Underwriter Life Sciences

This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital – a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance.  We stand apart for our outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and superior risk adjusted returns for our shareholders. We also proudly maintain an entrepreneurial, disciplined and ethical corporate culture.  As a member of AXIS, you join a team that is among the best in the industry.

At AXIS, we believe that we are only as strong as our people. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where employees of all backgrounds and from all walks of life feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves. This means that we bring our whole selves to work. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, civil union status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in the selection process.

Underwriter – Life Sciences

Remote San Diego

Hybrid 3 days week in office San Francisco, Los Angeles or Chicago

AXIS Capital’s Life Sciences Practice seeks a dynamic Underwriter to support the continued build‑out and expansion of its specialty Life Sciences platform. This role will focus on underwriting Excess and Primary Life Sciences liability risks, with particular emphasis on a primary product liability offering targeting insureds across the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

The Senior Underwriter will act within the established underwriting guidelines and authority to analyze, review, evaluate, and monitor new and renewal accounts across the Life Sciences portfolio, partnering closely with specialist brokers and internal stakeholders to drive profitable growth.

Candidate Profile

The Underwriter will be a hands‑on technical underwriter with experience supporting Life Sciences, risks within a top‑tier commercial insurance carrier. The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of product liability, professional liability, and clinical trial exposures, with the ability to underwrite emerging and growth‑stage Life Sciences organizations as well as more mature enterprises.

Candidates will have experience working with specialist broker distribution both retail and wholesale, managing full underwriting lifecycle, and contributing to portfolio strategy within a developing specialty line.

Furthermore, the candidate should exhibit strong executive presence by effectively communicating, influencing others, and establishing robust relationships that enhance AXIS's value and support its long-term strategic objectives.

Work Profile

Candidates based in the Greater San Diego Area may be considered for a fully remote arrangement.

Candidates residing in Los Angeles (400 South Hope), San Francisco (101 California Street), or Chicago (Sears/Willis Tower) are expected to work on‑site three days per week at their designated office location.

Moderate travel will be necessary to support broker meetings, client visits, and industry events relevant to the Life Sciences sector

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Underwrite primary and excess Life Sciences liability business, including Product Liability, Professional Liability, and Clinical Trials Liability, in accordance with AXIS underwriting guidelines and assigned authority
• Support the expansion of AXIS’s primary Life Sciences offering targeting biotech, pharmaceutical, medical device, CRO, and life sciences service organizations as insureds
• Manage a portfolio of new and renewal business, balancing growth, profitability, and disciplined risk selection
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with specialist Life Sciences brokers, serving as a trusted underwriting partner
• Analyze submissions, financial information, clinical data, and risk characteristics to structure appropriate coverage, pricing, and terms
• Collaborate with internal partners including claims, actuarial, legal, and product development to support underwriting decisions and portfolio performance
• Monitor market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging risks across the Life Sciences sector, contributing insights to underwriting strategy
• Participate in audits, peer reviews, and underwriting governance initiatives to ensure adherence to best practices
• Support continued product development and refinement as the Life Sciences platform scales

Required Education, Training & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 5+ years of underwriting experience in Life Sciences, healthcare liability, excess casualty, or a related specialty line
• Solid understanding of life sciences product liability, clinical trial risk, and professional exposures
• Experience underwriting emerging, middle‑market and complex commercial risks
• Working knowledge of policy forms, coverage structures, and pricing concepts
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build credibility with brokers and internal partners

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and risk‑assessment capabilities
• Ability to operate effectively in a growing, build‑out environment
• Strategic thinking with a disciplined underwriting mindset
• Excellent communication and relationship‑management skills
• Highly collaborative, adaptable, and able to manage competing priorities

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of $135,000.00 to $200,000.00. Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including your specific experience and work location.  

In addition, you will be offered competitive target incentive compensation, with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance. On top of this, you will be eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for you and your family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more.   

Where this role is based in the United States of America, this role is Exempt for FLSA purposes.