At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging data stories and visualisations for various platforms.
- Company: Join a leading science publication with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, creative environment, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Combine your passion for data, science, and storytelling in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Experience in data journalism and a degree in science or technology preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: High Street Kensington, London
Position: Full time or part time, minimum 3 days/week
About the Role
We are looking for a talented data journalist to join our editorial team and help us evolve how we tell our stories in new ways. The successful candidate will lead on telling stories with and about data, both self-generated and commissioned by editors. They will create data visualisations including charts, maps, interactive graphics, and other forms of data visualisation. The successful candidate will need to have a genuine curiosity about science and technology and a drive to explore data sets and pull out fascinating stories and angles.
Main Responsibilities
- Stay on top of new and updating datasets that could be used for New Scientist stories
- Pitch and produce data-led stories
- Work with other reporters and editors to illustrate their stories with data
- Produce graphics and video for a range of platforms, including the website, app, social media and magazine
Person Specification
- Experience in reporting with data and producing compelling data visualisation
- A passionate interest in both science and technology
- A degree in science or technology, ideally
- Ability to write clearly and communicate complex subject matter for a non-technical audience
- Good knowledge of digital journalism practices and social media platforms
- A passion for data and familiarity with basic statistical concepts
- Excellent news and editorial judgement and storytelling skills
- Experience of data visualisation software eg Flourish
Skills
- Able to generate inventive and compelling ideas
- Excellent editorial judgement and an imaginative approach to journalism
- Willingness to innovate and experiment
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Able to work effectively under pressure
- Organised
- Imaginative and creative
- Proactive
- Confident and assertive
- Flexible and adaptive, commitment to continuous learning
Our Commitment
We are committed to increasing diversity and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. We are Disability Confident Committed. Please let us know if you require any recruitment documentation in other formats or if you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process. Please be assured that any such information will be held separately to your recruitment application and will not be considered as part of the selection process.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Journalist in London
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at New Scientist!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like New Scientist, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Journalist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for New Scientist:When applying for the Data Journalist role at New Scientist, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what New Scientist produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Scientist
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within New Scientist. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
