Police Training Innovation & Research Strategist - Police Training Institute

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.

• Master's degree in education, learning sciences, instructional design, educational psychology, criminal justice, public administration, communication, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering instruction for adult learners.
• Demonstrated experience conducting applied research, program evaluation, or educational assessment.
• Demonstrated experience developing curriculum, instructional materials, or educational programs.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational leadership experience.

• Doctorate (completed or in progress) in education, learning sciences, instructional design, educational psychology, criminology, public policy, communication, or a related field.
• Experience working within law enforcement, public safety, military, or other professional training environments.
• Experience designing mixed-methods or experimental research.
• Experience securing or managing externally funded research projects.
• Experience publishing scholarly or practitioner-focused research.
• Experience implementing AI-supported educational technologies or simulation-based learning environments.
• Experience supervising graduate assistants, student researchers, or interdisciplinary project teams.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships across academic and practitioner communities.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with academic researchers, law enforcement professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to build and sustain interdisciplinary research programs.
• Ability to translate scholarly research into practical instructional innovations.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory and the ability to apply it when designing effective learning experiences.
• Ability to evaluate educational technologies and emerging instructional approaches.
• Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives while balancing strategic priorities and operational responsibilities.
• Knowledge of external funding opportunities and grant development processes, with the ability to establish and maintain collaborative partnerships.
• Ability to promote innovation, collaboration, and evidence-informed decision-making.

This is a 49% PART-TIME (not benefits eligible) Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible following the conclusion of the search. The budgeted salary range for this position is $34,300 to $41,650 annually. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 11, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role.

Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Doug Greene at dgreen21@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is not eligible for benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1038526
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu