA or MS required, but PhD preferred) by the specified date.Applicants to the curatorial fellowship program must be authorized to work in the United States.Curatorial fellows’ work schedules are determined in consultation with their staff supervisors according to departmental needs. All other fellows have no set hours, but should be mindful that although staff work flexible hours, they are almost always available between 10am and 4pm.All of our fellowships are residential. This means that you need to live within 20 miles of Philadelphia and be present at the Institute for regular meetings, events, and research. While you may work remotely some days, we ask that you make the Institute your primary place of work. Extended periods of absence are only permissible for medical emergencies or other special circumstances to be approved in advance.

Ineligibility

You may not apply for multiple kinds of fellowships at the same time; the online form will allow you to note which type of fellowship you are applying for.