Senior Catastrophe Research Analyst - Hurricane Specialist

The Role

We are looking for someone with a background in tropical cyclones to join the Model Research team within Willis. You will be responsible for the evaluation of natural catastrophe models, as well as the development of the Willis View of Risk by using third party data and models to develop adjustments where necessary. You will also undertake wider research on a range of topics, including non-modelled risks, scenario analysis, and climate change. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and experience working in the (re)insurance industry evaluating and adjusting catastrophe models. 

Key responsibilities:

• Evaluating third-party natural catastrophe models for a range of perils (e.g. tropical cyclones, windstorms, wildfires, and floods).
• 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). 

Note: Employment-based non-immigrant visa sponsorship and/or assistance is not offered for this specific job opportunity.

The Requirements

• Research experience (PhD or MSc) in tropical cyclones, meteorology or similar. 
• 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.
• Experience working in the (re) insurance industry with working knowledge of catastrophe modelling systems (e.g., Moody's RMS, Verisk)

Desirable:

• 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, 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. 

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range and benefits information for this position are being included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, qualifications/experience, performance in the role and potential for revenue generation (Producer roles only).

Compensation

The base salary compensation range being offered for this role is $100,000.00-$130, 000.00 USD annually. This role is also eligible for an annual short-term incentive bonus.

Company Benefits

WTW provides a competitive benefit package which includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):

• Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical (including prescription coverage), Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Commuter Account, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Group Accident, Group Critical Illness, Life Insurance, AD&D, Group Legal, Identify Theft Protection, Wellbeing Program and Work/Life Resources (including Employee Assistance Program)
• Leave Benefits: Paid Holidays, Annual Paid Time Off (includes state/local paid leave where required), Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves (e.g., Bereavement, FMLA, ADA, Jury Duty, Military Leave, and Parental and Adoption Leave), Paid Time Off (only included for Washington roles)
• Retirement Benefits: Qualified contributory pension plan (if eligible) and 401(k) plan with annual nonelective company contribution. Non-qualified retirement plans available to senior level colleagues who satisfy the plans’ eligibility requirements.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

EOE, including disability/vets