What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoc Research Associate - Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making position at isu?
Position Title: Postdoc Research Associate - Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The research team at Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making (I2D2) consists of faculty, professional staff, and graduate and undergraduate students who work closely with state government agencies and stakeholders to provide relevant data for decision-making in early childhood programs. I2D2 works to transform state administrative data to answer important questions about how our systems are working and improve system coordination and effectiveness for Iowa families. (https://i2d2.iastate.edu/). We are a motivated, action-oriented team that values communication and collaboration. We operate a blend of virtual and in-person meetings and support a flexible environment and a healthy work/life balance. We strive to support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and leverage each individual’s areas of strength. The Postdoctoral Researcher will work on projects funded by the US Departments of Health and Human Services and Education and state of Iowa Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Management, and Workforce Development focused on policy-relevant research in the areas of early childhood, family well-being, family systems, home visiting, prenatal care and public health, child care, child welfare, and school readiness. The successful candidate will join a productive team of investigators at Iowa State University led by Dr. Heather Rouse, including co-investigators William Abraham, Daeyong Lee, and Christine Lippard (see http://www.hdfs.hs.iastate.edu/ for more information about the HDFS department, including faculty homepages), as well as co-investigator Ji Young Choi (https://ehe.osu.edu/directory?id=choi.1893). This specific team of investigators specializes in mixed-methods research that includes large national datasets, state administrative datasets, and survey/focus group approaches to understand early risk and protective experiences in home and neighborhood contexts. The focus of the postdoctoral research area will include studying families’ involvement with formal early childhood educational programs such as preschool and Head Start, developing training for local area partners in data-use for strategic planning, and understanding overall child and family involvement with public service systems such as health, education, and child welfare across the birth-to-five system. The Postdoctoral position will primarily involve complex data management with integrated administrative datasets, advanced statistical modeling, conducting survey and focus group research to augment the administrative data foci, preparing communications for state and local audiences, and writing journal manuscripts. Additional responsibilities will include management of active projects, preparing policy briefs and presentations, and co-writing grant proposals. Required Minimum Qualifications: PhD in psychology, human development and family studies, or a related field; advanced proficiency in dataset management using administrative records including Head Start and public education; advanced analytics using Stata, R, and/or other specialized statistical software; evidence of successful grant writing; evidence of productive partnerships with Iowa stakeholders including Head Start and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Preferred Qualification: Experience analyzing large national datasets such as the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Birth Cohort (ECLS‑B) and/or population‑level national or state data sources, including the U.S. Census. Experience conducting mixed‑methods research, including advanced quantitative techniques such as longitudinal and multilevel modeling. Demonstrated ability to translate research findings for both academic and non‑academic audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and community partners. Department/Program & College Description: Iowa’s early childhood system is effectively and efficiently coordinated among health, social service, and education agencies to support healthy and successful families. This work will be informed by actionable intelligence derived from a statewide integrated data system that comprehensively identifies and addresses the needs of Iowa’s young children and their families. Department Unit/Website: Iowa's Integrated Data System for Decision Making | I2D2 Proposed Start Date: May 16, 2026 Proposed End Date or Length of Term: May 15, 2028 Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Full time Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) • Flexible Spending Accounts • Various voluntary benefits and discounts • Employee Assistance Program • Wellbeing Program Original Posting Date: April 15, 2026 Posting Close Date: April 22, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R18914 By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.