Zurich, Zurich, CH
(Senior) Natural Catastrophe Specialist - Flood (Hybrid; 80-100%) - (m/f/x/d)
Are you passionate about using science to tackle the world's most pressing climate challenges? Join us at the fascinating intersection of science, engineering, and business, where your voice and expertise will help shape the future of natural catastrophe modeling. Together, we’ll strengthen our understanding of climate risks and empower better decisions.
About the Role
As a Natural Catastrophe (Nat Cat) Specialist focusing on Flood, you'll be at the forefront of developing innovative models that quantify the physical and economic impacts of natural catastrophes, helping Swiss Re maintain its competitive edge in risk assessment.
Key Responsibilities
- Build, develop and improve sophisticated models for assessing risks associated with natural catastrophes, primarily hydrometeorological hazards, including inland flooding, storm surge, and heavy rainfall, but also tropical cyclones, windstorms, severe convective storms, and/or wildfires.
- Apply cutting-edge scientific methods, concepts, and technologies in novel ways within a fast-paced business environment
- Acquire and analyze complex data sets to quantify natural catastrophe impacts on buildings, facilities, and infrastructure across different global regions
- Establish yourself as an expert on natural catastrophe risk and modeling within Swiss Re
- Communicate risk perspectives effectively to both internal teams and external stakeholders
This position can be filled at Assistant Vice President (AVP) or Vice President (VP) level. Salary and corporate band will be commensurate with candidate experience.
About the Team
The Catastrophe Perils (Cat Perils) department drives the development and advancement of Swiss Re's global Nat Cat risk assessment framework, models, and tools. Our team consists of approximately 60 dedicated scientists and engineers across multi-faceted technical fields. We develop proprietary Nat Cat models and risk views informed by the latest science and engineering, as well as our unique underwriting experience and expertise. By working closely with underwriting and other functions, we create significant value for Swiss Re by enabling confident natural catastrophe decisions.
About You
You're a brilliant critical thinker who applies scientific methods to solve unique hydrology and weather-related modeling challenges. Your detail-oriented approach and organizational skills enable self-directed research, while your collaborative nature thrives in diverse team environments. As a confident communicator, you engage effectively with colleagues across multiple channels.
Essentials:
- M.S. or Ph.D. degree in natural sciences; engineering or a related technical field
- Experience in state-of-the-art applied research in hydrology, meteorology, or inland/coastal flood risk
- Industry or academic experience in flood/climate/natural catastrophe modeling
- Strong analytical and programming skills (e.g., Python, Matlab, R), and experience using statistical tools and methods to solve applied problems
For Senior Candidates, these additional requirements apply:
- Minimum 5 years of experience with natural catastrophe modeling in re/insurance, or a closely related sector.
- Demonstrated leadership and/or project management ability in a relevant professional setting.
We are looking forward to your application!
For Switzerland, the base salary range for this position on AVP level is between CHF 98'000 and CHF 146,000 (for a full-time role). The specific salary offered considers:
- the requirements, scope, complexity and responsibilities of the role,
- the applicant's own profile including education/qualifications, expertise, specialization, skills and experience.
In addition to your base salary, Swiss Re offers an attractive performance-based variable compensation component, designed to recognize your achievements. Further you will enjoy a variety of global and location specific benefits.
Eligibility may vary depending on the terms of Swiss Re policies and your employment contract
About Swiss Re
Swiss Re is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. We anticipate and manage a wide variety of risks, from natural catastrophes and climate change to cybercrime. Combining experience with creative thinking and cutting-edge expertise, we create new opportunities and solutions for our clients. This is possible thanks to the collaboration of more than 14,000 employees across the world.
Our success depends on our ability to build an inclusive culture encouraging fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. We embrace a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and develop professionally regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, skillset, thought or other characteristics. In our inclusive and flexible environment everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and their passion for sustainability.
If you are an experienced professional returning to the workforce after a career break, we encourage you to apply for open positions that match your skills and experience.
Reference Code: 134466
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