AVP R&D Specialist

Banking & Financial Services; London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A global life reinsurer is seeking a Senior Statistical Specialist to lead high-impact projects in biometric assumption development and mortality trend modelling. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD or Master's in a quantitative field, significant statistical modelling experience, and a passion for innovation. Join a research-led team offering visibility at international conferences and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Excellent career path

International conference representation

Culture valuing technical innovation

Qualifications

• A strong statistical or actuarial foundation.
• Experience in mortality trend modelling.
• Qualified or nearly qualified actuary (IFoA or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead biometric assumption development.
• Enhance mortality trend modelling frameworks.
• Provide consulting input to project teams.
• Monitor emerging demographic data.
• Drive improvements in modelling processes.

Skills

Statistical modelling experience

Communication skills

Independent research passion

Programming interest (R, Python, SQL, Tableau)

Education

PhD or Master’s degree in statistics, biometrics, actuarial science

Job description

• I am currently partnered with a prestigious global life reinsurer to appoint a senior-level R&D Statistical Specialist at AVP grade. This is a rare opportunity to join a deeply technical, globally-facing team working on cutting-edge biometric assumption development, mortality trend modelling, and demographic research.

  The role offers high visibility and strategic impact — with the opportunity to represent the company internationally at conferences and industry forums.

  The Role

  As an R&D Specialist, you will act as a technical thought leader, supporting the evolution of mortality trend models and developing assumptions that underpin key reinsurance products across international markets.

  You’ll work in a collaborative research environment, contributing statistical rigour and consulting expertise to a variety of projects beyond just assumptions — including innovation in modelling methods, investigating demographic shifts, and improving scalability across the business.

  This is not a data science role — the hiring manager is specifically looking for someone with a strong statistical or actuarial foundation, ideally with hands-on experience in GLMs, population modelling, or biometric analysis.

  ️ Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and support critical biometric assumption development (mortality, trend and shock risk)

  • Enhance and innovate on existing mortality trend modelling frameworks

  • Provide consulting input to internal stakeholders and project teams across the global R&D function

  • Monitor emerging demographic and mortality data across new and existing markets

  • Drive improvements in modelling processes and assumption setting across the organisation

  • Develop external relationships with academic and industry experts to maintain market relevance

  • Represent the organisation in conferences and research forums as a subject matter ambassador

  • Mentor and provide statistical support across the wider actuarial and R&D teams

  Skills & Background

  • A PhD or Master’s degree in statistics, biometrics, actuarial science or a related quantitative field

  • Strong statistical modelling experience (e.g. GLMs, population trend modelling)

  • Experience working in a reinsurer, life insurer, or consultancy in basis setting, pricing, or similar

  • Qualified or nearly qualified actuary (IFoA or equivalent)

  • Strong communication skills — you’ll need to present ideas, not just analyse them

  • Passion for independent research and innovation

  • Programming interest or experience (e.g. R, Python, SQL, Tableau) is a plus

  Why Apply?

  • Work on high-impact, high-visibility global projects

  • Excellent career path toward future senior specialist or leadership roles

  • Attend and represent the business at international conferences

  • Be part of a culture that values deep thinking, rigour, and technical innovation

  • Join a tight-knit, research-led team with global reach and a flat structure