Postdoctoral Research Associate

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate

Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

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 Cassandra Dorius, William Abraham, Carla Peterson, and Kere Hughes-Belding (see http://www.hdfs.hs.iastate.edu/ for more information about the HDFS department including faculty homepages), as well as co-investigators Ji Young Choi (https://ehe.osu.edu/directory?id=choi.1893) and Christine Lippard (https://www.utica.edu/people/christine-lippard). 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 public home visiting programs and formal early childhood educational programs such as preschool or Head Start. Additional research may include overall child and family involvement with public service systems such as health, education, and child welfare; early education and care environments across the birth-to-five system; recruiting and sustaining a quality child care and home visiting workforce; and the relations between early childhood experiences and wellbeing outcomes for young children and their parents. The Postdoctoral position will primarily involve 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.

This position is a 1-2 year fixed term position, with possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Doctoral degree

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in psychology, human development and family studies, educational policy, sociology, or a related field

• Advanced proficiency in dataset management and analytics using Stata, R, and/or other specialized statistical software

• A strong record of analytic writing in the areas of early childhood, education, or family studies including evidence of publication

• Experience analyzing national datasets such as the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort and/or population-level (national or state) data

• Experience conducting advanced quantitative analyses including longitudinal and multilevel modeling, profile analysis (latent class), and propensity score analysis

• Demonstrated experience translating quantitative findings for both academic and non-academic audiences

Department/Program & College Description:

The research team at Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making (I2D2) consists of faculty, professional staff, 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 who values communication and collaboration. We function as a blend of virtual and in-person meetings and support a flexible environment and healthy work/life balance. We strive to support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and leverage each individual’s areas of strength.  

Department Unit/Website:

http://www.hdfs.hs.iastate.edu/

https://i2d2.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:
January 16, 2024

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
January 17, 2025

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

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 [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our 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:
January 5, 2024

Posting Close Date:
February 6, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R13729