Data Scientist - Intern

ABOUT DESCARTES UNDERWRITING

Join Descartes and contribute to our mission: Building Resilience in a World at Risk.

Descartes is a corporate insurance group for worldwide companies and institutions. Descartes was born from a conviction that the growing complexity of corporate and climate risks demands a new approach to insurance. At the forefront of AI and Data analysis, Descartes utilises cutting-edge technology combined with a new generation of data sources, to model, assess and manage risks.

Since 2019, Descartes has secured a leading position in parametric (re)insurance combining scientific & technological expertise with a new approach. Parametric insurance , also known as index-based insurance, indemnifies clients within days based on pre-defined payout structures when a specific triggering event occurs, the payout process is both fast and transparent. The company has been financed with over $141M by investors including Highland Europe, BlackFin, Serena, Cathay, Eurazeo and Battery Ventures.

Our highly diverse and specialized team of 250+ people includes the largest modelling team in the industry featuring tech and modeling innovators, scientists in physics and climatology, as well as insurance veterans and underwriters. With a global footprint and strong US presence, Descartes serves a diverse portfolio of clients in more than 60 countries, with 20+ offices spread across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin and North America.

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ABOUT YOUR ROLE

We are looking for a Data Science Intern to join our Underwriting team for a 6-month end-of-studies internship .

Bridging applied mathematics and the business of climate risk, this hybrid role puts you at the heart of our business activities.

You will contribute directly to pricing tailor-made parametric coverage for demanding global clients — all within short execution timelines. It is a highly collaborative position where you will master natural catastrophe risks by working daily with both our internal technical and commercial teams and our external network of brokers while nurturing relationships with our various clients.

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

• Data & Risk Modeling : Build and refine statistical and applied mathematics models in Python to evaluate natural perils (wildfires, floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc.), shaping them into actionable pricing metrics.

• Structuring & Pricing : Analyze large datasets to structure, price, and customize parametric insurance proposals that directly address the financial and operational risks of international corporate and public sector clients.

• Client-facing Activities : Translate complex modeling results into clear business propositions and gather feedback to fine-tune the insurance coverage to their specific needs.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Connect Descartes’ internal engine to the external market (clients and brokers). You will partner closely with Software, Commercial, and Legal teams to transform client requirements into robust and scalable insurance solutions and product documentation.

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 universities or engineering schools with a specialization in applied mathematics, actuarial science, climate & meteorological studies, computer science or/and data science for business;

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

SKILLS

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

• Highly skilled in statistics, probabilities, applied mathematics;

• Eye for quality and attention to detail;

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

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

MINDSET

• Strong interest in climate change resilience and natural perils modelling (wildfires, hail, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc);

• Excellent team player able to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-cultural scale-up environment;

• Pragmatic approach to technical problem-solving with high attention and eagerness to commercial issues while respecting deadlines.

WHY JOIN DESCARTES UNDERWRITING?

• Technical Excellence : Work and learn alongside top-tier scientists and engineers from world-class institutions and research labs;

• Real Impact : Join a company with a true purpose and directly contribute to solving global climate resilience challenges using cutting-edge data;

• Dynamic Culture : Thrive in a collaborative, fast-growing scale-up driven by our core value of diversity and openness across international teams;

• Perks & Benefits : Competitive internship stipend, meal vouchers (Swile), 60% public transport reimbursement.

At Descartes Underwriting, we cherish 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: Technical take-home 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)