Underwriter, Life Sciences

Hamilton; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matching 401K plan

Generous time off

My day (personal days/wellness)

Job summary

Hamilton Select is seeking an Underwriter for its Life Sciences Underwriting Division. The role focuses on E&S lines for General Liability, Products Liability and Professional Liability for SME and Lower Middle Market accounts across the U.S.

The position offers a flexible U.S.-based location with preference for NY/NJ or Richmond, VA, reporting to the Head of Life Sciences. Expect collaboration with wholesale brokers and a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Underwriting experience in Life Sciences product lines preferred.
• Proven ability to generate new business and grow a portfolio.
• Strong broker relationships and capacity to attract new partnerships.
• Ability to balance objective and subjective underwriting risk with sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal submissions within guidelines and make sound risk decisions.
• Negotiate terms aligned with coverage-focused strategies.
• Market products to brokers and travel as needed.
• Develop partnerships and nurture broker relationships.
• Monitor metrics and profitability.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives.
• Support Life Sciences Underwriting Division Manager with strategy and philosophy.
• Collaborate with internal teams.

Skills

Underwriting experience

Life Sciences underwriting

Broker relationships

CPCU coursework

Analytical

Communication skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

CPCU coursework

Job description

We're looking for an Underwriter, Life Sciences.

Hamilton Select is seeking an Underwriter for our Life Sciences Underwriting Division. This individual will support the thoughtful growth and expansion of our Life Sciences Division through underwriting discipline, adherence to our underwriting guidelines and appetite, and broker engagement.

This newly created role will focus on Excess & Surplus (E&S) lines placements for General Liability, Products Liability and Professional Liability coverages for small to medium-sized and lower middle market accounts in for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, digital health, nutraceutical, analytical laboratory, and clinical research clients across the U.S.

The location of this U.S.-based role is flexible, with a preference for candidates in the greater NY/NJ or Richmond, VA area. Reporting to the Head of Life Sciences, Hamilton Select.

This role is within Hamilton Select, Hamilton Insurance Group's US Excess & Surplus (E&S) Lines business. Hamilton Select distributes E&S products exclusively through wholesale brokers. Our underwriters leverage advanced technology and deep expertise to deliver fast, frictionless service to our trading partners with a clear focus on SME and Lower Middle Market risks.

What you will do

• Underwrite challenging and complex new and renewal submissions within underwriting guidelines and make sound risk decisions that balance our growth and profitability targets.
• Negotiate terms and conditions consistent with our coverage-focused underwriting strategies.
• Market our insurance products through various communications channels and occasional business travel.
• Develop mutually beneficial partnerships and nurture relationships with our appointed wholesale brokers.
• Monitor key metrics and ratios with an eye on efficiency and profitability.
• Participate in special projects and corporate initiatives.
• Support the Life Sciences Underwriting Division Manager with the underwriting strategy, aligned with Hamilton Select's performance goals and underwriting philosophy.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues

What we're looking for in the role

• Underwriting experience with a strong track record in Life Sciences product lines preferred
• Demonstrated success in generating new business, exercising sound judgment, and growing a portfolio from a small base.
• Strong existing broker relationships and the ability to attract, develop, and sustain new partnerships.
• Balanced understanding of both subjective and objective elements of underwriting risk, with the confidence to justify decisions at senior levels.
• High integrity in all internal and external interactions.
• CPCU designation or other industry coursework preferred, but not required
• Motivated, self-starter with an entrepreneurial and growth-oriented mindset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with confident, timely decision‑
• Able to work independently with strong organizational and forward-planning skills.
• Highly analytical with strong attention to detail and problem‑solving capability.

What you can expect from us

At Hamilton, we offer a vibrant, entrepreneurial and collaborative workplace shaped by our values: Be Smart, Be Sensible, Be Open and Be More.

Our employees consistently say they would recommend Hamilton as a great place to work - a testament to the inclusive, supportive, and empowering culture we've built together. We embrace individuality, value diverse perspectives, and recognise the unique contribution each person makes to our continued success.

Hamilton offers a competitive salary with an annual performance-based target bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, to include:

• Matching 401K plan
• Generous time off (including parental leave)
• My day (additional days leave for personal interests/wellness/charity work)

Hamilton (NYSE: HG) underwrites specialty insurance and reinsurance risks on a global basis through its wholly owned subsidiaries. Its three underwriting platforms: Hamilton Global Specialty, Hamilton Select and Hamilton Re, each with dedicated and experienced leadership, provide access to diversified and profitable business around the world.

Headquartered in Bermuda, Hamilton has over 600 employees with key underwriting operations in London, Bermuda, the US and Dublin. We work collaboratively, we share a passion for the service and results we deliver, and we know that what we do each day is meaningful - to our customers and our business. We believe we are 'In good company.' with everyone we interact with.