Underwriter, Life Sciences

About the role

Hamilton is seeking an experienced Underwriter specializing in the life sciences sector to join their growing team. This role involves evaluating insurance applications from companies operating across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and related fields within the life sciences ecosystem. The underwriter will be responsible for assessing risk exposure and determining appropriate coverage terms for clients in the life sciences industry. Candidates will work closely with brokers and account managers to ensure that underwriting decisions align with both client needs and company guidelines. This is a full-time position based in the Tri-State Area and Richmond, Virginia region, offering the chance to work alongside a dedicated team of insurance professionals in a supportive office environment.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Review and analyze insurance applications submitted by life sciences companies seeking coverage.
• Evaluate the risk profile of biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms to determine insurability.
• Assess medical device manufacturers and their exposure to product liability and operational risks.
• Collaborate with brokers and agents to gather additional information needed for underwriting decisions.
• Determine appropriate policy limits, deductibles, and premium rates for life sciences clients.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes that may affect underwriting guidelines for life sciences.
• Prepare detailed underwriting reports that document the rationale behind each coverage decision.
• Maintain relationships with life sciences clients to ensure ongoing satisfaction and renewal of policies.
• Participate in team meetings to discuss complex accounts and share insights on emerging risks.
• Support the development and refinement of underwriting procedures specific to the life sciences sector.
• Coordinate with senior underwriters to handle complex or high-value life sciences accounts requiring additional review.
• Stay current on developments in the life sciences field that could influence insurance product offerings and terms.

Requirements

• Minimum of three to five years of experience in insurance underwriting, preferably within the life sciences or healthcare vertical.
• Strong understanding of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device industry operations and exposures.
• Familiarity with commercial insurance products including general liability, professional liability, and property coverage.
• Ability to interpret financial statements and assess the financial stability of applicant companies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing underwriting submissions and client correspondence.
• Proficiency with insurance underwriting systems and agency management platforms is expected.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as business, finance, or life sciences is required.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound underwriting decisions while managing a structured approval process.
• Strong attention to detail is essential when reviewing policy wording, endorsements, and coverage modifications for accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment within the underwriting department.

Nice to have

• Advanced designations such as Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter or equivalent professional certifications.
• Prior experience working within a brokerage or insurance company that serves the life sciences industry.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks governing life sciences companies in the United States.
• Experience using data analytics tools to support risk selection, pricing decisions, and portfolio optimization.
• Understanding of reinsurance structures and how they apply to life science insurance programs.
• Familiarity with international operations or cross-border insurance placements involving life sciences clients.

Skills & tools

• Insurance underwriting software and agency management systems.
• Financial analysis and ratio interpretation for assessing applicant financial health.
• Risk assessment methodologies specific to life sciences and healthcare sectors.
• Microsoft Office Suite including Excel for financial modeling and reporting.
• Policy administration platforms for issuing and managing life sciences insurance policies.
• Communication and negotiation tools for broker and client interactions.
• Industry-specific databases and reference materials for life sciences risk evaluation.
• Document management and filing systems for maintaining underwriting records and policy documentation.

Practical notes

• This is a full-time, on-site position located in the Tri-State Area and Richmond, Virginia.
• Candidates should be prepared to work within established underwriting guidelines, escalation procedures, and compliance standards.
• The role may require occasional travel to client sites or industry conferences in the region.
• Hamilton offers a structured onboarding program to familiarize new underwriters with the life sciences practice.
• Hamilton values professional development and may support continuing education opportunities for underwriters in this role.
• The Tri-State Area and Richmond, Virginia location provides access to a life sciences community.