Postdoctoral Research Associate, Child Welfare Research

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Vacation and leave plans

Onsite childcare

Life insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing program

WorkFlex options

Job summary

Iowa State University seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Child Welfare Research to manage and analyze complex datasets, design advanced analyses, and disseminate findings through reports and manuscripts. The role emphasizes collaboration with faculty and staff and mentoring students and junior researchers in a supportive environment.

The position offers opportunities to contribute to interdisciplinary work within the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, with a focus on

Qualifications

• PhD in Human Development and Family Studies required.
• Experience with child welfare research and data analysis recommended.

Responsibilities

• Manage and analyze complex datasets using established methods.
• Design and conduct advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Prepare reports, manuscripts, and scholarly products for publication.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff and mentor junior colleagues.

Skills

Child welfare research experience

Data analysis experience

Education

PhD in Human Development and Family Studies

Tools

SPSS

SAS

Stata

Job description

Position Title

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Child Welfare Research

Appointment Type

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description

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

Why Choose Iowa State University?

• 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.

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. [phone], email [e-mail].

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.