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Job Title


Postdoctoral Research Associate in Family Well-Being and Prevention


Company : Iowa State University


Location : Ames, IA


Created : 2026-04-19


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Family Well-Being and Prevention Appointment Type: Post Doc/Trainee Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: The Postdoctoral Research Associate will work collaboratively with faculty in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) at Iowa State University to support research and programmatic initiatives focused on prevention science, family well-being, and intervention research. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to ongoing research projects examining individual, relational, and community-level factors associated with health, well-being, and behavioral outcomes across the lifespan. A particular emphasis of this position is on the evaluation and optimization of interventions implemented in real-world settings, including community-based and justice-involved populations. Research responsibilities include conducting literature reviews; managing and analyzing large-scale and longitudinal datasets; contributing to the design and execution of quantitative analyses (e.g., multilevel modeling, latent profile/class analysis, and propensity score methods); and assisting with the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, grant proposals, and reports. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will also contribute to dissemination efforts, including translating research findings for academic, practitioner, and policy audiences. The position includes teaching one undergraduate family studies course per semester during the academic year. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills; the ability to work both independently and collaboratively; and strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. Required Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in psychology, human development and family studies, educational policy, sociology, or a closely related field (completed by start date) and demonstrated experience conducting quantitative research. Preferred Qualifications: * Advanced proficiency in dataset management and statistical analysis using Stata, R, and/or other specialized statistical software * Strong record of analytic writing in family science or related areas, including evidence of peer-reviewed publications * Experience conducting advanced quantitative analyses, including longitudinal and multilevel modeling, latent profile/class analysis, and propensity score methods * Demonstrated ability to translate quantitative findings for both academic and non-academic audiences Department/Program & College Description: The Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) at Iowa State University focuses on improving lives across the lifespan by examining the interactions among individuals, families, their resources, and their environments. The department offers hands-on, research-informed programs that prepare students and scholars to support healthy development, strengthen family relationships, and promote well-being in diverse communities. HDFS provides undergraduate and graduate education grounded in theory, research, and applied practice, with emphasis areas including early childhood education, family studies, financial counseling and planning, and community-based support services. The department is committed to fostering resilience, advancing evidence‑based interventions, and preparing graduates for careers in education, prevention, treatment, administration, and public policy. Department Unit/Website: Home - Department of Human Development and Family Studies Proposed Start Date: June 1, 2026 Proposed End Date or Length of Term: May 31, 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 Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email 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: April 10, 2026 Posting Close Date: April 17, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R18917