Dani Manianodiyil Clinical, Medical and Regulatory Affairs Recruitment Specialist
Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant at headcount

meet Dani
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.
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.
currently recruiting for
For employers
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For job seekers
Explore our open roles and upload your CV.
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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.