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Position Title:Postdoctoral Scholar - Research & Outreach

Appointment Type:Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The School of Education at Iowa State University invites applications for a one-year Research & Outreach Postdoctoral Scholar. The scholar will contribute to ongoing research on shifting dynamics of student support labor (50%) and outreach for projects in the School of Education (50%). This role blends qualitative research, applied scholarship, and program coordination. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in the scholarship of practice, experience in the higher education and student affairs context, ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, ability to self-direct and manage complex tasks, and solid organizational and time management skills.Key Responsibilities & Support

Research & Scholarly Inquiry: support and advance ethnographic research examining student support roles, organizational culture, and the evolving landscape of higher education

+ Support and advance ethnographic research examining student support roles, organizational culture, and the evolving landscape of higher education.

+ Assist with qualitative research design, data collection, and analysis.

+ Conduct interviews, field observations, and document review.

+ Manage research logistics, including recruitment, scheduling, and IRB compliance.

+ Prepare and code qualitative data using research software (e.g., Dedoose)

+ Contribute to research reports, manuscripts, conference proposals, and grant materials.

Program Coordination & Outreach: Support the School of Education initiatives that strengthen partnerships, visibility, and engagement.

+ Outreach and workshops to K-12 schools.

+ Outreach to external stakeholders to promote the visibility of SOE faculty and staff

+ Develop communications such as weekly research and practice updates.

Mentorship, Collaboration, & Professional Development: The School of Education is committed to providing mentorship and professional development opportunities for all employees. In this role, the Postdoctoral Scholar can anticipate:

+ Close collaboration with faculty and graduate students on all phases of the research process.

+ Opportunities to participate in School of Education research groups, seminars, and professional development opportunities.

+ Depending on interest, opportunities for guest lecturing or co-teaching may be available (not to exceed 10% of time).

+ Co-development of a tailored professional growth plan aligned with career goals in academia, student affairs, or administration.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Ph.D. or Ed.D. in higher education, educational leadership, or a closely related field

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Experience working in higher education student affairs and/or administration

+ Some experience with qualitative methods (interviewing, observing, coding

+ Demonstrated skill with organization and program/project management and oversight

Department Unit/Website:

School of Education website: https://education.iastate.edu

The College of Health & Human Sciences website: https://hs.iastate.edu/

Proposed Start Date:February 9, 2026

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:February 8, 2027

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Application Instructions:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 Postdocs 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)• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing Program

Original Posting Date: January 14, 2026

Posting Close Date:January 21, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R18454

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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/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 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 [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.