Natural Catastrophe Analyst - Earthquake Specialist
Scott St. George
WTW/Willis Re aim to hire a specialist in earthquake hazards to join our model evaluation team. The role will be based in the United States and will be primarily remote.
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).
Note: Employment-based non-immigrant visa sponsorship and/or assistance is not offered for this specific job opportunity.
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.
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