Science Lead, Science & Natural Perils

AXA Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider in the UK is seeking a Manager of the Science Team to oversee scientific collaborations and lead catastrophe modeling activities. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in seismology, possesses excellent communication skills, and has relevant insurance experience. Responsibilities include project management, external networking with academics, and translating research into practical applications. This role offers competitive compensation and focuses on sustainability and inclusion.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits

Diversity and inclusion programs

Qualifications

• PhD in seismology or equivalent.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills.
• Experience in the (re)insurance sector.
• Proficiency in catastrophe risk modelling.
• Statistical analysis expertise.

Responsibilities

• Oversee scientific collaborations and research activities.
• Lead analytical reviews of catastrophe models.
• Manage scientific projects.
• Develop external academic partnerships.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Skills

PhD in seismology / earthquake engineering

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Relevant (re)insurance industry experience

Expertise in catastrophe risk modelling framework

Excellent statistical skills

Proven programming skills in Python, R or SQL

Knowledge of RMS HD, RMS RiskLink, and Verisk models

Education

PhD in seismology or atmospheric science

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, PowerPoint)

Job description

As a Manager of the Science Team, you will be working as part of a small team of experienced scientists, catastrophe modellers and actuaries within the Science & Natural Perils portion of AXA XL’s Risk Management team.

The primary focus is to bring expert knowledge and scientific expertise into the (re)insurance decision‑making process.

What you’ll be doing

What will your essential responsibilities include?

• Overseeing the portfolio of scientific collaborations of the team as well as the catastrophe research activities, with focus on developing and implementing the strategic objectives for this area of the function
• Leading and supporting analytical reviews of catastrophe models with a focus on geophysical and atmospheric perils
• Project design and management of scientific projects to meet business needs and AXA XL’s strategic direction
• Developing and maintaining an external network of academics and industry participants who AXA XL can engage with on bespoke scientific projects
• Translating external scientific research into business‑impacting practices and product development
• Performing self‑directed, business‑relevant scientific research in areas of interest to AXA XL as an (re)insurance company
• Communicating technical analysis and scientific findings (re)insurance professionals.
• Present internally and externally to a senior technical and non‑technical audience

You will report to Head of Science & Natural Perils.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

Required Skills and Abilities:

• PhD in seismology / earthquake engineering (preferred) or atmospheric science, or equivalent
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including a proven track record of public speaking engagements with a technical and non‑technical audience
• Relevant (re)insurance industry experience
• Expertise and experience in all components of the catastrophe risk modelling framework (hazard, vulnerability, and exposure)
• Excellent statistical skills
• A willingness to undertake projects in fields outside of your area of direct expertise
• A desire to facilitate the cooperation and alignment of progressive scientific thought in academia and industry
• Outstanding organizational skills (e.g., market‑wide events, focus groups, etc.)
• This role would suit a self‑starter who enjoys building relationships and networking in a very collaborative working style
• Proven programming/coding skills in Python, R or SQL.
• Knowledge of RMS HD, RMS RiskLink, and Verisk models
• Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Access and PowerPoint)
• Previous experience with managing projects, budgets and human resources

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• An interest in actual science
• Knowledge and expertise in Impact Forecasting

What we offer

Inclusion

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and enables business growth and is critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe.
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family‑friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

Learn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Total Rewards

AXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do.

We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever‑changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023‑26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far‑reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal‑led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.

For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability.

Who we are

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid‑sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data‑driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com