Beckman Center Fellowships - NEH Postdoctoral Fellowships (12 months) Grant

The Beckman Center Fellowships at the Science History Institute offer 12-month postdoctoral opportunities for scholars engaged in research on science, medicine, and technology. These fellowships support full-time research and participation in a vibrant scholarly community. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree or defend their dissertation by July 2026, and they receive a stipend of $50,000, along with additional funding for travel and health insurance. Ideal for researchers seeking collaborative engagement.

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.
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.
These fellowships are intended to support 12 months of full-time research and writing in residence that will make use of our collections. Fellows will participate in Beckman Center scholarly programs, including the Works in Progress writing group and Fellows’ Talks lecture series. Applicants may be citizens of any country. Postdoctoral Fellowship stipends are US$50,000, paid in monthly installments, with an annual US$1,000 stipend for travel and professional development and an additional available reimbursement of up to US$2,500 for health insurance.

Eligibility

NEH Postdoctoral Fellowships:Open to researchers who have earned a doctoral degree or who have completed all requirements of the doctoral degree, including the defense, by the application deadline.Applicants for the NEH fellowship must be United States citizens or foreign nationals who have lived in the United States for the three years immediately preceding the application deadline. 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.
Extended periods of absence are only permissible for medical emergencies or other special circumstances to be approved in advance. Postdoctoral and dissertation fellows have access to the building and can also work before or after hours, including on weekends.

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.