Job Title
FTW Data Scientist
Company
Zurich Insurance
Location
London, Fareham, or Swindon (Hybrid working)
Working Hours & Term
Working hours: Part‑time, job‑share or full‑time basis. One‑year initial term, with the potential to become permanent depending on success of the work.
Salary
Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience plus an excellent benefits package.
Closing Date
27th October 2025
Overview
Data is central to our work at Zurich, and we seek a talented individual to join our data science team focusing on topics related to our claims function. You will collaborate with data, AI and claims experts to support data‑led business decisions, impacting the entire organization. Our claims data & AI journey is entering an exciting new stage, and you can help shape its future. We aim to put people and their data at the heart of our strategy, enabling swift, outcome‑focused decisions. You'll work with colleagues to design core systems and data requirements, bringing efficiency and supporting claims teams in using data confidently.
We seek someone passionate about AI, data and advanced analytics, willing to challenge the status quo, and proficient in AI/ML in a commercial setting. The ideal candidate is creative, curious, and logical in problem‑solving. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic, supportive team working on diverse insurance topics.
Responsibilities
- Drive data‑led decision‑making across claims, working with stakeholders to help them understand how data & AI can assist them in meeting their requirements.
- Assist colleagues in setting strategy for claims activities using data & AI, informing on the art‑of‑the‑possible and best‑practice.
- Use AI/ML and data science techniques to reduce the need for manual work in the claims space, including analysis of structured numerical data and application of LLMs and similar tools to unstructured data.
- Promote an automation‑first mindset where possible and use data to tell compelling narratives and communicate in simple language to deliver tangible impact.
- Act as a vocal proponent of good data & AI practices, communicating these ideas to non‑experts, and bridge between claims & the data science team.
- Ensure high standards of code development, including adherence to code management best practices and team policies such as submission and review of pull requests.
- Collaborate with claims teams to build knowledge and confidence with data, and partner with Group colleagues to share knowledge and enhance the data analytics capabilities for our collective claims & AI communities.
Qualifications
- Strong analytical, structured, and interdisciplinary way of thinking and working, including the ability to think creatively with data and be comfortable with complex and ambiguous problem‑solving.
- Enthusiastic to work on problems which have never been attempted before.
- Proficient in Python and modern software development practices within a team of developers (e.g., use of Git).
- Experience using SQL and working with databases; comfortable working with a variety of data sources, both structured and unstructured and very large datasets using distributed computing (e.g., Spark).
- Experience working with LLMs to deliver value in a commercial organisation, including how to manage and monitor LLM‑based applications to maximise performance.
- Experience working with cloud technology, ideally Microsoft Azure and/or AWS.
- Proven track record of development and deployment of machine learning algorithms, including supervised and unsupervised learning techniques.
- Excellent collaboration and organisation skills.
- Proficient communicator, comfortable explaining the value of their work to drive adoption and challenge the status quo, both to technical and non‑technical audiences.
- Comfortable working in a business environment where the answer might not be clear‑cut, yet understanding the need to be practical and to deliver for the business.
- Ability to think proactively and ‘join the dots’ across a complex landscape to see the bigger picture.
- An understanding of the importance of team culture, and a demonstrable ability to act as a role model to maintain a culture of curiosity, support and honesty.
Nice to Have
- Experience with Guidewire, including AI capabilities.
- Knowledge of R or other programming languages.
- Knowledge of current UK AI/ML compliance and regulation.
- Experience with AWS SageMaker.
- Experience with Snowflake.
- Experience with Databricks.
Next Steps
As an inclusive employer we want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and can perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.
About the Company
At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet. With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company that has been a long‑standing player in the insurance industry.
We’re committed to sustainable impact, caring about wellbeing, using diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic, and developing the skills needed for our future. If you’re interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions – then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.
Culture & Diversity
Our sense of community is strong and we’re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of background, beliefs or culture. We’re committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of disability or other protected characteristics. We value wellbeing and continuous improvement, and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.
