Data Scientist (18 month fixed term contract) in Swindon

Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.

Salary: Attractive compensation package depending on experience.

Location: We welcome applications from individuals based across the UK, with the opportunity to work primarily remotely alongside occasional hybrid attendance at your nearest Zurich office.

Closing date for applications: 1st June 2026.

The opportunity:

Are you a motivated and hands-on data scientist who has insurance experience and is passionate about solving business problems? Or possibly an actuary or insurance expert with strong data science skills who wants to work on projects for a leading global insurer? Then this job is definitely something for you.

This is an excellent opportunity to join Zurich Corporate Risk (ZCR) as a key member of our ZCR Actuarial Pricing team. ZCR develops employee benefits insurance solutions for corporate customers. We are looking for a business-oriented and motivated person with strong predictive modelling skills to join our team.

This role will:

• Support development and implementation of priority advanced analytics use cases relevant to UK ZCR, including mortality rate modelling, conversion rate modelling, and price elasticity modelling.
• Contribute to capability uplift and knowledge transfer within the UK Pricing team.
• Support delivery milestones during a period of heightened transformation demand.

Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part-time, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren’t available full-time. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may need.

What will you be doing?

• Lead on the development of various predictive analytics projects in the team.
• Transform raw data into usable assets through data preparation, feature generation and in-depth exploratory analysis.
• Develop and refine machine learning models, ensuring they are fit for purpose and deliver measurable value.
• Produce insightful visualisations and documentations to support your findings.
• Act as a key bridge between technical teams and stakeholders, clearly presenting findings in a practical, business-focused way.

What are we looking for?

• Significant experience working in data science or insurance pricing roles.
• Practical experience implementing machine learning models (including GLMs) using modern model development techniques.
• Strong programming skills, including Python and SQL.
• Experience working with cloud-based analytics platforms, such as Databricks.
• Knowledge of insurance products is a plus.
• Familiarity with developer toolkits (including Git and DevOps) is desirable.
• Highly numerate and analytical with strong technical ability and financial awareness.
• A proactive, can-do attitude, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality outcomes and a positive user experience.
• A genuine interest in solving real business problems and partnering directly with business stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively.
• A collaborative team player, with the confidence to guide and influence team activity where needed.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

What will you get in return?

Everyone’s different. That’s why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined non-contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday, alongside a range of other flexible benefits.

You can find out more about our wide range of employee benefits on our website.

Who we are:

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.

With over 65,000 employees, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company that is a long-standing player in the insurance industry.

We’ve made a promise to each other and every employee: to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other’s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.

If you’re interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment where your creativity, ideas and contributions are recognised and rewarded, Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our culture:

At Zurich, our strength comes from the diverse experiences, perspectives and talents of our people. Our goal is to create a workplace where every employee can flourish and where everyone feels valued, heard and respected. Over a quarter of our employees are members of at least one of our inclusion communities (Employee Resource Groups), with groups focused on areas such as social mobility and cultural awareness. We’re proud to have received numerous industry awards recognising our diversity and inclusion policies and initiatives.

We’ve created an environment that places real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide practical advice and access to a wide range of lifestyle support, alongside opportunities to learn, grow and develop the skills needed for the future. We actively support our employees to give back to their communities through volunteering and charitable activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. Together, we’ve supported causes across the UK through grants and volunteering, contributing over £100 million in funding and volunteered time.

Your application:

We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, sexual orientation, disability or any other protected characteristic. As an inclusive employer we also want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply. We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please send an email to recruitment@uk.zurich.com.

So, make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.