Application Guide

How to Apply for (Senior) Fact-Checker & Researcher

at Kurzgesagt

🏢 About Kurzgesagt

Kurzgesagt is a distinctive German animation studio renowned for its visually stunning, science-focused educational YouTube content that makes complex topics accessible to millions. The company combines rigorous research with captivating storytelling and minimalist animation style, creating content that both educates and inspires global audiences. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that values accuracy, creativity, and making science engaging for everyone.

About This Role

As a (Senior) Fact-Checker & Researcher at Kurzgesagt, you would be responsible for verifying the scientific accuracy of content across scripts, animations, and research materials, ensuring every claim aligns with current scientific consensus. This role is crucial for maintaining Kurzgesagt's reputation for reliability and educational integrity, directly impacting millions of viewers who trust the channel for accurate information. You would collaborate closely with scriptwriters, animators, and subject matter experts to translate complex scientific concepts into verifiable, accessible content.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing draft scripts for upcoming videos, verifying scientific claims against primary literature and expert sources, then meeting with scriptwriters to discuss necessary adjustments. You'd likely spend time researching emerging scientific developments relevant to future content, maintaining a database of verified sources, and collaborating with animators to ensure visual representations accurately reflect scientific concepts. The role balances deep research with collaborative communication across creative and production teams.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Kurzgesagt Is Looking For

  • Has extensive experience in scientific research methodology and fact-checking, preferably with a background in multiple scientific disciplines relevant to Kurzgesagt's content (astronomy, biology, physics, climate science)
  • Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and skepticism, with proven ability to identify subtle inaccuracies or oversimplifications in scientific communication
  • Possesses strong communication skills to explain complex verification processes and scientific nuances to non-expert team members
  • Shows genuine passion for science education and Kurzgesagt's specific approach to making complex topics accessible through visual storytelling

📝 Tips for Applying to Kurzgesagt

1

Create a portfolio showcasing 2-3 examples where you fact-checked complex scientific content, explaining your verification process and how you communicated findings

2

Demonstrate familiarity with Kurzgesagt's content by referencing specific videos where you noticed particularly strong (or potentially improvable) fact-checking

3

Highlight any experience working with visual or animated educational content, as this role requires understanding how facts translate to visual storytelling

4

Emphasize your ability to work with scientific uncertainty - Kurzgesagt often covers evolving fields where consensus may be developing

5

Show how you stay current across multiple scientific disciplines, as Kurzgesagt covers everything from quantum physics to ecology

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your philosophy on balancing scientific accuracy with accessibility in educational content', 'Specific examples of catching subtle scientific inaccuracies in popular science communication', "How you would approach fact-checking for Kurzgesagt's unique visual format versus traditional text-based verification", 'Your experience collaborating with creative teams to improve accuracy without compromising storytelling']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Watch at least 10 Kurzgesagt videos across different scientific domains, noting their citation practices and how they handle scientific uncertainty
  • → Research Kurzgesagt's content creation process through available behind-the-scenes materials or interviews with team members
  • → Understand the channel's audience demographics and how educational approach differs for various viewer knowledge levels
  • → Review Kurzgesagt's existing scientific advisory relationships and how they currently ensure accuracy
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would fact-check a Kurzgesagt script about a complex topic like quantum entanglement or climate tipping points
2 How do you handle situations where scientific consensus is still developing or where reputable sources conflict?
3 Describe a time you had to convince a creative team to change content for accuracy reasons - what approach worked?
4 What systems or processes would you implement to ensure consistency in fact-checking across different content creators?
5 How would you verify claims in animations where visual representations might oversimplify or misrepresent scientific concepts?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying generic fact-checking experience without demonstrating understanding of scientific verification specifically
  • Failing to show familiarity with Kurzgesagt's specific content style and educational philosophy
  • Presenting as overly rigid about scientific accuracy without considering storytelling and audience engagement needs
  • Not providing concrete examples of your fact-checking methodology and decision-making process

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Kurzgesagt!

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