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Position Title:Quantitative Social Science and Policy Analyst

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:Master’s Degree in social sciences or related area

Experience working in social sciences, health, or education fields

Strong background in quantitative methods including regression modeling

Experience working with large administrative or longitudinal datasets

Experience with technical writing for reports, policy briefs, or government research

Experience communicating research findings to non-academic or policy-oriented audiences

Proficiency and work experience with statistical software (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS)

Job Description:

Iowa’s Integrated Data System for Decision-Making (I2D2) seeks a quantitatively skilled Social Science and Policy Analyst to support research and policy analysis in the areas of early childhood, family support, and economic well-being. This role is ideal for analysts with a strong foundation in applied inferential statistics and quantitative methods, particularly in social science and public policy contexts.

The Analyst will work collaboratively with faculty researchers, state agency partners, and professional staff to clean, structure, and transform large-scale administrative datasets for analysis, apply advanced inferential statistical techniques (e.g., linear and nonlinear regression modeling, longitudinal analyses, multilevel modeling, etc.) to examine systemic trends and inform public policy, and clearly communicate technical findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

This role is ideal for candidates who have hands-on experience with structured administrative data, such as education records, public health data, or social services datasets, and who can apply rigorous quantitative methods to address policy-relevant research questions.

Job Duties

Data Preparation & Applied Research

+ Clean, standardize, and synthesize large-scale structured administrative datasets (e.g., education, health, social services) from diverse sources to ensure accuracy, consistency, and usability for rigorous statistical analysis.

+ Construct complex derived variables and analytical datasets that capture key social, economic, and demographic constructs aligned with research and policy objectives.

+ Implement robust data validation procedures and quality checks to ensure analytical readiness and reproducibility of results.

+ Apply and enforce data privacy and confidentiality protocols, including de-identification, data masking, suppression rules, and secure data handling practices, in compliance with relevant legal and ethical standards.

Statistical & Policy Analysis

+ Conduct advanced quantitative analyses of large administrative datasets using statistical software such as R, Stata, or SPSS, with a focus on producing actionable insights for public policy.

+ Apply a broad range of social science statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, group comparisons, linear and nonlinear regression, longitudinal modeling, and other techniques.

+ Ensure methodological rigor and transparency in analysis design, coding practices, and documentation to support reproducibility.

+ Collaborate with researchers to frame analyses and findings in ways that inform policy and program effectiveness.

Reporting & Communication

+ Document research workflows, assumptions, and methodological decisions with precision and transparency to support reproducibility, collaboration, and institutional knowledge-building.

+ Develop high-quality written products, including technical reports, policy briefs, and executive summaries, that clearly communicate research findings and their policy implications to government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders.

+ Create compelling data visualizations that translate complex quantitative analyses into accessible insights and tailor communication formats to fit different audiences to ensure accessibility without compromising analytical integrity.

+ Present findings to diverse, non-technical audiences, including policymakers, program administrators, and community partners, with a focus on clarity, relevance, actionable insights.

Additional Information:

Position Type: Full-time, Professional and Scientific.

Length of Appointment: 1 year term position with renewal contingent on funding.Location: On-site at Iowa State University, Ames, IowaResidency Requirement: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

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

What We Offer – Exceptional Benefits

Working at Iowa State University means you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and career:

Work/Life Balance: Iowa State University was voted Best Place for Working Parents 2025.Generous Vacation and Sick Leave – 24 vacation days, 18 sick days, and 11 paid holidays.Excellent Health Insurance Options – including dental and vision coverage.Retirement Plans with Employer Contributions – choose from multiple plans to secure your future.Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Support – grow with us!Wellness Programs and Work-Life Resources – including mental health and counseling support.

Explore Iowa State’s Benefits: https://www.hr.iastate.edu/benefits

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.

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:June 23, 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 Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf 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 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: May 16, 2025

Posting Close Date:May 29, 2025

Job Requisition Number:R17079

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email [email protected] .

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.