Atmospheric Research Lead

The Lead Atmospheric Scientist will join Aon’s View of Risk Advisory team, leading impactful natural catastrophe research and model evaluation projects with significant commercial implications for clients. You will be a subject‑matter expert in atmospheric science, driving the evaluation and improvement of catastrophe models for atmospheric and meteorological perils (e.g tropical / extratropical cyclone, severe convective storm). This is an office‑based role (with flexibility in line Aon’s Smart Working principles).

Aon is in the business of better decisions. At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. As an organisation, we are united through trust as one inclusive team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.

What the Day Will Look Like

• Lead atmospheric catastrophe model research, evaluation and benchmarking.
• Design tests and validate components of catastrophe models for atmospheric perils, including event sets, hazard modules and vulnerability/impact frameworks.
• Evaluate third‑party vendor models and in‑house tools for atmospheric perils, comparing methodologies, data usage and performance.
• Conduct back‑testing and event reconstructions for historical and emerging perils, including climate change‑related stress tests and scenario development.
• Incorporate the latest meteorological and climate science research, observational datasets and reanalysis products into model evaluation.
• Develop and test model adjustments and alternative views of risk to align with Aon’s independent view of risk and client‑specific needs.

Bridge model development and model usage

• Collaborate closely with catastrophe model users, actuaries, brokers and analytics teams to ensure models are fit for purpose in underwriting, portfolio management and pricing workflows.
• Interpret and translate model outputs into clear risk metrics and narratives for both technical and non‑technical collaborators.
• Provide expert guidance on model limitations, uncertainty and assumptions, and how these should be incorporated into decision‑making.

Client and internal stakeholder engagement

• Present technical findings and strategic implications in a clear, concise manner to clients, internal teams and senior leadership.
• Participate in client meetings, RFPs and workshops as a lead atmospheric science expert.
• Build and maintain industry and academic partnerships to enhance data sources, modelling capabilities and perspectives on emerging risk.

Leadership and mentoring

• Take a lead role in shaping the atmospheric risk agenda within the View of Risk Advisory team.
• Provide technical leadership on projects and, as appropriate, oversee and mentor junior scientists and analysts.
• Contribute to and sometimes lead cross‑disciplinary initiatives (e.g., climate change, emerging perils, portfolio stress testing).

Skills and Experience That Will Lead to Success

Education

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Climate Science or a closely related field is required.
• PhD or equivalent experience strongly preferred, ideally with research focused on extreme weather, large‑scale atmospheric dynamics, climate extremes, or related topics relevant to catastrophe risk.

Experience

• Significant experience (typically 5+ years) in catastrophe modelling or closely related quantitative risk roles within: the reinsurance/insurance industry, catastrophe modelling firms, or applied meteorology/climate research environments with a strong modelling component.
• Demonstrated model development experience for atmospheric catastrophe risk models, such as storm track and intensity modelling, hazard field generation (wind, rainfall, surge, hail, etc.), statistical or physical‑statistical event simulation, climate‑conditioned or non‑stationary hazard modelling.
• Strong plus: Experience as a user of catastrophe models (e.g., pricing, portfolio management, risk aggregation, capital modelling), with a track record of applying model outputs to real‑world insurance/reinsurance decisions.
• Experience in the London market or global (re)insurance hubs is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in SQL for data extraction and manipulation.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or R for: data analysis and visualisation, model prototyping and implementation, statistical modelling and machine learning techniques where appropriate.
• Confidence working with large meteorological and climate datasets (e.g., reanalysis, satellite products, observational networks, climate model output).
• Familiarity with catastrophe modelling platforms and/or high‑performance computing environments is an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability and appetite to learn new tools, languages and technologies as the modelling landscape evolves.

Professional Skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain sophisticated atmospheric and modelling concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences, provide clear narratives around risk drivers, uncertainties and model results.
• Strong collaborator management skills and the ability to build effective relationships with: internal analytics, broking and leadership teams, external clients (insurers, reinsurers, capital providers), academic and industry partners.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, goal‑oriented environment.
• Ambitious, proactive and eager to take on increasing responsibilities, including project and people leadership.
• A good command of additional languages is a plus.

How we support our colleagues

In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, we encourage an inclusive workforce. Plus, our agile environment allows you to manage your wellbeing and work/life balance, ensuring you can be your best self at Aon. Furthermore, all colleagues enjoy two “Global Wellbeing Days” each year, encouraging you to take time to focus on yourself. We offer a variety of working style solutions for our colleagues as well. Our continuous learning culture inspires and equips you to learn, share and grow, helping you achieve your fullest potential. As a result, at Aon, you are more connected, more relevant, and more valued.

Aon values an innovative and inclusive workplace where all colleagues feel empowered to be their authentic selves. Aon is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Aon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran, marital, domestic partner status, or other legally protected status. We welcome applications from all and provide individuals with disabilities with reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application, interview process and to perform essential job functions once onboard. If you would like to learn more about the reasonable accommodations we provide, email ReasonableAccommodations@Aon.com.