Natural Catastrophe Specialist, Earthquake

Are you passionate about using cutting-edge science to better understand natural catastrophe risk? Join our team and help advance Swiss Re’s understanding of earthquakes and related geological hazards!  This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to drive confident natural catastrophe decision-making. 

About the Role 

As a Natural Catastrophe (Nat Cat) Specialist you will develop and improve models for quantifying risk associated with earthquakes and related geological hazards (landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes, etc).  In this role you will collaborate with other business functions like underwriting, portfolio steering and risk management to translate catastrophe modeling insights into actionable decisions.  

Additional responsibilities include: 

• Leverage novel technologies and advanced statistical methods to evaluate exposure to geological hazards. 
• Review and assess vulnerability to geological hazards based on analytical and empirical methods. 
• Establish yourself as an expert in natural catastrophe risk and modeling within Swiss Re and effectively communicate these risk views internally and externally. 

About the Team 

The catastrophe perils (Cat Perils) department develops and advances Swiss Re’s global Nat Cat risk assessment framework, models, and tools.  Our team of ~70 scientists and engineers combine cutting-edge science with Swiss Re’s underwriting expertise to support confident catastrophe risk decisions across the business. 

Come be a part of a team who brings significant value to the company, increasing Swiss Re's edge in Nat Cat re/insurance!

About You 

You are passionate about applying science in the insurance industry and improving society's resilience to natural catastrophes. You are a problem-solver who excels in applying advanced scientific methods to complex challenges in natural catastrophe modeling. Highly motivated, detailed-oriented and well organized, you thrive in a fast-paced business setting. You work well independently, collaborate efficiently, and communicate technical concepts with outstanding clarity.   

Additional requirements include: 

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in natural sciences, engineering or a related technical field 
• Sound understanding of seismology, geologic hazards and/or seismic vulnerability 
• Strong analytical and programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, R), and experience using statistical tools and methods to solve applied problems. 
• Highly motivated with an ability to effectively manage own time and priorities in a collaborative environment 
• Strong communication and presentation skills and ability to explain complex problems with clarity and effectiveness 

Nice-to-haves: 

• Catastrophe modeling experience in a (re)insurance context. 
• Proficiency with GIS software and structured databases

Our company uses a hybrid work model requiring at least three days in the office each week, with the option to work onsite full-time if preferred.  This position is not eligible for full-time telework or visa sponsorship.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $120,000 to $180,000.  The specific salary offered for this or any given role will take into account a number of factors including but not limited to job location, scope of role, qualifications, complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent, experience, education, and employer budget.  At Swiss Re, we take a "total compensation approach" when making compensation decisions. This means that we consider all components of compensation in their totality (such as base pay, short-and long-term incentives, and benefits offered), in setting individual compensation.