DeSmog is looking for a researcher to work with our small and ambitious team of journalists. A meticulous investigator with an eye for a story, you’ll play a key role tracking the words and deeds of actors and organisations who work to undermine or delay climate action. 

You will be responsible for: keeping our database of climate deniers and delayers up to date, drafting new database entries and identifying and writing news stories.

About us

DeSmog is an award-winning investigative journalism outlet providing accurate, fact-based reporting on climate misinformation and delay.

We publish regularly in partnership with mainstream media outlets including The Guardian, Independent, Channel 4 and the Financial Times. Our work is targeted and high-impact, used by MPs in parliament, at congressional hearings in the US Senate, by law firms and climate campaigners in the UK and across the world.

Our disinformation databases, which track greenwash, hypocrisy, and the influence of vested interests on climate change are a go-to-resource for journalists, campaigners, academics and policy-makers looking to scrutinise the powerful actors working to obstruct climate action

The Researcher role sits within the UK team. The post would be line-managed by the Deputy Editor and work closely with DeSmog’s global database team.

Main duties

• Gathering and analysing data on the flow of climate misinformation and its sources online
• Drafting and updating database profiles for individuals and organisations in DeSmog’s public databases, primarily for DeSmog’s Climate Disinformation Database
• Summarising the content of news articles, reports and broadcasts in clear, concise, accurate language and documenting sources
• Identifying and writing news stories that reveal vested interests behind climate policy opposition
• Contributing to investigations by DeSmog UK’s news team
• Analysing and interrogating database entries for story-gathering purposes 
• Other ad-hoc research and project support tasks, as required by the team

Role requirements

Essential

• 1-2 years experience in a relevant field such as research, policy or journalism
• Proven interest in climate and environmental issues
• Excellent written English
• Ability to be pay close attention to detail and complete repetitive tasks (such as scanning documents and accounts)
• Proactive attitude and a willingness to learn new skills 
• Good interpersonal skills and excellent team working ability
• Ability to work well independently 
• An enthusiasm for and commitment to DeSmog’s core values and mission
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks to deadline

Desirable

• Undergraduate or Masters degree in an environment-related subject
• Journalism qualification
• Online research skills, including advanced Google Search methods
• Basic data analysis skills, including in Excel
• Working knowledge of HTML
• Experience of working with WordPress

Application process

DeSmog values diversity and aims to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times. We welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates.

To apply, send a CV with a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining how your skills and experience meet the criteria outlined above. Please also include: your potential start date and a maximum of two writing or research samples.

DeSmog is open to considering part time hours (less than 80 percent time) and flexible working arrangements for this post.

Please send applications by email to [email protected] with the subject header “Researcher post”.

Any shortlisted candidates will be contacted on or before 7 July to be invited to interview, which will take place on Wednesday 13 July. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send a message to the email address above.

The deadline for applications is midnight on 5 July 2022.