Job description
Position Title: Housing Researcher
- Part-Time Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities: Passionate about housing? Looking for a benefits-eligible, part-time role where your research can make a real impact across Iowa? If so, the Local Government and Housing team with Community and Development Extension and Outreach is seeking applicants for a Housing Researcher! This individual will be hired as a Research Scientist III. This is a part-time position working 24 hours/week.
What You'll Do
Lead and conduct housing research to identify, analyze, and address housing issues across Iowa. Design, manage, and collaborate on complex and multidisciplinary housing research projects. Secure and manage external funding through grants, contracts, partnerships, and other funding opportunities. Translate research findings into practical information, tools, and recommendations for broad audiences and stakeholders.
Serve as a housing subject-matter expert and represent housing initiatives with university, community, and government partners. Develop and evaluate research-based housing education programs, curricula, and resources. Co-create housing-focused reports, dashboards, publications, and decision-support tools. Measure, analyze, and communicate program impacts and outcomes through reports and success stories.
Build and maintain partnerships, networks, and collaborations to advance housing initiatives statewide. Provide technical assistance, guidance, and expertise on housing-related issues to communities and stakeholders. Participate on interdisciplinary teams to address complex housing and community development challenges.
This is a two-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. in Community and Regional Planning, Public Policy, Housing Studies, or a closely related field. Demonstrated experience conducting housing-related research and data analysis. Demonstrated experience translating research findings into actionable insights for stakeholders. Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
About Community and Economic Development Extension and Outreach: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is a catalyst for growth and change, working alongside local, state, and national partners to create innovative solutions for Iowa’s communities. Community and Economic Development (CED) is one of four Extension and Outreach units, dedicated to helping communities navigate challenges and build a stronger future.
With a team of nearly 40 faculty and staff—including experts from the College of Design and Liberal Arts and Sciences—CED provides the knowledge, tools, and partnerships needed to support local growth and resilience. Our work is guided by our purpose to impact people, place, resilience, and the environment. To learn more, please visit CED .
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. 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: Resume/Curriculum Vitae Letter of Application/Cover Letter Why Choose Iowa State University?
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 Iowa State offers Work.
Flex options for some positions. Work. Flex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager. 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. Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term) Proposed End Date or Length of Term: August 30, 2028 Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period Time Type: Part time Pay Grade: PS810 Original Posting Date: August 5, 2026 Posting Close Date: August 11, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19683 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 eooffice@iastate.edu . General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.