WSJ seeks a Numbers columnist

The Wall Street Journal is seeking a writer for its “Numbers” column, one of the news department’s most prominent and popular features.

Each week you will captivate and intrigue the world’s most numerate readership with insightful and counter-intuitive takes on the numbers that shape our understanding of the world. The numbers can come from science, health, medicine, sports, entertainment, politics, geography, finance, economics and everyday life.

Your column will explore where these numbers originate, what they mean, what they omit, how they’re used, and how they’re abused. They can be torn from today’s headlines, extracted from ancient history, or uncovered in the remotest realms of science.

You’re an experienced journalist with a record of penetrating and compelling analysis. While knowledge of math and statistics is a plus, specialized training is less important than knowing what the math and statistics mean, and don’t mean. Your distinctive voice brings numbers and concepts alive and your restless curiosity delights in busting myths and tweaking the conventional wisdom.

You’re comfortable developing relationships with experts in a wide range of fields, and a disciplined self starter able to generate a deep well of ideas and pristine copy ahead of your deadline once a week.

You have:

• A deep curiosity about how the world works
• An understanding of numbers, statistics and the underpinnings of valid research
• The ability to distill complex information into approachable and engaging text

You will:

• Write a weekly column of approximately 800 words
• Conceive, report and write knowledgeably about a wide array of topics
• Acquire data and work with the visuals team on compelling graphics to accompany the column

This position will be based in Washington D.C. or another major city where the Wall Street Journal has an office. You will report to Deputy Economic Editor Greg Ip.

To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter explaining how you would approach the job and samples of your previous work.

To apply, go here.