Smithsonian Office of Academic Appointments and Internships

Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship

Applications for 2027-2028 are now open!

The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation is accepting applications for the Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History (NMAH). We seek to appoint an experienced author or senior scholar (at the associate/full/emeritus professor level or equivalent) from the history of technology, science and technology studies, business history, museum studies, STEAM education, or an allied field. Smithsonian staff are not eligible. The specific arrangement is flexible: the Molella Distinguished Fellow may use the funds as a sabbatical supplement; for several short-duration visits; for a single residency focused on research and writing; or for a series of lectures leading to a major publication. We invite the Molella Distinguished Fellow to participate in the intellectual life and programmatic activities of the museum; to take advantage of the expertise of the museum’s research staff; and to consult the Institution’s vast invention and technology collections (see http://collections.si.edu/). The Lemelson Center will assist in arranging a visa for non-US citizens, provide a workspace, and facilitate startup procedures at the Smithsonian.

Topics:

The Lemelson Center invites all applications covering the broad spectrum of research topics in the history of technology, invention, and innovation. The Center especially encourages proposals that align with one (or more) of its strategic research and programmatic areas, including (1) projects that illuminate inventors or technologies associated with under-represented groups; (2) projects that explore the broader ecosystem of individuals and institutions that support inventors, including inventors' professional organizations; angel investors, venture capitalists, and financiers; incubators and entrepreneurial coaches; patent agents and IP attorneys; product designers, manufacturers, and marketers; and bankruptcy-liquidation specialists; (3) projects exploring innovation in sports and sports technology; (4) projects that explore research-based activities in invention education, educational psychology, or learning theory; or (5) projects exploring the interconnections between art, invention, and the human experience. Our definition of “art” is broad, encompassing visual art, photography, music, dance, etc.

Stipend and Residency: 

$35,000 (US).  Funds may be used flexibly to support teaching buyouts, travel for several short-term visits, living expenses for longer residences up to seven months, and related research expenses. All stipends are subject to tax; non-US applicants should inquire about visa status and tax implications.

Fellowship Term: 

Fellowship tenures must begin between June 1, 2027, and May 30, 2028. Dates are flexible.

The Application Process: 

Researchers may wish to consult with the Fellowship Coordinator prior to submitting a proposal at lemcen@si.edu. We receive many inquiries during application season, so thanks for your patience, as it may take a few days to respond.

Applications must be completed in English. Applications must be submitted via SOLAA by October 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST).  

How to Apply

Applicants must apply through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment system (SOLAA):

• Create a new account or log in to SOLAA 
• Click Start Application Button at top of Screen 
• Select Unit: NMAH - National Museum of American History
• Select Program Category: Fellowship/Other Academic Appointment  
• Search for the Program: National Museum of American History Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship 
• Click "Apply Now" 
• Proceed with entering your information and uploading the required application materials and documents. 
• For "Year of Program Competition," please select "2027"

A complete application for the Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship consists of:

• General Information: via web form, please provide contact and demographic information, institutional affiliation, academic history, project title, etc.
• CV/Resume: please provide a current CV (no page limit).
• Other - Timeline/Schedule: please provide a timeline/schedule for the fellowship period, describing how you plan to arrange your residence, e.g. several short visits, one long residency, tentative dates, etc. (1 page maximum).
• Project/Research Proposal: Please describe your proposed project outlining the subject matter; scope; research methodology; sources, including the Smithsonian resources (objects, archival collections, trade literature, staff members) to be consulted during the fellowship; intended research product(s); and the contribution that your work will make to the study of invention and innovation (6 pages, double-spaced maximum).
• Note: We do not require the applicant to supply references or to solicit reference letters from their colleagues.  We hope that applicants for the Arthur Molella Distinguished Fellowship will have already established a sterling reputation that speaks for itself!   

Traditionally, the most successful applications have: 1) explicitly explored themes of invention, innovation, and technology, including the specific sub-themes listed above; and 2) drawn explicitly upon the collections at the NMAH and across the Smithsonian.

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted via SOLAA by October 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST).  

All application materials will be made available to the Lemelson Center staff and its selection committee, which may include outside readers. The Lemelson Center Fellowship is open to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or national origin.

Helpful Tips 

• Get your application uploaded early!  Several fellowship programs across the Smithsonian have applications due on October 15.