Senior RampD Data Scientist - CDI

Descartes was born out of the conviction that the ever-increasing complexity of risks faced by corporations, governments, and vulnerable communities calls for a renewed approach in insurance. Our team brings together industry veterans from the most renowned institutions (AXA, SCOR, Swiss Re, Marsh, Aon...) and scientists at the top of their field to bring underwriting excellence. After 5 years of existence, Descartes has secured a leading position in parametric insurance for weather and climate-related risks utilizing machine learning and real-time monitoring from satellite imagery & IoT. After a successful Series B raise of $120M USD, we launched Descartes Insurance, a full-stack insurer licensed to underwrite risk by the French regulator ACPR. With a growing corporate client base (400 and counting), our diverse team is headquartered in Paris and operates out of our 18 global offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan. Descartes is trusted by a panel of A-rated (re)insurers to carry out its activities.

ABOUT YOUR ROLE

Descartes Underwriting is seeking a Senior R&D Data Scientist to join our R&D Department.

In the Descartes Underwriting R&D department, there are two modelling teams responsible for modelling climate risks: one team in charge of atmospheric perils and the second team in charge of surface hazards like wildfire and flood. This opening is in the Surface Hazards team.

You will report directly to the R&D Manager.

Your responsibilities would include:

Technical Leadership

1. Lead the improvement of our existing models to enhance and strengthen our understanding of climate risks;
2. Give relevant technical advice to underwriting for their daily underwriting activities and innovation teams during the product development phase;
3. Suggest improvements in software or infrastructure challenges;
4. Master state-of-the-art numerical simulation tools for flood modelling and leverage high-performance computing resources.

Individual Contribution in R&D Projects

1. Conduct research on the modeling of climate risks and machine learning methods;
2. Identify new and innovative ideas and test state-of-the-art methods based on recent research articles;
3. Collaborate with the underwriting and business teams to ensure our products are efficiently integrated into the underwriting process and meet our clients' needs;
4. Propose model developments or features that are technically and economically aligned with the company's strategy;
5. Take part and help in new products/existing models translating and combining multiple research ideas and solutions into a new product or module.

ABOUT YOU

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

1. Scientific academic background with a research-oriented Master's Degree or PhD in meteorological studies, climate science, physics, or applied mathematics;
2. From 5 to 10 years of experience in R&D (PhD included);
3. Strong skills in statistics, applied mathematics, physics, and machine learning methods;
4. Proven track record of significant individual contributor roles for solving complex problems and of contribution and leading the design and development of parts of a model;
5. Ideally, a previous experience in climate modeling or data science;
6. Ideally, a previous experience with numerical simulations (e.g., ADCIRC) and high computing power resources.

SKILLS

1. Proficiency in Python (scikit-learn...);
2. Fluency in English (written and verbal communication) is required;
3. Good command of one additional language (e.g., Chinese, French, Italian, German, Spanish...) is valued.

MINDSET

1. Interested in weather and natural perils modeling (cyclones, wildfires, floods, hail, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc.);
2. Strong team spirit and ability to work under pressure;
3. Eagerness to solve complex problems and technical challenges;
4. Rigorous, creative, and meticulous mind;
5. Strong desire to learn and commitment to the organization's mission;
6. Results-oriented, high energy with the ability to work in a dynamic and multicultural environment;
7. Motivated to help improve businesses and communities' resilience to climate change.

WHY JOIN DESCARTES UNDERWRITING

1. Opportunity to work and learn with teams from the most prestigious schools and research labs in the world, allowing you to progress towards technical excellence;
2. Commitment from Descartes to its staff of continued learning and development (think annual seminars, training, etc.);
3. Work in a collaborative & professional environment;
4. Be part of an international team passionate about diversity;
5. Join a company with a true purpose: help us help our clients be more resilient towards climate risks;
6. A competitive salary, bonus, and benefits;
7. You can benefit from punctual home office days.

At Descartes Underwriting, we cherish the value of diversity, whatever it may be. We are committed to fighting against all forms of discrimination and for equal opportunities. We foster an inclusive work environment that respects all differences.

With equal skills, all our positions are open to people with disabilities.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

1. Step 1: HR Interview with our Talent Recruiter
2. Step 2: Technical online test
3. Step 3: Remote technical interview with an R&D Data Scientist
4. Step 4: In-person team interview to meet our R&D Data Scientist team and discover our offices (held remotely if you are abroad)

Key Skills

Laboratory Experience, Vendor Management, Design Controls, C / C++, FDA Regulations, Intellectual Property Law, ISO 13485, Research Experience, SolidWorks, Research & Development, Internet Of Things, Product Development

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1