Associate Director - Agricultural Modeling

Howden Re is the global reinsurance broker and risk, capital & strategic advisor focused on relentless innovation & superior analytics for top client service. ​ ​

About Role

Howden Re is the global reinsurance broker and risk, capital & strategic advisor focused on relentless innovation & superior analytics for top client service. People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

We are seeking an Agriculture Modeler to join our catastrophe analytics team and contribute to development of advanced solutions supporting the U.S. crop insurance and reinsurance markets. This role is ideal for a quantitatively oriented scientist with background in physics, mathematics, statistics, engineering, data science, agricultural economics, or a related technical discipline.

 Primary Responsibilities : 

• Execute upon all aspects of agriculture modeling, including data preparation and validation, portfolio analysis and postprocessing, reporting of results, data visualization and mapping.
• Develop crop yield models for major U.S. crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, sorghum, rice, and specialty crops.
• Design stochastic yield simulation frameworks using probabilistic techniques and implement machine learning, statistical, and hybrid approaches for yield prediction and risk assessment.
• Develop in-season crop yield forecasting models utilizing weather observations, climate forecasts, remote sensing data, vegetation indices, soil moisture measurements, and other agricultural datasets.

• Improve analytical processes to achieve greater efficiency and better results for clients.

• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to address client and market needs.
• Present results and respond to queries on topics including exposure data, real-time updates, model validation, view of risk, portfolio profitability and optimization.  Strategic thinking, problem solving, and communication of technical concepts are core to success in this role.
• 4+ years of research and quantitative modeling experience in developing statistical, predictive and/or simulation models.
• High level of proficiency in data analysis, manipulation, and visualization tools with strong programming background (preferably Python and/or R).
• Ability to independently formulate research questions and execute analytical studies.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously in a fast paced and results-driven environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts succinctly to a non-technical audience.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in physics, mathematics, statistics, engineering or a related technical discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• Knowledge of US crop insurance market preferred.
• Experience in optimization techniques is desirable.
• Experience working with weather and climate datasets would be a plus.
• Legally authorized to work in the US.

The expected base salary range for this role is $100,000-$145,000. The base salary range and ultimate title is based on level of relevant experience and location and does not include other types of compensation such as discretionary bonus or benefits.

What we offer:
A career that you define. Yes, we offer all the usual rewards and benefits - including medical, dental, vision, a wide variety of wellbeing offers, competitive salary, generous PTO, 401k with company match, paid volunteer days and more.

We provide an environment where new ideas are encouraged and celebrated, where people who want to have a real hand in our success thrive. We want people who want to make a difference - not just in the workplace, but in the industry and in the wider community.

EEO Statement:
We consider our people our chief competitive advantage and as such we treat colleagues, candidates, clients, and business partners with equality, fairness, and respect. Howden North America provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Howden North America will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.