Data Scientist Intern - London

Descartes Underwriting offers a new generation of parametric insurance against climate, cyber and other emerging risks. Utilizing state-of-the-art risk modelling techniques and advanced technology, we collaborate with brokers around the world to protect corporate and public sector clients against natural catastrophes and weather risks.

ABOUT DESCARTES UNDERWRITING

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 on 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, 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 and Japan. Descartes is trusted by a panel of A-rated (re)insurers to carry out its activities.

ABOUT YOUR ROLE 

Due to rapid growth, we are seeking to expand our Data Science team and we are looking for Data Scientist Interns (end of studies) to be part of our team based in London.

The Underwriting team takes action subsequently in modeling, structuring and pricing of parametric insurance covers to deliver insurance products to a worldwide based public sector and corporate clients in a few day to a year timeframe.

These roles will allow you to gain knowledge of the insurance industry and the emerging risks (natural catastrophes, cyber…), all while collaborating closely with other internal teams (Software, Operations, Legal and Commercial) and our external partners.

At the core of our company’s strategy, your missions will focus on :

• Conducting structuring work, risk analysis and insurance proposal for worldwide public sector and corporate clients;

• Discussing business opportunities with Descartes’ partners and being responsible for technical documentation and insurance contracts redaction;

• Collaborating with the business team to understand client needs and issues to further improve our product offering;

• Participating in the development of Descartes’ technological platform to differentiate Descartes from its competitors (models and pricing tools);

• Working autonomously and pragmatically to make appropriate technical decisions with attention to details.

Your missions will evolve in the future as Descartes is growing fast and many exciting projects are waiting for you. It's a unique opportunity to take a closer look inside a fast-growing scale up with huge ambitions

ABOUT YOU

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Student from academic institutions, universities or engineering schools with a specialization in computer science, applied mathematics, climate, meteorological studies or data science for business;

• Ideally a previous experience (internship) in data science, insurance or climate modelling.

SKILLS

• Keen interest in climate related topics;

• Highly skilled in statistics, probabilities, applied mathematics and machine learning methods;

• Eye for quality and attention to detail;

• Fluency in English (written and verbal communication) is required;

• Proficiency in Python (e.g. pandas, scikit-learn);

• Good command of one additional language (e.g. Chinese, French, Italian, German, Spanish…) is valued.

MINDSET

• Interested in weather and natural perils modelling (wildfires, hail, tsunamis, earthquakes etc);

• Excellent team player able to work under pressure and respect deadlines;

• Strong desire to learn and commitment to the organization’s mission;

• Results oriented, high energy, with the ability to work in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment;

• Motivated to help improving businesses’ and communities’ resilience to climate change.

WHY JOIN DESCARTES UNDERWRITING ?

• 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;

• Work in a collaborative & professional environment ;

• Be part of an international team, passionate about diversity ;

• Join a company with a true purpose – help us help our clients be more resilient towards climate risks;

• Attractive remuneration according to the profile.

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

• Step 1: HR Interview with our Talent Recruiter

• Step 2: At home technical online test (Github repository)

• Step 3: Remote technical interview with a Data Scientist

• Step 4: In-person team interview to meet our team and discover our offices (held remotely if you are abroad)