Dani Manianodiyil Clinical, Medical and Regulatory Affairs Recruitment Specialist

Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant at headcount

Dani Manianodiyil - Swiss recruitment agency for Pharma Biotech Medical Devices and Digital Health industries

meet Dani

I help small to mid-sized biotech and pharma companies find contract talent across clinical, medical, and regulatory affairs.

With a background in life sciences and communications, I combine scientific understanding with a people-first approach to recruitment, supporting clients who need both a strong technical expertise and the right cultural fit.

Based in Switzerland, I work with companies and candidates across Switzerland, the EU, and the UK, creating meaningful matches that support business growth and individual career development.

at a glance

Roles I recruit for

  • Medical Affairs Director
  • Medical Writer
  • Regulatory Manager
  • Regulatory Director
  • CMC Expert
  • Clinical Specialist
  • Development Specialist

Industries I serve

I work with life science companies at different stages of growth, particularly within the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.

Experience highlights

5+ years specialising in life science recruitment, with more than 100 successful placements across clinical, medical, and regulatory affairs.

Geographic focus

Based in Basel, I recruit for contract roles across Switzerland, the EU, and the UK, supporting remote, hybrid, and on-site setups across different markets.

my approach

Industry knowledge

My background in life sciences, with a focus on biology, gives me a strong foundation for understanding the technical needs of biotech and pharma companies. It helps me speak the same language as clients and candidates, ask sharper questions, and recognise what a strong match really requires.

For me, recruitment is not just about matching a CV to a job description. It is about understanding the science behind the role, the company’s expectations, and the motivations of the person behind the profile.

My philosophy

I see recruitment as the first layer of quality control in a hiring process. Clients expect more than a shortlist. They expect candidates who align technically, professionally, and with the way the company works.

That means building a strong and reliable process from the beginning: setting expectations clearly, identifying possible risks early, and keeping communication transparent throughout. My goal is to make hiring feel structured, honest, and efficient for clients, while giving candidates a clear and supportive experience.

behind the profile

Outside work, you’ll usually find me surfing in Morocco, DJing in Basel, or enjoying a quiet day with my partner.

My superpower is remembering candidates by name, even years after we first spoke.

And my unpopular opinion? There is no such thing as a perfect fit. People are far more interesting than checklists.

life science recruitment blog 2

currently recruiting for

For employers

Hiring across regulatory affairs, medical affairs, or clinical development?
Let’s discuss your needs and how I can help.

For job seekers

Exploring new opportunities in regulatory affairs, medical affairs, or clinical development?
Explore our open roles and upload your CV.

Let's connect

Stay connected for industry insights and opportunities.

Life science recruitment at headcount

contract recruitment

Dani is part of headcount’s contract recruitment team, supporting life science companies with fast, precise hiring for temporary and project-based needs.

The contract recruitment team helps pharma, biotech, medtech, and digital health companies access specialist talent when they need flexibility, speed, and strong technical alignment. Whether the need is driven by a project, workload peak, parental leave, transformation, or interim expertise, the team focuses on connecting companies with professionals who can contribute quickly and effectively.

Let’s talk contracting