Climate Hazard Modeler – Tropical Cyclone

At Moody’s, we unite the brightest minds to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities. We do this by striving to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to be who they are-with the freedom to exchange ideas, think innovatively, and listen to each other and customers in meaningful ways.

If you are excited about this opportunity but do not meet every single requirement, please apply! You still may be a great fit for this role or other open roles. We are seeking candidates who model our values: invest in every relationship, lead with curiosity, champion diverse perspectives, turn inputs into actions, and uphold trust through integrity.

Overview

Moody’s RMS is the world’s leading provider of mathematical models and information related to the financial impact of natural catastrophes. Our Model Development department has over fifty Ph.D. scientists and engineers based in London, building mathematical models that predict the distributions of possible damage due to the effects of tropical storms, extra-tropical storms, thunderstorms, storm-surges, and freshwater floods. To that effect, we use observational and reanalysis data, as well as numerical, statistical, data science, and engineering models.

We are the pioneers in the development and application of cutting-edge, combined statistical and numerical modelling methods for the quantification of natural hazard risk, and our models are the most detailed and comprehensive models of natural catastrophes produced anywhere in the world.

Our clients include several hundred insurance and reinsurance companies as well as brokers, banks, hedge funds, regional and local governments, and multilateral agencies.

Objective of the Role

Moody’s RMS have an open position in our hazard modelling team based in London. This role involves researching the hazard of tropical storms and developing statistical and mathematical models which quantify the risk they pose to society. It presents a unique opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team of catastrophe modelers including statisticians, mathematicians, physical scientists and engineers, to build models which are critical to our Re/Insurance clients and essential to the other markets which Moody’s serve.

Key Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will perform research and development work in tropical cyclones and their extreme behavior, with the overarching goal of quantifying their loss potential. S/he will work closely with hazard, vulnerability, exposure, and financial modelers to ensure the accuracy, efficiency and appropriateness of the final modelling product.

Essential Requirements:

The ideal candidate’s qualities, skills and attributes follow:

• PhD in a relevant subject (e.g. Atmospheric Science, Statistics, Climate Science, Applied Mathematics, or closely related areas). Holders of an MSc degree in the above relevant subjects, with appropriate work experience may also be considered.
• Strong mathematical foundation with particular focus on numerical modeling, statistics, probability, and computational science.
• Demonstrated success in developing sophisticated mathematical models in academic or industrial environments.
• Experience with climate analyses & data, with knowledge of tropical storm processes particularly advantageous.
• Strong ability in modelling languages (e.g. R, Python, Julia)
• Ability to communicate analysis results and insights effectively both internally and with external business partners.
• Strong user skills in a Linux/Unix environment

Advantageous:

• Experience with high-performance clusters.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team of scientists and engineers (including collaborating on code and experience of a version control system such as GitHub).
• Excellent time management and planning skills with a commitment to delivery.
• Driven and committed, demonstrating initiative and self-motivation.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and intense curiosity.
• Familiarity and interest in the re/insurance business domain.
• Familiarity and interest in state-of-the-art modelling methods including AI and ML.
• Willingness to pursue continued education in support of the role and team goals.

Moody’s is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Candidates for Moody’s Corporation may be asked to disclose securities holdings pursuant to Moody’s Policy for Securities Trading and the requirements of the position. Employment is contingent upon compliance with the Policy, including remediation of positions in those holdings as necessary.