Internal Validator (Climate Hazard Model Evaluation)

Internal Validator 

About Us 

Climate X is a purpose-driven climate adaptation data company set to revolutionise how the world manages assets, property, and infrastructure.  

We apply cutting-edge, peer-reviewed science to help prevent the worst impacts of climate change. We combine climate projections, remote sensing observations, and modelling to project the frequency and severity of physical climate risks such as floods, subsidence, storms, etc. 

Our SaaS platform lets financial institutions and real estate firms look at future climate pathways to:  

• help identify how property/company assets could be damaged by severe weather events and 

• what that damage might do to the asset valuations.  

• become more resilient to climate change and make smarter investment and lending decisions. 

We advocate diversity with our founders, team, and investors from various backgrounds.  
We’re not building just a team but a place of innovation where problem solving, and fun coexist to address the most significant challenge our society is facing now.  

Role description 

We are hiring the founding member of our Model Validation team. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the conceptual soundness, robustness and compliance with regulatory standards of our internal Climate, Hazard and Loss models.  

As our first internal validator you will work alongside our interdisciplinary Science team which consists of climate scientists, hazard scientists and geospatial experts. You’ll be heavily involved in helping drive our models forward for scientific excellence. Your role will be to verify our modelling approaches as part of our adherence to Model Risk Management (MRM) standards. This role has significant scope for career development and may in time grow to become the team lead of a small group of in-house validators.  

Responsibilities: 

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative reviews of our models which focus on conceptual soundness, assumptions, data integrity, performance and documentation. 

• Maintain our register of models, MRM documentation and help prioritise model improvements.  

• Engage in ongoing model review activities, including independent validation, ongoing monitoring report review and addressing action items when required. 

• Collaborate with Model Developers and other relevant team members across the company. 

• Write technical reports for distribution and presentation to various stakeholders, including Model Developers, senior management, audit, and regulatory authorities. 

Essential Skills 

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant STEM field such as climate science, hazard modelling, statistical analysis, computer science or mathematics. 

• Prior experience of model evaluation for regulatory purposes or model validation. 

• Experience leveraging scientific computing techniques with Python, ideally in a cloud environment. 

• Experience in developing or validating models using artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to explain complex concepts to a non-technical audience. 

• Project management and co-ordination skills with the ability to prioritise work. 

Desirable Skills 

• Experience in catastrophe or natural hazard modelling.  

• Familiarity with banking standards such as PRA SS1/23 

• Familiarity with climate risk scenarios, stress testing, and climate risk regulations. 

• Understanding of macroeconomics and/or financial markets.  

Benefits 

🌍 Contribute to a business making purposeful impact related to climate change 

💡 Monthly training & conference budget to help you upskill and develop your career (£1,000 per year) 

📈 6 monthly appraisals and 12 monthly pay reviews 

💰 Pension contribution scheme 

🏡 Flexible hours and hybrid working (3 days/week in office; core hours 10am-4pm) 

🏥 Mental Health and Wellbeing support via Oliva  

🏖 25 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays, annual 3-day Christmas-closure, and half day on your birthday (36.5 days total!) 

💚 Opportunity to work on social impact & pro bono strategy projects 

🏏 Optional quarterly socials, dinners, and fun nights out 

🥐 A fully stocked supply of snacks, fruit, and refreshments for the days when you are in the office 

Equal Opportunities 

Climate X are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.