Police Training Innovation & Research Strategist - Police Training Institute

Duties and Responsibilities Research Enterprise Development Developing and implementing a long-term research agenda focused on police training, communication, decision-making, procedural justice, officer wellness, instructional effectiveness, and adult learning. Building sustainable research infrastructure capable of supporting priority research initiatives and long-term program growth. Managing interdisciplinary research teams composed of university faculty, graduate students, research assistants, PTI instructors, and external collaborators. Designing and overseeing qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and experimental research studies. Establishing data governance practices, longitudinal research datasets, research protocols, and documentation that support future scholarship. Managing Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and research compliance activities. Producing scholarly publications, technical reports, conference presentations, practitioner publications, and research briefs. Identifying external funding opportunities and leading the development of competitive grant proposals. Translating research findings into evidence-based recommendations that improve police training. Technology and Learning Innovation Evaluating, designing, and implementing instructional systems, assessment tools, and performance feedback technologies that are supported and enhanced by emerging technologies. Developing technology-mediated learning experiences that improve recruit learning and instructor effectiveness. Leading the design, implementation, and evaluation of virtual, augmented, and mixed-reality simulation environments. Developing adaptive learning pathways and personalized instructional approaches. Designing learning analytics systems that generate actionable performance insights. Piloting innovative instructional models and evaluating their effectiveness. Collaborating with university researchers and industry partners to develop, test, and validate emerging educational technologies. Scaling successful innovations into academy-wide instructional practice. Instruction and Curriculum Innovation Teaching recruit, in-service, instructor development, and specialized training courses. Designing evidence-informed curriculum grounded in adult learning science, instructional design, and performance-based education. Developing scenario-based learning experiences that promote critical thinking, communication, decision-making, and professional judgment. Creating instructional resources, assessment instruments, performance rubrics, and learning materials. Conducting curriculum mapping, instructional analyses, and alignment studies. Consulting with instructors to strengthen curriculum and instructional practice. Developing online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced learning experiences. Integrating research findings into curriculum design, instructional practice, and academy-wide educational initiatives. Evaluating emerging instructional approaches and recommending improvements that strengthen recruit learning and performance. Strategic Partnerships and External Engagement Developing partnerships with faculty, research centers, and interdisciplinary research teams across the University of Illinois. Building collaborative relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Managing partnerships with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB), public safety organizations, and national professional associations. Engaging community organizations, government agencies, foundations, and industry partners in collaborative research and innovation. Creating graduate and undergraduate curricular and research opportunities that strengthen PTI’s research enterprise while preparing the next generation of police training researchers. Representing PTI in collaborative initiatives that advance evidence-based police training at the regional, state, and national levels. Supporting dissemination of PTI research through conferences, workshops, publications, and practitioner engagement.