Working with headcount | recruitment driven by science in 2026
headcount | recruitment driven by science is a specialized staffing agency in Switzerland focusing on the life science sector. They connect professionals with opportunities in pharma, biotech, medical devices, and digital health. The most important thing to know is that they act as a bridge to exclusive, unadvertised roles within these highly technical industries.
Who pays headcount | recruitment driven by science
Paid by the employer, not by you.
headcount | recruitment driven by science earns a fee from the company that hires you, usually a share of your first-year salary or a margin on your contract rate. Their client is that company.
What that means for you
Expect roles that fit their open vacancies before roles that fit your plan. Ask which company a role is for before your CV goes anywhere, and apply direct where you can.
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Sectors we track
Global
Presence
Source: JobMentis Agency Directory, 29,247 agencies across 102 markets, 2026.
Their side
Sectors
What sectors and roles does headcount specialize in?
headcount focuses exclusively on the life science ecosystem, covering the full spectrum of pharma, biotech, medical devices, and digital health. They place candidates across various seniority levels, ranging from specialized technical roles to management positions. Their expertise lies in understanding the specific scientific and regulatory requirements that define these high-stakes industries in Switzerland.
Where you meet
How does the staffing process work for a candidate?
The process begins with an initial screening of your CV against active or upcoming mandates in the life science sector. If your profile aligns with their current needs, a consultant will reach out to discuss your career goals and technical expertise in detail. Once vetted, they present your profile to hiring managers and facilitate the interview process, acting as a liaison between you and the employer.
What should I expect once I engage with the agency?
Expect a professional, transparent communication cadence focused on roles that genuinely match your profile. The agency is paid by the employer, meaning their services are free for you as a candidate throughout the entire recruitment lifecycle. While they manage the interview scheduling and feedback loop, remember that they represent the client, so maintain clear and consistent communication regarding your availability and interest.
Your side
How can I get on the radar of headcount recruiters?
To stand out, ensure your CV explicitly highlights your technical skills, regulatory experience, and specific project achievements within the life science industry. Use industry-standard terminology for your roles and technologies to ensure you appear in their internal database searches. Proactively connecting with their consultants on professional platforms and keeping your profile updated with your most recent certifications is the best way to remain visible.
Is headcount the right fit for my job search?
headcount is an excellent partner if you are a professional with a background in life sciences looking for specialized roles in the Swiss market. If your expertise lies outside of pharma, biotech, or medical devices, you may be better served by a generalist agency. They are best suited for candidates who value deep industry knowledge and want access to roles that require a nuanced understanding of scientific and regulatory environments.
How to work with headcount | recruitment driven by science: candidate playbook
- Tailor your CV to emphasize specific technical skills and regulatory knowledge relevant to life sciences.
- Use industry-standard keywords in your profile to ensure you appear in recruiter database searches.
- Always confirm with your consultant before they submit your profile to a specific company.
- Keep your contact information and availability status updated on your professional profiles.
- Ask your consultant for specific feedback after every interview to improve your future performance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay a fee to use the services of headcount?
No, you never pay a fee to the agency. Recruitment agencies in the staffing sector are compensated by the hiring company once a successful placement is made.
What happens to my personal data after I submit my CV?
Your data is stored in their secure database to match you with future opportunities. They are required to comply with Swiss data protection regulations, meaning they cannot share your profile with any employer without your explicit consent.
Should I register with multiple agencies at the same time?
It is common practice to engage with multiple agencies, but you must keep track of where your CV has been sent. Never allow two different agencies to submit your profile to the same company, as this can create administrative conflicts that may disqualify you from consideration.
What should I do if I do not hear back after an interview?
If you do not receive feedback within the agreed timeframe, send a polite follow-up email to your consultant. Agencies often wait for information from the hiring manager, so a brief check-in demonstrates your continued interest without being overly persistent.
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General guidance for candidates. JobMentis is not affiliated with the agencies listed.