Postdoctoral Research Associate, Child Welfare Research

Position Title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Child Welfare Research

Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
The Postdoctoral Researcher will manage and analyze complex datasets; design, organize, and conduct advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses using established scientific methods and protocols; and, when appropriate, develop and implement new analytical approaches. Responsibilities include summarizing findings and preparing reports, manuscripts, and other scholarly products for publication and dissemination. The position offers opportunities to collaborate closely with faculty and staff, contribute to interdisciplinary research initiatives, and mentor students, research staff, and other junior colleagues in a collaborative and supportive research environment.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

- PhD in Human Development and Family Studies

- Demonstrated experience conducting child welfare research, including the analysis of child welfare data and/or evaluation of child welfare programs and services.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience conducting quantitative data analysis using SPSS, SAS, or Stata.

- Experience working with administrative data, including data cleaning, management, and analysis.

- Experience conducting research or evaluation related to state agencies, public programs, child welfare systems, or other human service programs.

Department/Program & College Description:
The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Iowa State University is dedicated to advancing research, education, and outreach that improve individual, family, and community well-being across the lifespan. Faculty, staff, and students engage in interdisciplinary scholarship addressing child development, family relationships, health and well-being, prevention and intervention programs, and public policy. The department fosters a collaborative environment that supports innovative research, student mentorship, and community-engaged partnerships.

Department Unit/Website:
College of Health and Human Sciences – College of Health and Human Sciences

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:

- Resume/Curriculum Vitae

- Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees 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)

- Life insurance and long-term disability

- Flexible Spending Accounts

- Various voluntary benefits and discounts

- Employee Assistance Program

- Wellbeing program

- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

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.

Proposed Start Date:
December 16, 2026

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Part time

Pay Grade:
Post Docs

Original Posting Date:
November 5, 2026

Posting Close Date:
November 12, 2026

Job Requisition Number:
R20189

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 .

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.