Postdoc Research Associate - Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

3d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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
• writing journal manuscripts
• management of active projects
• preparing policy briefs and presentations
• co-writing grant proposals

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees