The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is looking for a talented journalist to join our team reporting on big tech.

The Bureau has been investigating the effects of big tech for several years, breaking stories on everything from algorithmic decision-making to Facebook’s lobbying, from global misinformation, to mobile phone surveillance. We want to tell this story from a truly international perspective, tracking big tech’s influence across the world.

We want an enthusiastic journalist with at least two years experience to join this small team and help us hold big tech to account.

About The Bureau

The Bureau is the UK’s largest independent investigative journalism organisation. It exists to inform the public about the realities of power in today’s world. Our investigations seek to expose systemic wrongs, challenge misinformation and spark change. With no corporate or political agenda we bring to light serious issues affecting individuals and communities in the UK and around the world.

We work collaboratively to maximise the impact of our fact-based reporting and share our findings openly with local, national and international media outlets to reach as many people as possible.

About the technology project

In the last few years, The Bureau has been at the cutting edge of reporting on the business model underlying the new digital era. We’ve uncovered the world of Twitterbots for hire and their role in a political scandal in South Africa and explored how social media promotes quack Covid cures in India.

We’ve spot-lit how European agencies tried to exploit new technologies to predict refugee arrivals and exposed behind-the-scenes lobbying for NHS data as well as the struggles behind Britain’s contact tracing app. We’ve revealed how top-tier global commercial surveillance companies have been enabled by a hidden trade in mobile network access points.

Our renewed project aims to take this work up a level. We don’t intend to replicate the reporting done by national newspapers and magazines reporting on Big Tech. We’re looking instead to meet the urgent need for deeper reporting on the hidden, systemic issues, within the UK and internationally.

The role

It is an exciting time to join our innovative, mission-driven journalism outfit and be part of an ambitious project to produce cross-border investigations on technology and its effects.

The big tech reporter will work as part of our investigative team. The ideal candidate will have some experience in tech reporting – or else be able to show a strong interest in the area – and will be able to demonstrate some experience of investigative or off-diary journalism.

Experience and skills

• Demonstrable interest in big tech and its effects on people and society
• At least two years of journalism experience
• Some investigative or long-form journalism experience
• Demonstrable ability to build up a contacts book
• Understanding of media law and journalism ethics
• Diligence and attention to detail
• You will be a collaborative team player
• A passion for accountability journalism

Desirable experience and skills

• Investigative reporting
• Data journalism skills
• Good story ideas

It is envisaged that this is a full-time role, primarily based in our London office – where we use a hybrid working approach – but as The Bureau is committed to supporting people who require a more flexible approach to working this is open to discussion.

The Bureau is committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer providing opportunities for all, where people can come to do their best work. We encourage individuals from BAME communities, those with disabilities, or disadvantaged backgrounds as these groups are currently underrepresented in the media industry, which is something we are committed to changing.

Duration: An initial 18 month fixed-term contract.

To Apply

Send a CV and covering letter to techjob@tbij.com by 4 March 2022.

Please also fill out our Equality Monitoring Form, which is anonymous, so we can better track who we are reaching.