Data ScientistInvestigative Data Analyst & Storyteller (f/m/d) — Part-time / Freelance

vertical52 specialises in high-stakes satellite investigations and spatial data analysis. We are looking for an analytically sharp, editorially minded collaborator to join us on a part-time or freelance basis.

The role You will work at the core of our investigative process — turning complex satellite data and spatial evidence into authoritative, hard-hitting stories. This means doing the analytical work yourself, structuring the findings into compelling narratives, and knowing how to present them across formats: a rigorous long-form piece and a 60-second vertical video are both valid expressions of the same investigation. You switch between them naturally. This is not a content creation role. It is an investigative role where distribution fluency is part of the craft.

What you will do • Scope investigations alongside our team and clients — identifying what the data actually shows, what it proves, and what story is worth telling • Drive the editorial process from evidence to narrative, ensuring rigour is never sacrificed for reach • Write and produce across formats: long-form articles, short-form vertical video, and social-first packaging — always led by the strength of the findings • Conduct background research and fact-checking to support high-impact reporting

Who you are You have strong investigative instincts and the analytical discipline to work with complex spatial data. You understand that a story's credibility is its most valuable asset — and that serious journalism and modern distribution are not in conflict. Specifically, we are looking for someone who: • Has a background in investigative or data journalism, with demonstrable research and verification skills • Is comfortable working with satellite imagery, geospatial data, or OSINT — or has a strong track record in adjacent analytical work and learns fast • Understands vertical video as a storytelling format, not just a platform requirement — you know how to distil an investigation into its most compelling visual form without losing the substance • Can write clearly and precisely for different audiences and lengths • Brings a perspective that challenges our thinking — we are actively seeking diverse viewpoints on our team.

How we work Remote-friendly, with occasional in-person time at our office at Publix in Berlin or at major international journalism conferences. This role integrates well with other projects, academic work, or existing freelance commitments.

To apply Send us a short note and two or three examples of your work — at least one investigative or analytical piece, and at least one example of vertical or social-first content. We care more about the quality of your thinking than the size of your CV.