• Job Description

  Req#: R16792

  Position Title:

  Social Science Research Analyst

  Job Group:

  Professional & Scientific

  Required Minimum Qualifications:

  Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience

  Preferred Qualifications:

  Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or related area
  Experience working in academic research and applied statistics
  Experience with applied social science research
  Experience with administrative datasets (e.g., public health, education, child welfare, or social services data).
  Experience working in the field of social sciences, health, or education
  Experience with technical writing skills for reports, policy briefs, or government research
  Experience communicating research findings to non-academic or policy-oriented audiences
  Experience in using R, SPSS, Stata

  Job Description:

  Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making (I2D2) seeks a Social Science Research Analyst to support research-driven policy analysis in early childhood, family support, and economic well-being. This position focuses on applied social science research using administrative data to examine systemic trends and inform public policy.

  The Analyst will work collaboratively with faculty researchers, state agency partners, and professional staff to develop research-ready datasets, conduct applied statistical analyses, and communicate findings to non-technical audiences. This role is ideal for someone with experience in social science research methods, policy evaluation, and quantitative analysis in fields such as psychology, sociology, public health, education, human services, or economics.

  Candidates should have experience working with structured administrative data, such as education records, health services data, or social program datasets.

  This is an onsite position at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

  Job Duties

  Data Preparation & Applied Research

  • Clean, organize, and synthesize structured administrative datasets from multiple sources.
  • Create research variables that reflect social, economic, and demographic factors.
  • Ensure data integrity by implementing privacy safeguards, including suppression and de-identification.

  Statistical & Policy Analysis

  • Conduct quantitative analysis using R, SPSS, or Stata to identify patterns in administrative data.
  • Apply social science statistical methods (e.g., descriptive statistics, comparison tests, regression).
  • Collaborate with researchers to frame analyses in ways that inform policy and program effectiveness.

  Reporting & Communication

  • Develop written reports, policy briefs, and data visualizations tailored for government and nonprofit stakeholders.
  • Present findings to non-technical audiences, translating complex data into actionable insights.
  • Document research processes with clarity and attention to detail.

  About US

  The interdisciplinary team at Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making (I2D2) includes faculty, professional staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students who work closely with government agencies and statewide stakeholders to provide relevant data for decision-making to advance system-level coordination among early childhood services. 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 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.

  Length of Appointment: 1 year term position with renewal contingent on funding.

  Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

  This position will be hired into the Data Analyst II job profile.

  Appointment Type:

  Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

  Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

  May 16, 2026

  Number of Months Employed Per Year:

  12 Month Work Period

  Time Type:

  Full time

  Pay Grade:

  PS808

  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 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
  

  Original Posting Date:

  April 10, 2025

  Posting Close Date:

  April 16, 2025

  Job Requisition Number:

  R16792

• About the company

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