Physics Course Author​/Subject Matter Expert; SME

Physics 2 Course Author / Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Fully Remote
• Remote Worker - N/A

Job Type

Contract

Description

Physics 2 Course Author / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

01/30/2026

Vice President of Academic Affairs

9 month - 1 year

Temporary, Project-based

The mission of Portage Learning is to transform lives and communities by providing learning opportunities for all who aspire to thrive. We do this not only through superior online instruction, but with a deep commitment to expanding access to education. We believe service is the thread that binds our community and our team together. To that end, we choose to …

• Believe the best in our employees
• Invest in our people
• Collaborate with humility, respect, and appreciation
• Cultivate curiosity and encourage creativity.

Portage Learning is developing a new 100-level, fully online, asynchronous Physics 2 with Lab (algebra based) course for novice learners. We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert to author comprehensive module content, create aligned assessments, and collaborate with our Instructional Design team to build an engaging, standards-aligned course.

The SME will develop 10 modules that align with course objectives and educational standards to provide engaging, interactive learning experiences as well as a laboratory experience to support student learning. Content will include:

• Fluid Dynamics and its Biological and Medical Applications
• Temperature and Kinetic Theory of Gases
• Heat and Heat Transfer
• Thermodynamics
• Physics of Hearing
• Electric Charge, Potential, and Field
• Magnetism
• Vision and Optical Instruments
• Nuclear Physics and Medical Application

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

• Curate and/or write full lesson content for 10 asynchronous modules aligned to course learning objectives.
• Curate and/or write laboratory content for the modules, aligned to course learning objectives.
• Ensure each module includes clear explanations, examples, and novice-appropriate practice opportunities.
• Integrate or adapt open educational resources (OERs) where appropriate, following Portage guidelines.

• Create for each module:
• Develop question banks for exams with 6 alternate versions per question.
• Align all assessments to CLOs and provide rationale/notes for Academic Data review.
• Draft lecture slides for each module following Portage production standards.
• Identify 2–3 “high-value” concepts per module for H5P/interactive reinforcement.
• Collaborate with Instructional Design, Production, Accessibility, and Editorial teams through iterative review cycles.
• Final written module scripts/content (per Portage template)
• Problem sets, exams, and exam banks
• Notes for interactive/H5P opportunities
• Revisions based on internal review feedback

• Online course authoring experience (asynchronous or continuous-enrollment formats).
• Comfort collaborating in Google Workspace or similar tools.

• Strong academic writing skills; ability to write engaging, student-friendly asynchronous lessons.
• Experience creating assessments aligned to learning outcomes.
• Comfort working with OER and/or adapting existing texts responsibly.

• Master’s degree or higher in Physics or related field required.
• 3 years of professional/teaching experience required; 7 years preferred.
• Demonstrated agreement with and vision for the stated mission, vision, philosophy, values, and goals of Portage Learning.

This role will require the use of a computer and may also involve additional equipment, such as a phone and printer. A reliable internet connection is required for your remote workspace. Occasional attendance at virtual check-in meetings is required.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of…