LON Data Scientist

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 Retail business. You will collaborate with data, AI and business experts to support data‑led decisions, impacting the entire organization. Our 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 colleagues 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. We value a supportive team culture and independence in work.

We offer flexible working arrangements, including part‑time, flexible hours, job share, remote work, or compressed hours, as we aim to attract the best talent. Discuss your flexibility needs with us during the interview.

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• Drive data‑led decision‑making in our business, working with stakeholders to help them understand how data & AI can assist them in meeting their requirements.
  
• Assist colleagues in setting strategy for 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, 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.
  
• Use established AI technologies and explore future AI capabilities.
  
• Act as a vocal proponent of good data & AI practices and communicate these ideas to non‑experts.
  
• Ensure that high standards of code development are met, including adherence to code management best practices and team policies such as submission and review of pull requests.
  
• Work with the business teams to build knowledge and confidence with data as well as collaborating with colleagues across the Zurich Group internationally to share knowledge and enhance the data analytics capabilities for our collective AI communities.
  

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• Strong analytical, structured, and interdisciplinary way of thinking and working, including the ability to think creatively with data and being 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, who is 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.
  

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• 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.
  

Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. We offer a 12% defined non‑contributory pension scheme, an annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.

We want our employees to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic. Zurich also supports the wellbeing of its employees, offering access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities and encouraging volunteering and community activity.

Salary: Up to £50,000 depending on experience plus an excellent benefits package.