Senior Data Scientist - AI in London

Senior Data Scientist - AI in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Willis Towers Watson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design and build innovative AI solutions that transform the insurance industry.
  • Company: Join WTW, a leader in data science and AI consulting.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and hybrid working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact with cutting-edge AI technology in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Fluent in Python with experience in AI application development and machine learning.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentorship in a collaborative team.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.

We are seeking a Data Scientist with experience prototyping, building, and scaling AI applications to join WTW’s Data Science team within our Consulting practice. In this role, you will help grow our AI and Data Science advisory capability, working alongside leading insurance market experts to design and deliver cutting edge machine learning and generative AI solutions for the world’s leading general insurers and intermediaries.

The Role: As a data scientist, you will operate at the intersection of advanced machine learning, generative AI, and insurance domain expertise. You will help shape, prototype, and scale AI-driven solutions that materially transform how insurers analyse risk, operate, and make decisions.

  • Design, prototype, and build applied AI solutions — including agentic workflows — that enhance consulting delivery, unlock new analytical capabilities, and augment expert judgement.
  • Develop generative AI applications using techniques such as Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG), prompt engineering, and tool‑augmented agents to convert complex, unstructured insurer data into reliable, structured insights, prototypes, and semi‑automated analytical tools.
  • Own AI solutions end‑to‑end, from translating ambiguous problem statements into working prototypes through to production‑ready applications for internal teams and external clients.
  • Identify and deliver automation opportunities, such as natural language interfaces over insurer datasets, AI‑assisted exploratory analysis, document understanding, and generation of structured analytical outputs.
  • Apply rigorous AI evaluation and safety practices, including:
  • Prompt and few‑shot experimentation
  • Hallucination detection and mitigation
  • Deterministic and rule‑based validation
  • SME‑driven constraints and edge‑case testing
  • Human‑in‑the‑loop feedback mechanisms
  • Rapidly prototype under uncertainty, independently converting loosely defined business questions into functioning AI tools with minimal supervision and tight iteration cycles.
  • Translate domain expertise into machine‑readable logic, integrating subject‑matter expert input into rules, checks, evaluation criteria, and structured reasoning constraints.
  • Collaborate with consulting, product, and technology teams to scale successful prototypes into reusable, robust analytical workflows and AI‑enabled offerings.
  • Deliver best‑in‑class data science and AI capability reviews, helping clients assess maturity, identify opportunities, and design practical AI roadmaps.
  • Build predictive models, analytical tools, and data products using a wide range of machine learning, statistical, and data science techniques across structured and unstructured data.
  • Leverage market and client knowledge to co‑create innovative solutions across WTW, acting as a visible advocate for WTW’s Data Science and AI consulting capabilities.
  • Manage substantial workstreams on large, complex projects, including day‑to‑day client engagement, delivery ownership, and coordination across practices and regions.
  • Develop trusted advisor relationships with senior client stakeholders through clear communication, technical credibility, and consistently high‑quality execution.
  • Contribute to intellectual capital and proposition development, supporting business development through proposals, thought leadership, and internal collaboration.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop junior colleagues, managing small teams to deliver projects on time, on budget, and to a high technical standard.
  • Qualifications What you’ll bring:

    • Fluent Python programming skills with an understanding of software engineering practices.
    • Demonstrable experience designing, developing, and deploying AI applications end to end, from initial prototype through to scalable production use.
    • Hands on experience with one or more of the following Generative AI techniques: Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), Prompt engineering, Agent based or agentic AI workflows and orchestration, AI evaluation frameworks, Neuro symbolic frameworks.
    • Experience with major cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS.
    • Strong understanding of machine learning and statistical modelling principles, with the ability to explain model behaviour, assumptions, and trade offs.
    • Experience working with real world structured and unstructured data, and building robust data pipelines.
    • Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in multi disciplinary teams and engage with clients.
    • Comfortable with rapid prototyping, experimentation, and iterative tool building.
    • A proven track record of innovation, delivering AI driven solutions that create measurable business value such as revenue growth, efficiency improvements, or risk reduction.
    • Experience in insurance or consulting.
    • Experience with MLOps.
    • Experience with fine‑tuning or adapting foundation models, such as LoRA.
    • Experience with WTW actuarial software.

    What we offer:

    Enjoy a benefits package designed to help you thrive, both professionally and personally. You'll receive 25 days of annual leave plus an extra WTW day to relax and recharge. Our comprehensive health and wellbeing offering includes private healthcare, life insurance, group income protection, and regular health assessments, all giving you peace of mind. Secure your future with our defined contribution pension scheme, featuring matched contributions up to 10% from the company. We support your growth and balance with hybrid working options, access to an employee assistance programme, and a fully paid volunteer day to make a difference in your community. On top of these, you can opt into a variety of additional perks including an electric vehicle car scheme, share scheme, cycle‑to‑work programme, dental and optical cover, critical illness protection, and much more. Start making the most of your career and wellbeing with a range of benefits tailored for you.

    Equal Opportunity Employer: We’re committed to equal employment opportunity and provide application, interview and workplace adjustments and accommodations to all applicants. If you foresee any barriers, from the application process through to joining WTW, please let us know.

    Senior Data Scientist - AI in London employer: Willis Towers Watson

    WTW is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional and personal growth of its employees, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes 25 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and a generous pension scheme. The collaborative work culture fosters innovation and mentorship, allowing you to thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to cutting-edge AI solutions for leading insurers. With hybrid working options and a commitment to community engagement, WTW provides a fulfilling and rewarding workplace experience.
    Willis Towers Watson

    Contact Detail:

    Willis Towers Watson Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Data Scientist - AI in London

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your AI projects, prototypes, and any relevant work. This gives you a tangible way to demonstrate your expertise and makes you stand out during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for data scientists and practice your responses. Be ready to discuss your experience with generative AI techniques and how you've tackled real-world problems.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and passion for AI in the insurance sector.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Data Scientist - AI in London

    Python Programming
    AI Application Development
    Generative AI Techniques
    Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
    Prompt Engineering
    Machine Learning Principles
    Statistical Modelling
    Data Pipeline Development
    Cloud Platforms (Azure, AWS)
    MLOps
    Interpersonal Skills
    Collaboration in Multi-Disciplinary Teams
    Rapid Prototyping
    Innovation in AI Solutions
    Insurance Domain Knowledge

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with AI applications and data science. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!

    Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role is all about advanced machine learning and generative AI, be sure to mention your Python programming skills and any hands-on experience you have with AI techniques. We love seeing real-world examples of your work!

    Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your past experiences and how they relate to the job. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Willis Towers Watson

    ✨Know Your AI Stuff

    Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of generative AI techniques like Retrieval-Augmented Generation and prompt engineering. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in real-world scenarios, especially in the insurance domain.

    ✨Showcase Your Prototyping Skills

    Prepare to talk about your experience with rapid prototyping and how you've turned ambiguous business questions into functioning AI tools. Bring examples of projects where you’ve taken a prototype through to production-ready applications.

    ✨Communicate Clearly

    Since you'll be engaging with senior client stakeholders, practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've built trusted relationships in previous roles.

    ✨Demonstrate Collaboration

    Be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in multidisciplinary teams. Discuss any experiences where you collaborated with consulting, product, or technology teams to scale successful prototypes into robust analytical workflows.

    Senior Data Scientist - AI in London
    Willis Towers Watson
    Location: London

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