life science jobs that move your career forward

Management and executive opportunities across pharma, biotech, medtech, and digital health in Switzerland and Europe.

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  • Contract
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  • Executive

Life science jobs | Switzerland and Europe

we connect scientists with the roles that shape their next chapter

Headcount is a life science recruitment agency built by industry experts.

We work differently. We don’t post your CV to job boards or flood your inbox with irrelevant openings. Instead, we get to know your goals and match you with top positions where you’ll have a genuine chance to thrive.

Many of our roles are confidential and never make it to the market. When we reach out, it’s because we’ve already vetted the opportunity with the client—and you’re a strong match.

Join our talent network. We’ll match you with open positions that fit your profile, including confidential roles you won’t find anywhere else.

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Browse open roles and apply directly to positions that match your expertise

current life science jobs

Life science jobs in Europe

don’t see a fit yet? Join our talent network.

We’ve placed talent at 100+ companies across 20+ countries, and we fill many roles from our private database. When you join, we can match you with opportunities as they open, including confidential positions.

Why headcount AG

we’re industry experts who became recruiters

Our team came from labs, regulatory affairs, and R&D before moving into recruitment, so we understand the jobs in the life science industry from the inside. Since 2012, we’ve worked across Pharma, Biotech, MedTech, and Digital Health, placing executives and managers at top companies throughout Switzerland and Europe.

We know how a regulatory affairs manager fits into the product lifecycle, what a clinical operations director needs to deliver, and why a certain R&D role matters to the pipeline. That depth means better matches and faster placements—for you and for our clients.

Permanent, contract, and executive life science jobs

how we work across placement types

We match you based on where you want to go and how you want to work:

Permanent positions

Full-time roles for long-term career growth across all levels of management and leadership.

Contract roles

Project-based and interim positions for specialists who want flexibility or targeted experience.

Executive search

Director-level and above placements for leaders ready to shape strategy and drive organisational impact.

At our core

We build smart connections between ambitious professionals and employers who need your expertise to push science forward.

Join the scientists shaping the future

At our core

We build smart connections between ambitious professionals and employers who need your expertise to push science forward.

Join the scientists shaping the future

Looking for your next job in the life science industry?

there are two ways to partner with us:

Upload your CV and complete a short survey. We'll match you with opportunities as they open, including confidential roles that never reach the market.
See a position that fits? Apply directly—even if you've already uploaded your CV. It helps us prioritise your profile when presenting candidates to clients.
  • ✦ Life science PhD jobs
  • ✦ Life science sales jobs
  • ✦ Life science consultant jobs
  • ✦ Life science research jobs
  • ✦ Life science part-time jobs
  • ✦ Permanent positions
  • ✦ Life science PhD jobs
  • ✦ Life science sales jobs
  • ✦ Life science consultant jobs
  • ✦ Life science research jobs
  • ✦ Life science part-time jobs
  • ✦ Permanent positions

what happens when you’re a great fit

headcount becomes your partner through every stage of the hiring process. We work with you from introduction to placement—and beyond.
Step 1

Profile presentation

We never share your CV without speaking to you first. Once we’ve discussed the opportunity and confirmed your interest, we present your profile to the hiring manager, explaining why you’re a strong match and how you fit into their team.

Step 2

Interview support

Before each interview, we brief you on what to expect, including who you’re meeting, what matters to them, and how the role fits into the organisation. After interviews, we gather feedback from both sides and keep the process moving.

Step 3

Offer negotiation

When an offer comes in, we help you evaluate it and negotiate terms, including the salary, benefits, start date, and relocation support if needed. Our close relationship with clients means we can advocate effectively for you.

Step 4

Onboarding and beyond

Our partnership doesn’t end when you accept the offer. We check in during your first months to make sure the role is what you expected and that you’re set up to succeed.

what life science job candidates have to say about headcount

Life science jobs

FAQs

Do I need to schedule a consultation to join your talent network?

No. When you upload your CV, you’ll complete a short survey that helps us understand your expertise and career goals. We use this information to match you with opportunities as they open. We only schedule consultations when we have a specific position that aligns with your profile. This ensures every conversation is purposeful and respects your time.

What happens after I upload my CV?

Once your CV is in our database, we can find you when relevant positions open. Some of our roles are confidential and never get posted publicly, so being in our network gives you access to opportunities you won’t see anywhere else. If a role matches your profile, we’ll reach out to discuss it before presenting you to the client.

Should I apply to open roles even if I've already uploaded my CV?

Yes. Applying to an open role signals your interest and helps us prioritise your profile when we’re presenting candidates to the hiring manager. Even if you’re already in our database, applying directly shows you’re actively interested in that particular opportunity.

Do you work with candidates who need visa sponsorship?

We do sometimes work with candidates who require visa sponsorship, but opportunities are limited. Most of our Swiss clients hire candidates who already have the right to work in Switzerland or the EU. If visa sponsorship is needed, we’ll discuss feasibility early in the process so you know where you stand.

I have a PhD but limited industry experience. Can you help me find a role?

The market for early-career PhDs without industry experience is challenging. Most companies that work with us are looking for candidates with proven track records in commercial or clinical settings. That said, if you have transferable skills or specialised expertise that align with open roles, we’ll consider your profile. Uploading your CV ensures we can reach out if the right opportunity comes up.

Life science blog

industry insights from our recruiters

Read about hiring trends, career strategy, and what’s shaping the life science sector in Switzerland and across Europe.

Life science podcast

leadership lab

Join Maurice Thornton, founder and managing director of headcount AG, as he sits down with leaders shaping the future of pharma, biotech, medtech, and digital health.

Each episode explores the personal journeys behind major career milestones and candid conversations about what it takes to lead in life sciences.

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leadership lab
life science recruitment blog 2
From life science research jobs to sales

let’s find your next opportunity

Join our talent network to access exclusive life science jobs across pharma, biotech, medtech, and digital health in Switzerland and Europe. Upload your CV to get matched with top roles and browse our current openings to apply today.