Writer

Our World In Data
Our World In Data

Marketing & Communications · Full-time, Part-time

United Kingdom · Oxford, UK · Ely, UK

GBP 80k-120k / year

Posted on Sep 29, 2026
Summary- Contract type: Full-time, flexible hours. We are open to a part-time arrangement for the right candidate, but full-time is strongly preferred.- Compensation: £80,000 to £120,000 per year, based on experience and location.- Location: Our offices are in Oxford, United Kingdom, but many people in our team work remotely. We welcome applications from international candidates, though working hours should partly overlap with core UK working hours to facilitate collaboration with the team. Visa sponsorship may be considered for the right candidate, depending on individual circumstances and relocation preference.- Description: We are looking for an experienced writer. The ideal candidate already writes single-authored pieces regularly and publicly for a non-specialist audience, builds arguments based on data and research, and has the range to cover many of the topics we work on. This is a senior role: the person we hire will work closely with Hannah Ritchie, our Deputy Editor. The hiring process involves a paid writing residency before any full-time offer. What the process will look like- You submit an application (as described below).- Initial screening in monthly batches.- Promising applicants: remote interview and preparatory exercise.- Successful candidates complete a paid writing residency producing two articles with editorial support.- If successful, offer of a contract as detailed below. Key responsibilities of the writer role- Write clear, engaging, and insightful articles on topics such as health, poverty and inequality, technological change, demographics, or human rights, making data and research accessible to a large, non-specialist audience.- Collaborate closely with data scientists to produce relevant data and interactive visualizations. Required skills and experience- Track record of clear, engaging public writing for a general audience that relies on well-chosen data and research literature; high agency and frequent independent writing on OWID-relevant topics.- Good understanding of statistics and ability to interpret and engage critically with data from different sources; comfort selecting data and framing for visualizations; experience creating visualizations is ideal (can be taught).- Interest and ability to write across a broad range of topics.- Strong editorial judgment on questions, data, and framing for a general audience.- Strong interest in global issues and commitment to OWID’s mission. Personal characteristics- Ability to analyze information critically and change your mind based on evidence.- Openness to editorial feedback and iterative writing.- High sense of agency; ability to work independently from conception to completion.- Curiosity to learn in-depth on diverse topics; drive to present information in engaging and creative ways.- Ability to understand and consider diverse perspectives, particularly on sensitive or complex global issues. How to apply- Application remains open until an offer is made; reviewed monthly (typically at the beginning of each month).- Submit via the Google Form: provide a CV; links to 3 articles aligned with OWID’s work (Substack/Medium/blog or traditional media; no social media threads, academic articles, theses, or more than one co-authored article). Articles must be in English, published before April 1, 2026, and not more than five years old.- Write a Data Insight (title up to 100 characters; text up to 850 characters) on an indicator provided in the form.- Optionally include links to social media profiles used to share your public writing (or your blog/Substack).- Only candidates moving to the next round will be contacted; seeing the Google Form confirmation means your application was received.