Willis Towers Watson - Atmospheric Perils Specialist - Model Research & Evaluation Team

Atmospheric Perils specialist

Role

We are looking for an Atmospheric Perils Expert to join our Model Research and Evaluation team. The model research and Evaluation team is part of Catastrophe Analytics unit. Catastrophe modelling helps in determining the financial losses incurred due to natural hazards (Cyclones, Thunderstorms, etc.). Catastrophe modelling plays a key role in the reinsurance industry helping determine the capital and ultimately reinsurance requirements of (re)insurance companies. It is very important to understand the details of the catastrophe models and methodologies for an effective use of models for informed business decisions. The role of model research and evaluation is expanding, as more data becomes available, more models are built, regulation makes stricter demands on model users and generally the sophistication of model users increases. The individual we are seeking would be involved in all stages of model research and evaluation from studying the models, to adjusting biases and producing evaluation reports and documentation.

Core Responsibilities

- The main responsibility is interpretation and assessment of catastrophe risk models related to atmospheric perils (e.g., tropical cyclones, severe thunderstorms, etc.). This involves an in-depth understanding, evaluation and potential adjustment of different Catastrophe model components, for both commercial and in-house software.

- Design, plan, carry out and coordinate model sensitivity analyses for different territories (world-wide coverage).

- Utilise any Willis Research Network (WRN) generated (and other) scientific output for model interpretation/adjustment.

- Ensure a rapid response for model version change tests and interpretation, as a basis for client-specific model change management work carried out in the Commercial Application areas

- Help standardising existing model interpretation methods

- Working with MR&E colleagues in the US to deliver catastrophe model based analytics to clients

- Build and maintain a library of outputs for instant use by analysts and brokers

- Write reports and create presentations

- Liaison with offices and teams world-wide and participate in business-travels that may be required

- The role may also include development and evaluation of in-house catastrophe models

Minimum requirements

- Masters level degree in atmospheric science (meteorology) or another closely related field like earth system sciences, civil and environmental sciences, oceanography, climate sciences, wind engineering etc.

- Excellent oral and written skills in English

- Mathematical skills at or beyond United Kingdom A-level standard

- Strong analytical skills - the candidate should be able to demonstrate where they have successfully analysed complex problems either in their past work or during their academic research

- Ability to apply mathematical and statistical concepts

- Experience with computer programming languages or statistical packages

- Basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly ESRI

Preferred

- Experience in scientific research associated with atmosphere/ocean modelling or observational analysis.

- High level of competence with MS Office packages (MS Excel, MS Word, MS Power Point)

Desired

- Masters or PhD in atmospheric/ocean sciences

- Experience in catastrophe model development

- A good understanding of relational databases and some experience using SQL

- Direct experience of at least one of the main catastrophe modelling software: RMS, AIR and EQECAT