Natural Catastrophe Analyst- Hurricane or Earthquake Specialist

An exciting opportunity to join an established research network team at Willis (a WTW business), helping clients understand and manage risk while shaping the Willis “view of risk.” Using your scientific knowledge of natural catastrophes, you will evaluate models, develop adjustments, and conduct innovative modelling research.

The Role

Two roles are available in the Model Research team, one with a tropical cyclone / atmospheric perils specialism and one with an earthquake specialism. These roles will be responsible for the evaluation of third-party natural catastrophe models, as well as the development of the Willis View of Risk. Your experience and knowledge of natural hazards will be instrumental in assisting our clients in understanding and managing natural catastrophe risk. You will also undertake wider research on a range of topics, including non-modelled risks, scenario analysis, and climate change. The seniority of the role will match the experience of the candidate, so candidates of all experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities:

• Evaluating third-party natural catastrophe models for a range of perils (e.g. tropical cyclones, windstorms, wildfires, floods, earthquakes).
• Identifying where current models are insufficient or limited, and helping Willis and its clients address these gaps through innovative solutions.
• Developing the Willis View of Risk, including adjustments for model limitations, near-term climate conditions, and claims experience.
• Working with clients, jointly with other Willis commercial teams, on advisory projects, especially when these require leading-edge research to be applied, or expert judgement.
• Creating and giving presentations to clients, for example on model evaluation findings or the impacts of climate change on natural catastrophes.
• Contributing to thought leadership on modelling topics (blogs, webinars, conferences, client events), and your continued links to academia (if any) will be encouraged.
• Conducting exploratory data analysis and developing clear, insightful visualisations to better understand model outputs, identify trends, and communicate findings effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Staying abreast of the latest scientific research, identifying emerging issues and trends, summarising findings and potential materiality to current/future business strategy.
• Exploring and evaluating new modelling techniques (e.g. artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, natural language processing).

The Requirements

• Research experience (PhD, MSc, or equivalent professional background) in meteorology, tropical cyclones, or seismology/earthquakes is of particular interest. Experience in related fields such as hydrology, vulnerability assessment, statistics, or actuarial science will also be considered.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, including experience of using a programming language such as R, Python and/or SQL.
• Excellent presentation and writing skills with an ability to communicate technical information to wide range of expert and non-expert audiences.
• An interest in applying scientific research to address industry problems.
• Highly motivated, collaborative, well-organised and enthusiastic team player with a proactive approach.

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of catastrophe modelling systems (e.g., Moody’s RMS, Verisk).
• Previous experience of model evaluation.
• Spatial analysis, GIS and data visualisation skills.
• Knowledge of (or an interest in) insurance industry practices and regulation (e.g. Solvency II).

You will work closely with:

• The Head of Model Research and other members of the team.
• Willis Research Network (WRN) research managers to benefit from the existing WRN research portfolio, and shape future research (e.g. weather and climate, earth risks).
• Key Willis stakeholders (e.g., Insurance Consulting & Technology, Climate and Resilience Hub) to create a relevant service offering that supports their client work.
• External clients, including the newly created Willis Re.

At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.

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 email your recruiter