Writer

Our World in Data is looking for a writer who can make the world's largest problems understandable to their large audience. This is a senior role working closely with Hannah Ritchie, the Deputy Editor. The ideal candidate writes single-authored pieces regularly for a non-specialist audience, builds arguments based on data and research, and has the range to cover many topics. The hiring process involves a paid writing residency before any full-time offer.

• Writing clear, engaging, and insightful articles on various aspects of global topics (health, poverty and inequality, technological change, demographics, human rights) to make important data and research findings accessible to a large, non-specialist audience
• Collaborating closely with data scientists to produce relevant data and interactive visualizations presenting evidence on the topics you are writing about
• In senior editorial positions: working with the editorial team to identify and prioritize topics to cover, providing constructive feedback on colleagues' drafts, and engaging in strategic discussions about data, research, website development, and user engagement

• Track record of clear, engaging, and informative public writing for a general audience that you conceived, researched, and wrote yourself, relying on well-chosen data and relevant research literature
• Good understanding of statistics and excellent ability to interpret and engage critically with data from different sources
• Comfort selecting the right data and framing for visualizations; experience creating visualizations is ideal but can be taught
• Interest and ability to write across a broad range of topics
• Strong editorial judgment — knowing which questions are worth asking, which data is worth using, and how to frame things for a general audience
• Strong interest in global issues and commitment to the values and mission of Our World in Data
• Ability to analyze information critically and change your mind based on evidence
• Openness to editorial feedback and an iterative writing process
• High sense of agency and ability to work independently on projects from conception to completion
• Curiosity and desire to learn in-depth about diverse topics
• Drive to present information in engaging and creative ways
• Ability to understand and consider diverse perspectives when discussing sensitive or complex global issues

Submit your application via the Google Form at https://forms.gle/[form-id] (linked in the job posting). The form requests: (1) A CV with basic information about education, work, and current position; (2) Links to 3 of your articles most closely aligned with Our World in Data's work (published on Substack, Medium, your own blog, or traditional media outlets; must be in English, published before April 1st 2026, and not more than five years old); (3) A Data Insight of your choice on an indicator provided in the form (maximum 100 characters for title, 850 characters for text); (4) Links to social media profiles where you share your public writing. Applications are reviewed in monthly batches, typically at the beginning of each month. Only candidates selected for the next round will be contacted. For questions, email jobs@ourworldindata.org with subject line 'Writer position 2026'.