Vacancy: Data analyst – Carbon Brief

Carbon Brief is seeking a skilled data analyst to support our award-winning journalism. You’ll help us analyse climate and energy data to find new stories and bring fresh numbers to the conversation.

• Do you know how to find, process and analyse data?
• Do you have an eye for data-driven stories and insights?
• Can you spot opportunities to use data to inform topical talking points?
• Do you want to contribute to accurate reporting of climate change and energy?

Job description

Working with our team of specialist journalists, you’ll carry out original analysis of climate and energy data to bring new developments to life in a clear and engaging way.

Reporting to the Policy Section Editor, you’ll undertake a mixture of snap analysis and longer-term data-driven projects, as well as tracking relevant data trends to surface novel insights.

This could mean estimating the emissions impact of Trump’s election victory, working out the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions and electricity mix, building automated trackers for key global summits or finding ways to bring new numbers to important policy debates. 

You’ll work with journalists across Carbon Brief’s editorial teams, on topics ranging from UK climate policy through to China’s energy transition and the intersection of climate, food, land and nature. You’ll also collaborate with our multimedia team to help produce high-impact charts and graphics.

You’ll have exceptional data analysis skills and experience with advanced analytical packages, such as Python and R. You’ll have a proven ability to spot stories in data and know how to communicate them in an accessible way to a wider audience. You’ll be meticulous about accuracy and fact-checking and be able to work closely with our writers, editors and multimedia producers to develop story ideas and support article research. 

This role is primarily focused on working with data, but there may be occasional opportunities for co-writing articles. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct original, in-depth analysis of climate and energy data.
• Lead on sourcing and building relevant and credible data to feed Carbon Brief’s analysis.
• Work on several projects concurrently, ranging from rapid-turnaround analysis to annually repeating projects and longer-term research.
• Work with the wider Carbon Brief team to develop compelling data-led story ideas.
• Scope for emerging themes, topics, people, research and opportunities and contribute to Carbon Brief’s editorial strategy.
• Represent Carbon Brief at external conferences, events and meetings and actively build our network of contacts.
• You may be asked to perform related tasks, as required by Carbon Brief’s editors.

Qualifications

Essential

• Exceptional data analysis skills, using Python (preferred) or R.
• Highly numerate, with the ability to think statistically.
• Strong communication skills, particularly with non-specialist audiences.
• The ability to spot compelling insights and stories in data.
• An interest in climate change and energy.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

Desirable

• A knowledge of climate and energy policies.
• A wider interest in the role of climate change communication.
• An appreciation for Carbon Brief’s brand, style and tone. 

Location: Carbon Brief’s office is in central London. There is flexibility within this role to be based remotely and the successful candidate will be comfortable working across different time zones. You may be expected to undertake some travel as part of your work.

Duration: This is a permanent position.

Salary: Competitive, with generous benefits. Salary will be discussed with shortlisted applicants, due to the possibility of it being a part-time or full-time position.

How to apply

To apply, please send:

• Your CV. 
• A covering letter explaining why you would be a good fit for the role and the organisation, including examples of your work with data.

To: [email protected]

Please state “Data analyst application – Carbon Brief” in the email subject header.

Applications must be submitted by 9AM BST Monday 17 Feb. Interviews will be held on Monday 24 Feb and Tuesday 25 Feb via Zoom.

Carbon Brief is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce. Our aim is to be truly representative of all sections of society and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. We strongly encourage applications from those who feel underrepresented in climate journalism, including ethnic and social minorities.

About Carbon Brief

Carbon Brief specialises in clear, evidence-based articles and data visualisations to help improve the understanding of climate change, both in terms of the science and the policy response. We publish a wide range of content, including Q&As, in-depth reporting, analysis, interviews, newsletters, interactives and maps. Our audience is global and diverse, but our content particularly serves policymakers, journalists, NGOs and academics. We are proud of the reach and engagement we have with our audiences, who value our rigorous and authoritative brand of ‘explainer journalism’.