Job Description

About OptimaEd:

At OptimaEd, we believe education should be more than a process—it should be a journey of discovery, empowerment, and possibility. That’s why we’re transforming the way the world learns by harnessing the power of immersive technology.

Imagine a world where every student, no matter their background, has access to dynamic immersive coursework, awe-inspiring virtual field trips, and a rich VR content library that makes learning come alive. At OptimaEd, we’re making that vision a reality.

We combine the timeless brilliance of a classical liberal arts and sciences education with groundbreaking technology to create experiences that don’t just teach—they ignite. Whether it’s exploring ancient civilizations, stepping into the heart of a science experiment, or discovering a passion for entrepreneurship, we empower learners to dream bigger and reach higher.

This isn’t just about education—it’s about expanding minds, opening doors, and making the extraordinary accessible to every family, everywhere. Together, we’re reimagining what’s possible, because when we innovate, we inspire.

At OptimaEd, we’re not just preparing students for the future. We’re creating a future worth preparing for. Let’s build it together.

Position Overview

We are seeking a humanities-friendly biologist to develop rich, thoughtful biology curriculum for middle and high school students. This role is ideal for an educator-scholar who loves science  and  ideas—someone who can situate biology within its philosophical, historical, and ethical contexts while maintaining scientific rigor.

The Biology Curriculum Developer will primarily focus on writing biology courses, while also contributing to interdisciplinary course development and the broader growth of the Optima On-Demand enterprise.

This is a  salaried, exempt position.  As an exempt position, additional hours may be required as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.

Compensation is determined annually in accordance with OptimaEd’s established performance evaluation and compensation policies. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Write original, standards-aligned biology curriculum for middle and high school students in a classical liberal arts education model

• Integrate biological concepts with history, philosophy, ethics, and the history of science where appropriate

• Design content suitable for an online, on-demand learning environment, including VR-enhanced experiences

• Collaborate with the OD Lead Curriculum Developer and other subject-area experts on interdisciplinary courses

• Revise and refine curriculum based on internal review, feedback, and evolving program needs

• Facilitate some asynchronous courses and/or teach some synchronous courses

• Contribute intellectually to the vision and development of Optima On-Demand as a whole

Curriculum Design & Immersive Expectations

• Design standards-aligned foreign language curriculum for K–12 learners
• Integrate immersive learning experiences, including virtual reality (VR), where appropriate to instructional goals
• Balance direct instruction, interactive activities, cultural exploration, interdisciplinary connections, and assessment
• Incorporate best practices in language acquisition, classical pedagogy, and digital learning design
• Develop engaging multimedia content suitable for an online, on-demand environment

Technology & Systems Use

• Demonstrate proficiency in LMS platforms and digital curriculum tools
• Integrate immersive tools, including VR, to deepen cultural and linguistic understanding
• Ensure content is optimized for digital delivery and student accessibility
• Maintain organized digital records of curriculum drafts, revisions, and resources

Collaboration & Interdisciplinary Integration

• Collaborate with the OD Lead Curriculum Developer and other subject-area experts on interdisciplinary courses
• Contribute to cross-departmental initiatives within the On-Demand enterprise
• Support alignment between On-Demand and live instructional programs where appropriate

Professional Development & Innovation

• Participate in professional learning related to instructional design, immersive technology, and classical language pedagogy
• Stay current on research in second-language acquisition and online learning
• Contribute intellectually to the broader vision and development of OptimaEd On-Demand

Required Qualifications 

• Masters degree in biology, genetics, philosophy, classics, or a closely related field (PhD preferred)

• Demonstrated ability to write clearly, engagingly, and rigorously for a student audience

• Comfort working in an online, collaborative environment

• Alignment with classical liberal arts principles and a curiosity-driven approach to learning

• Submission of a relevant writing sample (e.g., curriculum materials, academic writing, or pedagogical content)

Preferred Qualifications 

• Online teaching or online curriculum development experience

• Peer-reviewed academic publishing experience

• Experience teaching or writing for middle or high school students

• Interest in interdisciplinary teaching and curriculum design

• Familiarity with or openness to immersive/VR-based educational tools

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong academic writing and curriculum design skills
• Ability to translate deep disciplinary knowledge into accessible, engaging coursework
• Ability to collaborate across departments and meet development timelines
• Commitment to instructional excellence and continuous improvement
• Alignment with OptimaEd’s mission, vision, and values

Cognitive/Mental Requirements

• Ability to analyze, organize, and integrate complex academic content
• Ability to design long-range curricular frameworks and detailed instructional materials
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Exercise sound judgment in academic and instructional decisions
• Communicate clearly and professionally with colleagues and leadership
• Adapt to evolving program priorities and development cycles

Work Environment

• Extended screen time and use of LMS and digital development platforms are required
• Primarily remote or office-based work
• Occasional collaboration meetings (virtual or in-person) may be required

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• $25,000 Life Insurance Policy
• Legal Aid
• Employer Discount Program
• Fun, Supportive, Rewarding Culture & 100% remote

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.  

The organization is an equal opportunity employer. The organization is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in all areas of recruitment, selection, placement, training, assignment, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, retention, and promotion. The board commits itself to the policy that there shall be no unlawful discrimination against any person because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin or disability. All decisions with regard to employment shall be in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

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