Quantitative Social Science and Policy Analyst

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Job Description:

Iowas 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 Iowa
Residency 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 youll 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 States Benefits: US

The interdisciplinary team at Iowas 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. ( 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 others successes and leverage each individuals areas of strength.

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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 or Toll Free: 1-.

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: