Our World in Data is seeking an accomplished writer who can turn complex research, statistics, and evidence into clear and compelling stories for a broad audience.

This is a senior writing position for someone who is already comfortable researching and producing original, single-authored work.

The successful candidate should be able to identify important questions, investigate them rigorously, interpret evidence carefully, and communicate the findings in a way that is accessible to readers without specialist knowledge.

You will work closely with Deputy Editor Hannah Ritchie and collaborate with researchers, data scientists, engineers, designers, and other members of the editorial team.

The role is primarily intended to be full-time, although a part-time arrangement may be considered for an exceptional candidate.

Location and Remote Work

Our World in Data has offices in Oxford, United Kingdom, while many members of the team work remotely.

Applications are welcomed from qualified candidates internationally. Remote team members should be able to maintain some working-hour overlap with the UK so that they can communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Depending on the successful candidate’s circumstances and interest in relocating, visa sponsorship may also be considered.

What You’ll Do

Your primary responsibility will be researching and writing insightful, evidence-based articles that help readers better understand major global challenges and the progress being made in addressing them.

You may cover subjects including global health, poverty, inequality, technological development, demographics, human rights, energy, food systems, environmental change, and other issues addressed by Our World in Data.

You will independently investigate questions, review relevant research, analyze data, and determine the clearest way to communicate your findings.

You will also work closely with data scientists to identify appropriate datasets and develop charts, interactive visualizations, and other evidence-based elements that strengthen the articles you produce.

The goal is not simply to report statistics. Your work should help readers understand why the evidence matters, what conclusions can reasonably be drawn from it, and where important limitations or uncertainties remain.

What We’re Looking For

You should already have a strong portfolio of publicly available writing produced for non-specialist audiences.

Your previous work should demonstrate your ability to originate ideas, conduct research independently, work with credible evidence, and construct clear arguments supported by data.

You should be comfortable interpreting statistics and critically evaluating information from multiple sources. This includes determining which datasets are appropriate, recognizing limitations in the evidence, and identifying effective ways to present quantitative information.

Experience creating data visualizations is valuable, although candidates who demonstrate strong analytical ability may be able to develop these skills further within the role.

Because Our World in Data covers a wide range of subjects, you should also have the curiosity and flexibility required to move between different fields and quickly develop a strong understanding of unfamiliar topics.

Strong editorial judgment is particularly important. You should be able to recognize which questions deserve investigation, which evidence is meaningful, and how complex findings can be framed without sacrificing accuracy.

A genuine interest in major global issues and alignment with Our World in Data’s mission are also important.

Personal Qualities

The team is looking for someone who approaches evidence critically and is willing to revise their conclusions when stronger information becomes available.

You should be receptive to detailed editorial feedback and comfortable working through multiple revisions to improve an article.

The position requires substantial independence and initiative. You should be capable of taking a project from an initial question through research, analysis, drafting, revision, and publication.

Intellectual curiosity is essential, as you may need to develop a deep understanding of subjects across science, economics, health, technology, demographics, development, and other areas.

You should also be thoughtful when addressing sensitive or complicated global issues and capable of considering perspectives that differ from your own.

Hiring Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis rather than through a fixed closing date. Initial applications are reviewed in monthly batches.

Candidates who progress through the initial screening will be invited to a remote interview and complete a preparatory exercise.

Selected applicants will then enter a paid writing residency. This is a remote working trial rather than a requirement to relocate.

During the residency, you will work directly with Hannah Ritchie as your editor to develop two articles on agreed topics. The objective is to produce work that meets the publication standards of Our World in Data.

The writing residency is paid regardless of whether the resulting articles are ultimately published.

Candidates are not expected to leave their existing employment or work full-time for Our World in Data during this stage. The schedule can be arranged flexibly to accommodate existing professional commitments.

After the two-article residency, successful candidates may receive an offer to join the organization.

Career Development

The initial position focuses heavily on researching, developing, and writing articles in close collaboration with the editorial team.

Over time, there is potential for the role to expand into broader editorial responsibilities.

More senior writers may increasingly develop their own projects, help determine which subjects the publication should prioritize, and contribute to shaping the editorial direction of particular topic areas.

Career progression may also involve reviewing colleagues’ work, providing constructive editorial feedback, participating in strategic discussions about future research and data coverage, and helping improve the publication’s website, tools, and approach to engaging readers.

The long-term opportunity is to move beyond producing individual articles and play a larger role in determining how Our World in Data investigates and communicates some of the world’s most consequential questions.

Contract and Salary

Employment Type: Full-time with flexible working hours. While full-time availability is preferred, a part-time arrangement may be considered for an exceptional candidate.

Salary: £80,000–£120,000 per year, with final compensation determined by experience and location.

Location: Our World in Data has offices in Oxford, United Kingdom, but operates with a distributed team and supports remote work. Applications are welcome from qualified candidates worldwide.

Remote team members should have some availability that overlaps with standard UK working hours to support meetings and effective collaboration.

For candidates interested in relocating, visa sponsorship may be considered depending on individual circumstances.

About Our World in Data

Our World in Data brings together researchers, writers, data scientists, software developers, and designers to make important global research and data easier for everyone to understand.

Reliable evidence plays an essential role in understanding the world’s biggest challenges and identifying ways to address them.

Our work focuses on transforming complex research, statistics, and datasets into accessible articles, interactive charts, visualizations, and other resources that help people understand how the world is changing.

We examine a broad range of major global issues, including poverty, climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, child mortality, mental health, population, health, inequality, technological development, and many other topics.

Our goal is to provide readers with dependable research, carefully compiled data, and clear visualizations that help them understand these challenges, examine long-term trends, and explore evidence about how progress can be achieved.

Team and Working Environment

You will join the Data and Research Team, which consists of approximately eight people, and report directly to Hannah Ritchie.

The position provides considerable flexibility in how you organize your working hours. However, team members are generally expected to maintain some overlap with core UK working hours so they can collaborate effectively with colleagues. Additional flexibility may be available in exceptional circumstances.

Our World in Data maintains a collaborative remote-working culture designed to keep colleagues connected despite being based in different locations.

Regular virtual activities provide opportunities to meet people from across the organization, exchange ideas, and have informal conversations with colleagues.

The entire team also gathers in person at least once each year. Team members based in the United Kingdom, particularly around Oxford and London, have additional opportunities to meet and work together in person.

The working environment emphasizes trust, collaboration, mutual support, and a shared commitment to producing high-quality work that contributes to the organization’s broader mission.

Diversity and Inclusion

Remote working has enabled Our World in Data to develop an international team made up of people from different countries, professional backgrounds, and experiences. We aim to continue building and supporting that diversity.

Applications are welcomed from people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to maintaining an inclusive working environment where team members can contribute effectively.

Flexible working arrangements can also make it easier for employees to balance professional responsibilities with caregiving and other personal commitments.

Candidates who are enthusiastic about the opportunity are encouraged to apply even if they are uncertain whether their experience matches every aspect of the role.