At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop climate risk models and collaborate with teams to underwrite innovative insurance policies.
- Company: Join Descartes, a leading corporate insurance group focused on resilience and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, ongoing training, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the insurance industry while tackling climate risks with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in mathematics, statistics, or data science; 4+ years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
ABOUT DESCARTES UNDERWRITING
Join Descartes and contribute to our mission: Building Resilience in a World at Risk. Descartes is a corporate insurance group for worldwide companies and institutions. Descartes was born from a conviction that the growing complexity of corporate and climate risks demands a new approach to insurance. At the forefront of AI and Data analysis, Descartes utilises cutting‑edge technology combined with a new generation of data sources, to model, assess and manage risks.
Since 2019, Descartes has secured a leading position in parametric (re)insurance combining scientific & technological expertise with a new approach. Parametric insurance, also known as index‑based insurance, indemnifies clients within days based on pre‑defined payout structures when a specific triggering event occurs, the payout process is both fast and transparent. The company has been financed with over $141M by investors including Highland Europe, BlackFin, Serena, Cathay, Eurazeo and Battery Ventures.
Our highly diverse and specialised team of 250+ people includes the largest modelling team in the industry featuring tech and modelling innovators, scientists in physics and climatology, as well as insurance veterans and underwriters. With a global footprint and strong US presence, Descartes serves a diverse portfolio of clients in more than 60 countries, with 20+ offices spread across Europe, Asia‑Pacific, Latin and North America.
ABOUT YOUR ROLE
Descartes Underwriting is seeking a Senior Underwriter/Data Scientist (Parametric Insurance) to join the Underwriting Team based in London. Reporting to the Underwriting Manager & Director of Descartes UK, you will be a key contributor to the development and deployment of climate risk models for the pricing, underwriting and monitoring of weather‑related parametric policies for corporates and public entities.
Your key missions will include:
- Collaborate with the business team and brokers to understand client needs and risk transfer challenges to successfully underwrite new business and renew accounts.
- Conduct thorough analyses for product design and coverage structuring in order to meet the needs and expectations of the clients.
- Improve and develop pricing models in order to model the risk, underwrite policies for corporates and public entities, and monitor the portfolio performance and accumulation.
- Contribute to insurance proposal and underwriting documentation in order to finalise policies for corporate clients and public entities worldwide.
- Operate in the London market, leading discussions and projects with brokers and partners.
- Collaborate with various divisions of Descartes in order to sustain the growth of the portfolio (e.g. R&D teams, Legal, Operations, Risk Management).
- Technical & Business Leadership: help both the underwriting strategy and the review of the work conducted by Underwriting Data Scientists, providing guidance on technical modelling matters & business requirements.
ABOUT YOU
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduated from a leading academic institution with a degree in mathematics, statistics, data science, physics or related.
- 4 years of significant experience minimum (post graduation) in data science or related.
- As a plus: track record of experience in leading a (small) team and managing business projects.
- As a plus: prior experience in structuring, pricing & underwriting parametric insurance covers for climate risks.
SKILLS
- Proficiency in Python (e.g. pandas, scikit‑learn).
- Strong background in statistics and mathematics, showing clear understanding of probabilities.
- Eye for quality, autonomous and attention to detail.
- Fluency in English (written and verbal communication) is required.
- Good level of one additional language (e.g. Chinese, French, Italian, German, Spanish…) is a plus.
MINDSET
- Interested in insurance industry and climate risks modelling.
- Strong team spirit.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Eagerness to solve complex problems and technical challenges.
- Rigorous, creative and meticulous mind.
- Strong desire to learn and acquire responsibility.
- Results oriented with the ability to work in a fast‑paced and multi‑cultural environment.
WHY JOIN DESCARTES UNDERWRITING?
- Opportunity to work and learn with teams from the most prestigious schools and research labs in the world, allowing you to progress towards technical excellence.
- Commitment from Descartes to its staff of continued learning and development (think annual seminars, training etc.);
- Work in a collaborative & professional environment;
- Be part of an international team, passionate about diversity;
- Join a company with a true purpose – help us help our clients be more resilient towards climate risks;
- A competitive salary, bonus and benefits.
At Descartes Underwriting, we cherish value of diversity whatever it may be. We are committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and for equal opportunities. We foster an inclusive work environment that respects all differences. With equal skills, all our positions are open to people with disabilities.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
- Step 1: HR Interview with our Talent Recruiter
- Step 2: In person or remote manager interview
- Step 3: Technical online test on Github
- Step 4: Remote or in person technical interview
- Step 5: In person team interview to meet our team and discover our offices
Senior Underwriter/Data Scientist - London employer: Descartesunderwriting
Descartes Underwriting is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and climate risk management in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee growth through continuous learning and development, a collaborative work culture, and a diverse international team, Descartes empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact in the insurance industry while enjoying competitive salaries and benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Underwriter/Data Scientist - London
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like Descartesunderwriting!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Senior Underwriter/Data Scientist - London at Descartesunderwriting.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like Descartesunderwriting.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Senior Underwriter/Data Scientist - London at Descartesunderwriting, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Underwriter/Data Scientist - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at Descartesunderwriting, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at Descartesunderwriting. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Descartesunderwriting
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at Descartesunderwriting!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
