Attracting and retaining all forms of top talent - ranging from C-level executives to quality assurance specialists and lab technicians - can be challenging in highly competitive markets. If your company is located in Switzerland, you can rely on a unique, exceptionally skilled talent pool within the pharmaceutical, medical, and biotechnology sectors.
In 2020, the pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland employed approximately 47,000 individuals. Its overall employment impact extended to around 253,800 people. Presently, the pharmaceutical sector accounts for approximately one in every 15 jobs within the industrial sector. In 2022, the number of full-time equivalents (FTEs) working in Swiss R&D biotech companies reached a new record high of over 19,100 FTEs, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.2%.
Find Talent in Switzerland: From Lab Technicians to Top Executives
PhD professionals: Switzerland is known for having a significant number of PhD professionals in the life science industry. Swiss universities consistently rank among the top globally and attract a diverse pool of talented individuals pursuing doctoral degrees. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings covers 1’500 universities across 93 countries, and the 2021 ranking shows that Switzerland boasts 5 in the top 100 universities in life sciences and medicine, and 2 in the top 100 universities for natural sciences.
As a result, Switzerland offers a rich talent pool of highly skilled professionals who have attained advanced qualifications in areas such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical sciences. Major international companies work in close partnership with these universities and recruit from this available talent pool.
C-Level executives: Due to the high quality of life and excellent working conditions, Switzerland is very attractive to qualified foreign executives and managers and keeps talent in the country. For several years in a row, it has ranked first in INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness Index and is considered the most attractive destination for talented foreign professionals. Switzerland has no capital gains tax, which makes stock-based compensation particularly valuable to senior employees. The country is also known for its flexible work arrangements with the possibility to work part-time, and compensation packages that are in line with or above industry standards.
Lab technicians: Switzerland's apprenticeship system is renowned for its high standards and its ability to provide practical and theoretical training. In the life sciences industry, apprenticeships are offered in a variety of fields, including many industry-specific technical functions. These apprenticeships provide individuals with hands-on experience and specialized knowledge that is directly applicable to their future careers. It also ensures that the workforce has the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the highly regulated life sciences sector. Well-trained workers not only minimize production errors but also boost productivity, making them particularly indispensable in the fields of biologics production and medtech.
Switzerland has a huge talent pool to offer, be it through universities, companies, or research centers. Our company is evolving very quickly, and we have a significant need for talent. We believed that in Switzerland we could find complementary people to strengthen our teams.- Mathieu Ficara, Admin and Finance Leader of Incepto Medical
Liberal labor legislation: Switzerland is attractive to employers, as it has some of the most liberal labor legislation in the world. Companies can employ and dismiss staff at short notice and with no difficulty, depending on their commercial requirements. The incidental wage costs are also comparatively low in Switzerland and the number of strikes that took place in the last ten years is lower than in any other European country.
Low individual taxes: Switzerland has relatively low individual taxes compared to many other countries. Tax rates can vary between different cantons within Switzerland as each canton has its own tax system and sets its own tax rates. However, they tend to be moderate in global comparison.
The Swiss workers are well-educated, multilingual, and there is a real international feel to the workforce. - Patricia Gee, Director in Life Sciences at Deloitte
Some of the top Swiss universities with life science programs include:
- Master Degree Majors – Department of Biology | ETH Zurich
- Master in Life Sciences Engineering | EPFL
- Life Science Zurich | UZH
- Degree Programs | University of Basel
- A la une - Section de biologie | UNIGE
Further Sources
Swisslinx is made up of experts in core recruitment markets in Switzerland who work with healthcare and life science firms within the pharmaceutical, medtech, biotech, genetech, chemical and research industries. Their expertise lies in supporting the technology, corporate, commercial, regulatory affairs and clinical research units on their journey towards developing life-changing solutions.
