How to Navigate Pharma & Healthcare Jobs in Switzerland During a Cautious Market

Sian Kneller
2 days ago
3 min read

The Swiss labour market is sending mixed signals. Headlines point to a slowdown, yet healthcare and life sciences remain strong. For job seekers in pharma, MedTech, and healthcare, the challenge is clear: how to stay competitive when companies are hiring selectively and more slowly.

📊 The Market Reality

Recent data confirms the shift:

Staffing placements are shrinking – temporary work down 8.8%, permanent placements down 22.8%(Swissstaffing H1 2025).
Job ads are declining overall – vacancies down 3% YoY in Q2 2025 (Adecco).
Healthcare is the exception – graduate healthcare roles up +9%, medical support roles up +7%.
Unemployment is climbing – ~129,000 job seekers in July (+20% YoY), though the unemployment rate remains low at 2.7% (SECO).

So the message is clear: demand in healthcare and life sciences is resilient, but the path to securing roles is slower and more competitive.

🤔 Why Hiring Feels Slower

AI and automation uncertainty – companies are rethinking workforce needs and delaying hires until strategies are clear.
Longer decision-making cycles – roles stay open longer, and recruitment involves more rounds before sign-off.
Economic headwinds – exports and geopolitical uncertainty make companies cautious about fixed costs.
Healthcare demand is structural – ageing population, retirements, and burnout continue to drive hiring in hospitals, pharma, and MedTech.

🩺 The U.S. Tariff Factor – Why It Matters

Pharma: currently exempt from U.S. tariffs, but under review. A 200–250% tariff is possible. If imposed, Swiss pharma giants may shift some investment toward the U.S. — though HQ, regulatory, and global leadership roles in Switzerland will remain critical.
MedTech: already hit with tariffs (10% baseline + 39% on Swiss devices). With 23% of MedTech exports going to the U.S., this pressure could reshape supply chains and hiring priorities.

For job seekers, this means some roles (especially in manufacturing and operations) could shift abroad, but opportunities will also open up in compliance, regulatory, and strategy to navigate this environment.

🔑 What This Means for You as a Job Seeker

Be patient and persistent: Expect longer timelines and more interviews. Persistence is now a differentiator.
Target growth areas: Healthcare delivery, clinical research, regulatory affairs, and MedTech services are expanding. Focus your search where demand is structural, not cyclical.
Build AI fluency: Companies are cautious about headcount partly because of AI. If you can show you understand how AI supports R&D, patient engagement, or digital health, you become harder to overlook.
Stay flexible geographically and functionally: With tariff pressures, some roles may move abroad — but Swiss-based HQ, regulatory, medical affairs, and strategy positions will remain. Being open to cross-functional or regional moves increases your resilience.
Entry-level candidates, this is your moment: Companies are hedging by hiring adaptable junior talent. If you’re early in your career, highlight learning agility and digital adaptability.

🔮 The Outlook

Short term (H2 2025): Hiring remains cautious, especially outside healthcare. Expect slower processes.
Medium term (2026): If tariffs extend to pharma, operational roles could shift, but leadership and innovation hubs in Switzerland will hold steady.
Long term: Healthcare and life sciences will remain among the most future-proof sectors, driven by demographics and innovation.

While the Swiss labour market is in a holding pattern, healthcare and life sciences are still bright spots. For job seekers, this is not the time to step back — it’s the time to strategically position yourself, show adaptability, and lean into sectors where demand is inevitable.